by Jordan A Jones
THE University of South Wales face a wait for a decision to see if their victory over the University of Southampton will stand.
The governing body, British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) will have to adjudicate after the game was ended on the 55th minute due to an injury to a Southampton player. She required medical attention, prompting the referee to end the game due to the wait for an ambulance.
Freya Jones, Georgia Evans, Jordan Hopkins and Niamh Tinman all scored first-half tries to provide Mark Hutton’s side with a convincing lead, which earned them a bonus point.
Scrum-half Niamh Tinman continued her prolific try-scoring record since debuting this season by escaping the tackles of the Southampton backs. Jasmine Hare successfully kicked the conversion.
Moments later, Georgia Evans used her momentum to force herself and the ball over the line after an offload from openside flanker Freya Jones.
The University of South Wales showed some great flowing rugby with no drops as they continued to pressure the Southampton backs.
Niamh Tinman provided USW with their third try after a great offload to captain Freya Jones to burst through the defence.
Tinman almost got her second try but Naomi Deller made a superb tackle just before she reached the try line.
Jordan Hopkins did ensure USW’s bonus point though, when she fed off the hard work of Nina Moore who had almost scored the try herself.
Georgia Evans almost had her second try after the offload from Tinman, but Southampton battled well to deny her.
Early in the second half, Ellie Evans finally got the visitors in on the scoring. Rachel Pallant went on a superb solo run before Jessica Foot offloaded to Evans for their first try.
The game was brought to an abrupt end after a collapse in the scrum, leaving a University of Southampton player injured.
Should the victory stand then USW would move up to third place, overtaking today’s opponents Southampton and opening up an eleven point gap over bottom side Bath.
Star Player: Georgia Evans
The Cardiff Blues player stood up for the University of South Wales today and through her own determination, Evans scored a try. Herself and Freya Jones have been one of the experienced heads to look to this season and the flanker duly delivered.
University of South Wales: Forwards: Cox, Hopkins, Francis, Arcangioli, Moore, G.Evans, F.Jones (C), Ward
Backs: Tinman, Hare, Croke, Tedstone, Pratt, Attwood, Braithwaite, S.Jones
University of Southampton: Forwards: Smith, Andrews, Pallant, Holt, Davies, Deller, Foote, Banjo
Backs: McDonald, Fenn, E.Evans, Brown, Rayner, Whiteley, Tolmie
