ROBINSON HAT-TRICK NOT ENOUGH
Jan 25 2010
Despite a superb hat-trick from centre Alex Robinson the University of Gloucestershire were beaten 36-32 by Edinburgh Eagles in their Carnegie Challenge Cup tie at the Prince of Wales Stadium on Sunday.
A large crowd witnessed a superb game of rugby league where the lead changed hands five times and the result was in the balance right up to the final whistle.
The University had pulled back an eight point deficit to lead by eight themselves midway through the second half but late tries from Ash Carroll and Carnegie man of the match Mike Wallace – who completed his hat-trick with six minutes left – saw the Eagles home.
The Eagles had looked in control in the first period as Wallace scored twice and Rory McLeod once with three Andy Grodynski conversions but the students had hit back with well-worked scores from Robinson and Rob Webber and two Danny Poulton conversions to trail just 18-16 at the break.
The students grabbed the lead early in the second period through Andy Webster, who added the goal, but John Cox hit back for the Eagles. Then a two-try burst from Robinson and Harry Boughton the latter following a sensational length of the field move instigated by Robinson seemingly had the tie in the bag.
However those late scores from the Eagles snatched the spoils and earned them a place in the second round draw.