Any thought that this year’s college rugby competition would be the same procession as the last five season’s were comprehensively put to bed on Tuesday.  The cracks that began to open in the Red Boys’ first game – a draw with Downing – were   clearly in evidence as Jesus became the first team to defeat John’s in five years. The 21-10 victory sparked jubilant scenes among the Jesus supporters as the non-playing Red Boys watched on stony faced at their teammates who had just lost one of the proudest sporting records in Cambridge.

Yet, for many of the John’s players, the fact that the fixture was played at all is a wonder.  Last weekend John’s captain, Mathonwy Thomas emailed the league chairman, Ian Minto, asking for the game to be suspended because Jesus had a lack of prop forwards. Because of the dangers of playing in the front row, a team without trained specialised props must ask for uncontested scrums.  This means there is no competition at scrum time and one of the weapons of a superior pack – something John’s believe that they possess – is removed.  This is often used as a tactical ploy by teams with weaker and less skilled forwards.

The referee for the game on Tuesday stated that “Any side with a strong pack of forwards is at a disadvantage when they occur. It is my personal view that a game that starts with scrums that are not contested is not really proper rugby.” Minto disagreed and the game went ahead.

Almost inevitably, John’s were superior and more powerful in the forwards, and members of the team complained to Varsity afterwards that they could not fully use this advantage. The Jesus backs however were quicker and stronger with Chris Bluke particularly impressive at full back.  The match was characterised by sloppy handling and distinctly average kicking and the scoreline was slightly flattered a Jesus side who lacks firepower upfront.

Jesus may be fortunate to be playing at all – a lack of props is something for League of Shame rugby – but we are all still grateful that John’s lost.