Four consecutive varsity wins is something special, but to do it with 14 men for the final quarter of the game is a remarkable achievement for the University of Gloucestershire men's rugby team, especially with a half-time score of 13-13.

With the women's side losing out to Worcester in their annual match, all eyes were on the men as the overall varsity scores were even. 

Worcester took an early lead through a couple of penalties before UGRFC replied with a penalty of their own and then went on to score their first try following an attacking lineout and driving maul over the line.

Gloucestershire started to look slightly perplexed as a confident and strong Worcester side began to take control of the first half, with things looking very different to the fixture that took place a year ago.

Director of rugby Chris Downes delivers his team talk
Director of rugby Chris Downes delivers his team talk

The Gloucestershire faithful started to get behind their boys as chants were sung around Moseley Rugby Club when fly-half Harry Morgan-Grant intercepted a wide pass and ran in his try from just over half way.

His conversion bounced off the posts and Gloucester were seven points ahead.

Not long after, Worcester gave their supporters something to cheer about as they scored in the far corner and their successful conversion brought the scores level at the break.

Some words of wisdom from director of rugby Chris Downes were delivered at half-time and Gloucestershire scored within the opening five minutes of the second 40 courtesy of lock Ben Sainsbury. The conversion was good by Morgan-Grant as UGRFC regained the lead.

Chris Downes
Chris Downes

They started to exploit the Worcester defence as they found space out wide and put their rivals to the test.

Miles Fletcher soon broke through and wrestled his way through Worcester’s line for the home side's third try.

The successful conversion started to see Gloucester build a healthy lead, but Worcester replied quickly through their scrum-half who found a gap and sneaked over for a converted try.

UGRFC worked tirelessly for the remaining quarter of the game after captain Jon Lloyd left the field of play after a red card from the referee.

The sheer belief and determination that the boys in blue showed in the final 20 minutes was spectacular and following a period of scrappy play Matt Bowles went over the whitewash and with the successful conversion UGRFC had earned themselves a 14-point cushion. 

Gloucestershire worked hard to maintain their lead with the forwards putting in both an enormous attacking and defending shift.

With two minutes left to play UGRFC were finally rewarded for their constant pressure as Gareth Jenkins went over the line and Fletcher extended the lead to 41-25.

Gloucestershire celebrate their varsity win over Worcester
Gloucestershire celebrate their varsity win over Worcester

Worcester were to register the final score of the match through a last-minute try, but the day was Gloucestershire's after the boys in blue secured a convincing win over their rivals.