Division One rugby is very different now to a year ago. Jesus’ toppling of John’s last week and Queens’ rising challenge has altered the nature of college rugby. A top of the table clash between the two teams was representative of the change at the top and led to an eagerly anticipated match.

The match up did not disappoint. It had everything from intensity to drama. Eventual winners Jesus will have their sights still set on the title but Queens’ certainly will not be too disheartened after a strong and powerful display.

It was evident from the kick off that both teams were intent on engaging in a tough and physical battle. An intense midfield struggle, marked by ferocious and aggressive tackling, dominated the opening phases as both teams tried to establish themselves. Queens’ Sullivan, in particular, looked to lay down a physical marker early on by landing big hit after big hit.

Queens’ posed the initial threat with a run down the wing which was controversially stopped by the touch judge; it was not long before they notched up the first points on the scoreboard. Jesus were caught out by winger Blencowe’s pace as a fumble when fielding a kick allowed him to hack the ball towards the try line to score. This clearly rattled Jesus as another possible upset looked on the cards.

However, Jesus responded. The next 15 minutes saw sustained pressure which allowed a reversing of the scoreboard as two tries were sandwiched in between a penalty. Both tries displayed the power and precision of the Jesus backs as they were able to cut through Queens’ porous defensive line. At this point, Jesus looked in control of the game and it was in the backs where they continually carried a threat.

Nevertheless, Queens’ fought their way back into the game utilising their power and strength in the forwards. Queens’ held the advantage up front in both the lineout and the scrum. For the first time this season Jesus were able to contest the scrum but it was clear that they were unhappy in doing so. Their inability to scrum has raised eyebrows so far this season and their tactic in entering every game uncontested is understandable when they look as poor as they did on Tuesday. The pressure on the scrum lasted throughout the game. The referee’s continual instruction to the Jesus forwards is an indication of the improvement required.

Queens’ continued the impetus early in the second half, yet an early penalty was soon cancelled out by a converted score created by the impressive Jesus backline.

It will be interesting to see whether the Jesus backs, who have hauled their college to the top of Divison 1, can continue to bail out a forward pack lacking in firepower.

Despite conceding, Queens’ once again hauled themselves back into the match by scoring a converted try of their own. A further penalty reduced the deficit to just five points. By now, the tension was palpable as once again Queens’ forwards pounded towards the try line. Jesus however was able to hold firm and were able to clinch the match by slotting home two late penalties.

Queens’ will certainly not be too disappointed with their performance. Indeed with many suggesting Queens’ may be desperate to avoid the drop, they can be very proud of their season so far. The result means that Jesus maintain their 100% record but will have to keep up the performances as Division One continues to be far from predictable this year.