Cambridge University RUFC    (17) 17

Tries: Cook, W. Smith, Abraham

Cons.: Abraham

Pens.: –

Penguins International XV        (7) 31

Tries: Nutt, King, O’Brien (2), O’Sullivam

Cons.: Hadden 3

Pens.: –

The Blues failed to convert their solid first-half lead into a victory over Penguin International XV, as four unanswered tries in the second half consigned them to defeat on their return to action.

The visitors started brightly with quick tap penalties, sharp offloads and big hits. Not overawed, Cambridge’s attacking game was ignited by an excellent run from Hudson, Cook benefiting from the referee’s indulgence of an apparent knock-on in midfield to going over in the corner for the first points of the game.

Cambridge had done well to thwart the Penguins’ enterprising style in the opening exchanges, and the opposition’s boldness became their undoing as they were turned over soon after eschewing a second kickable penalty.  Exposed out wide, Will Smith profited from a two-on-one with the Penguins full back to score under the posts. Continuing to exert pressure, the Blues were fortunate when an ill-advised grubber kick was blocked into the hands of the Penguins’ most traditional forward, Covington; faced with a clear ninety metre run to the line, surrendered to his own limits and opted to fling the ball back over the heads of the retreating Cambridge players.

The light blues were not so lucky soon afterwards.  When in a similar position deep within the Penguins’ twenty-two, an intercepted pass and good hands saw Penguins go the length of the field, captain Nutt taking the glory with the try. Interceptions were the order of the day, however, as on the stroke of half time light blue prop Wyman engineered a beautiful steal on the halfway line.  Abrahams scored the try, and although he could not convert, Cambridge headed to the dressing room with a 17 – 7 lead.

That was as good as it got from the Blues, who faded dismally in the second half. Their attacking play was suddenly devoid of direction, with aimless passes tossed around in the backs, going to ground more often than to hand. Penguins were helped by the introduction of fresh legs at half time and, having taken ten minutes to establish themselves, scored two tries in five minutes with simple phases rugby. The forwards consistently crossed the gain line, King going over, before the first of a brace for lock O’Brien was converted to give Penguins the lead.

A combination of sniping back play and relentless pick-and-drives from the Penguins forwards soon saw O’Brien go over for his second to extend the lead to 24-17 before O’Sullivan took advantage of widening gaps in the Cambridge back line to complete the second-half rout.