UWE RUGBY REUNION
A day to be feared, a day to be cheered!
Article written by UWE alumna Rebecca Cheetham
May 6th 2012. A day that brought UWE alumni and current students together, side by side, face-to-face. This successful event brought together the alumni from over the years, who had previously played rugby at UWE and Bristol Poly, and reunited them under the team name 'Old Boys', for the main rugby event. The Old Boys then took on the 1st UWE rugby team, and although the 1st team held their own, the Old Boys managed to come out undefeated in a close score of 29-26.
As Neil Dipple, organiser of the reunion, quoted proudly "UWE Old Boys came out on top in this maiden fixture with a penalty in the last kick of the game to secure a memorable win over the current UWE 'Big Time' 1st XV. This leaves the Old Boys currently undefeated with bookies already paying out to made bets on UWE Old Boys winning in next year's game."
The first half started smoothly, with the Old Boys owning the score sheet. By half time, the UWEOB led the game 26-12. Dipple stated "the second half continued with the same intensity as the 1st half ended. Every ruck was heavily competitive." However, as the Old Boys started to tire, the 1st Team picked up their game and came soaring in with their scores. Finally, towards the end of the match, the UWEOB's were down to 14 men but defence held strong, resulting in a redeeming penalty from Plummer to secure OB's win.
The “Man of the Match” title was given to Jimmy Young who did a fantastic job on the pitch; the “Biggest Hit” went to Steve Plummers hit on Liam Wilkinson, and a number of “Embarrassing Moments” were awarded, which included; Jordan Davies for his yellow card and Adam Craddock for being thrown off a tackle... to name a few.
The event was a great success, with high spirits throughout and a vibrant competitive mood set right from kick-off. This event also received great support from a variety of current and old students who were not part of the rugby club, as UWESU events are open to all current students as well as UWE alumni. Next year, the UWESU has plans to reunite the Old Boys and the 1st Team once more to see if the Old Boys can hold their undefeated title. With the 1st teams’ plans to train five times a week, and the alumni playing for a variety of successful teams, next year will be a rugby event not to be missed.
Furthermore, Dipple has stated that they “aim to set up an alumni society with those that have graduated from UWE, with social events in Bristol and London throughout the year. This will help with networking and help provide opportunities for those who have graduated or are looking for work.” Overall, this event was a roaring success, giving alumni and current students a fantastic reason to join forces and do what they do best – rugby. Although dates and final details haven’t yet been decided, the events planned over the next year are destined to be just as popular and successful as the May 6th reunion of 2012.
Page last updated 29 May 2012