Words by: Liam Kent
Sheffield Hallam Men’s First’s were defeated by University of Manchester on Wednesday in a game which saw all the point scoring come in the second half. Manchester were applying some pressure in the first half but Hallam remained resilient and kept the score at nil-nil at the interval. During the second period however, Manchester went on to score three tries which made the difference on the day.
Both sides seemed to choose to try and kick their way to victory as both Hallam and Manchester chose to kick several penalties throughout the game, though they weren’t successful doing so. In the first minute, Hallam was awarded the first of their penalties and though they came close, they were unable to find the target.
Manchester came into this game in a mid-table position in the Premier North B Division whilst Hallam were bottom of the table and the difference in form was highlighted when Manchester created a sustained period of pressure. Though Hallam was penned in near their own goal line, they managed to remain resilient and prevented their opponents from touching the ball down.
Whilst Hallam’s defending prevented Manchester from taking the lead, later in the half, bad luck would keep the scores level. With Manchester on the attack, the ball was passed back to a player who attempted a drop goal only to see the ball strike one post and then rebound on the other upright before, thankfully for Hallam, dropping to safety.
As both sides attempted to take the lead, they both tried their luck with penalty kicks. Manchester saw two attempts go wide of the posts whilst in between these misses; Hallam also failed to convert a kick meaning that at half time, the score was 0-0.
Early in the second half, Hallam was able to take the lead and in keeping with the theme of the game, it was from a penalty kick. From a central position the home side were able to knock the ball between the posts and give them a 3-0 lead.
Manchester replied with another continued period of pressure and unlike the first half, they were able to make this count. The attack found itself near the left touchline and after receiving the ball, the Manchester player dived over the line, near the flag, to put his side in the lead. The resulting kick was missed meaning Manchester only lead Hallam 5-3.
This try gave the visitors the lift they needed to go on and secure the win and they did so with two more tries. The first came after they used a scrum to force Hallam back towards their own try line and used this position to get the ball down. This time they were able to add two more points with the kick.
The final try of the game came after a good solo run by a Manchester player saw him break clear and touch down behind the posts. From an advantageous position, Manchester was able to convert the kick again.
Moments later, Manchester broke well and were unlucky not to add another try but Hallam prevented them from doing so but they couldn’t find a way back into the game as Manchester ended 19-3 winners.
