Bangor pass their university challenge with flying colours as they lift the Northern Conference Cup

BUCS Women’s Northern Conference Cup Final

Bangor University 19 (T: Kirby, Donougher, Coleman. C: Donougher 2)
Lancaster University 10

Proud team captain Abi Cousins led her Bangor side to a marvellous victory over a strong Lancaster in the BUCS Women’s Northern Conference Cup Final.

After snow had forced the original match to be postponed, Bangor were fortunate to be awarded home advantage for the rearranged showpiece.

Having already played Lancaster twice in the league – one win apiece – Bangor did not underestimate the skill and determination their opponents would bring with them.

As captain Cousins won the coin toss and chose an end, it was Lancaster that had the kick off.

A deep kick into the Bangor half meant hard work from the off. An unfortunate turnover led to a Lancaster try in the seventh minute, but this did not deter the hosts.

A strong restart from the green and gold army put Lancaster far back into their 22. Bangor pushed towards the line, camping inside the opposition 5m line, forcing errors and subsequently four penalties. Then a yellow card for the visitors meant for 10 minutes Bangor would have the upper hand.

The girls in green took no time utilising this and club captain Eloise Kirby stormed over the line in the 37th minute to give Bangor their first score.

Golden boot Stevie Donougher took on kicking duty for the day and secured the extra two.

“One more score girls” was the call as Lancaster kicked the ball into Bangor’s half. And answer the call Bangor did.

In the 42nd minute, as the clock ticked in the red, Donougher made a clean break and raced towards the try line. No Lancaster player could match her pace and Bangor pushed further into the lead. The Australian ace converted to make it 14-5 at the interval.

Both sides then had 15 minutes to catch their breath and debrief the first half. Strong encouraging words all round focused Bangor on what they needed to do. Speed of play, structure and communication.

Bangor kicked off the second half, with a strong defensive line following the ball into Lancaster’s 22. With dominant tackles forcing Lancaster back deep into their half, the kick came, as it always did.

Safe under the high balls, Holly Aitchison caught cleanly, and regained possession for Bangor. 

With strong runs from forwards and beautiful structure playing out to the backs, the citizens worked their way towards the try line.

In the 57th minute Abi Coleman powered over to push the Welsh side further into the lead.

Lancaster did not give up their fight and, on the restart, attacked the Bangor try line with force. However, Bangor were not going to let the cup go easily.

As Lancaster pushed for the try, Kirby put her body on the line and held the ball up. Bangor responded with a huge goal-line drop out and for a moment diffused the threat of the girls in red.

Lancaster kept pressing and in the 76th minute, off a penalty on the 5m line, got themselves a final try. Unfortunately for them, no conversion meant they were still two scores behind.

For the last time, Bangor restarted the play. A quick turnover meant the girls in green just needed to keep possession to secure the win. As the clock ticked towards 80 minutes, forwards crashed the ball back up towards Lancaster’s try-line.

The back line moved the ball forwards and crashed it close enough to the touch line. A strong ruck from winger Lise Baca allowed scrum half Erin Allen to take the ball from the back and send it into the stands.

The final whistle blew, and the crowd roared. Bangor Women’s Rugby had won the BUCS Northern Conference Cup.  

After an epic win, a triumphant Cousins said: “Thank you to every supporter who turned up to cheer the Bangor girls on and support women’s rugby. 

“Thank you to the old girls who paved the way for us. Thank you to our coach, Joe Simpson, and assistant coach, Sam Rogers. Most importantly, thank you to the whole BUWRU squad. Every single one of you played a part in this win and you are all a force to be reckoned with.  

“Finally, thank you to Lancaster for a good competitive game.

“Another year ended drenched in champagne, who could ask for more.”

Forward of the Match – Beca Evans

Beca came to us later in our season but made an impact from the start, especially in this game. Huge runs, dominant tackles, and unrivalled energy. A real players’ player, Beca is pure talent.

Back of the Match – Eloise Kirby

There are not enough positive words to use to describe Miss Kirby and her performance in the final. A true force on the pitch, in every ruck, every tackle and making massive runs. She is always one to watch.

Opposition Player of the Match – Stevie Donougher

Golden boots were given to the opposition players’ player and it is more than deserved. She stepped up to kicking (for a high-pressure final!) and absolutely smashed it. Not only that but she is a strong skilled player and an asset to BUWRU. 

OTHER HONOURS

BUCS Northern 3A Champions 21/22 💚🖤
Varsity Champions 21/22; 22/23 💚🖤