Kingston University men’s rugby team lost in the cup final for the second year in a row after losing 19-5 to the University of Kent’s second team.
Kent were dominant for most of the BUCS South Eastern Conference Plate match although Kingston scored a late consolation try in the last 20 minutes.
This comes a year after their cup final defeat of 35-25 against Imperial College London men’s third team.
Captain Bahador Eskandari said: “It was very frustrating because we didn’t play to our full potential in the beginning.
“Then in the last 20 minutes we started to play well and put them on the back foot. We were backwards and forwards, backwards and forwards, it was a good game to play. It’s frustrating that we lost the cup final again.”
Early in the game Kent had a lineout near the touchline which they used to push forward and score a try.
Later they scored two tries and conversion kicks, one of which came from a counter attack when a Kent player ran the whole length of the pitch after intecepting the ball.
Kingston finally scored their well-deserved try through Nick Macquisten, but unlike Kent, they missed their conversion kick.
Despite being frustrated by the loss, Escandari was pleased his team reached the cup final for the second year in a row, and thought his team did well.
He said: “We were very pleased to get the cup final. It was our target from the beginning of the season to get to the final and win it.
“I’m really proud of the boys. Everyone gave it their all today. It was a tough journey to get here and we overcame some barriers.
“We were buzzing. Most of us had been here already so it was not new for us. We knew what the challenges were. Unfortunately we lost it but it was a great atmosphere, great game.”
Adam Nilsson, a first year, was the man of the match, because of his courageous performance, playing through injury.
“I tore my intercostal muscles. I did it last Wednesday and I thought it was alright then at training yesterday I tore the muscles some more. I wasn’t going to play. At the start of the game I missed a tackle.
“I missed it because I knew it was going to hurt my ribs and that got me angry and I was stupid enough to forget about that and keep playing.”
The coach, Dean Hartry, was really pleased with how hard working and committed his team were throughout the match
He said: “I’m disappointed with the result but pleased with the team. The guys upheld their own integrity and character but unfortunately, it was an away game with quite a disappointing home crowd.
“In the beginning they were a bit shell shocked and that was unfortunate but I think they gained some experience and learned from that.
“The boys can hold their heads up high. They trained hard, they played well and I’m proud of them.”
Konstantinos Patas