by Michael Wicherek
Date: 06/02/19
Kick-Off: 15:30
Venue: Sardis Road, Pontypridd
USW FACE Oxford Brookes in the last 16 of the BUCS Rugby Union Trophy following their heavy 72-15 defeat of King’s College in the previous round.
Mark Hutton’s side will go into the game full of confidence having run in six tries as they defeated Gloucestershire 40-27 to ease any relegation fears in the BUCS Western 1A division.
Oxford Brookes will also be confident going into the clash, having won their last three matches, with last weeks thumping 50-0 win over Leicester a warning to USW.
Both USW and Oxford Brookes know this is a fantastic opportunity to progress in the cup with little left to play for in the league for either side.
Progress in the cup will set up an encounter with fellow Western 1A side Cardiff 1st or Sussex 1st, both teams sit top of their respective divisions and will provide a stern test for either side.
Scrum-half Niamh Tinman returns to the starting XV having missed out on last week’s victory due to injury whilst flanker Freya Jones will hope to continue her good form, the USW captain having crossed the line twice against Gloucestershire.
After last weeks victory, Jones said: “We needed to bring the same aggression and intensity as we did to the Met (Cardiff Met 1st) game plus a bit more if we wanted to bring home the win.
“We’ve proved to be underdogs this season, however after two strong performances and a very productive training session last night, we cannot afford to become complacent.”
