London Division 2 North-West: Grasshoopers 0 UCS Old Boys 32
UCS Old Boys secured their survival after a pivotal relegation showdown with Grasshoppers, running in six tries to record a vital bonus-point victory.
UCS started the day level on points with Grasshoppers, and the Old Boys put in their best performance of the season.
They took the lead after two minutes as full-back Will MacWhirter touched down, with Matt Jacobs converting – and Jacobs also crossed the line to make it 12-0 inside 20 minutes.
Dave O’Dwyer scored a third try and, although Tim Sydor was sinbinned, UCS’s 14 men held firm until half-time.
James Boyd scored a crucial fourth try after the interval, securing a bonus point – and James May then went over twice.
UCS’s player-coach Carl Bradshaw said: “I was really proud of our performance. The side has grown over the last three weeks as the pressure has come on and the relegation fight has become more acute. That shows great character and mental strength.”
UCS are now five points ahead of Grasshoppers, who have one game left and can draw level on points. However, they cannot match the Old Boys’ eight victories, which would be the decisive factor if the clubs were tied.
Meanwhile, Hampstead beat St Albans 25-13 to leapfrog Hammersmith & Fulham into third place.
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