Gloucester-Hartpury secured a maiden Premier 15s title with a 34-19 win over Exeter Chiefs in front of a record crowd at Kingsholm (renamed Queensholm to mark the extraordinary occasion) on Saturday 24 June. Five tries proved instrumental as Gloucester-Hartpury blew away their West Country rivals.
The squad featured 13 Hartpury University and Hartpury College students, staff and alumni showcasing the institution’s well-established and world-renowned rugby pathway.
There was a murmur in the crowd when co-captain, Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt (also Head Coach of the Hartpury University women’s rugby team), pointed to the corner when the Cherry and Whites had a kickable penalty in front of the posts under ten minutes in.
But those murmurs turned to cheers moments later when Kelsey Jones crossed at the tail of an unstoppable maul for Gloucester-Hartpury’s first Premier 15s final try. Emma Sing couldn’t add the conversion.
Gloucester-Hartpury continued to play all the rugby in the Exeter 22. Hunt and George were kicking well, pinning their West Country rivals back.
George struck an outrageous outside of the foot to give Sean Lynn’s side yet another attacking chance. Chiefs did well to defend the maul, but Hunt and Rugman combined well to down the Cherry and Whites’ second score of the afternoon. However, under review of TMO, Andrew Jackson, a last-ditch tackle prevented Hunt from grounding the ball.
Exeter fought their way back into the game and up to the Gloucester-Hartpury try line for the first time in the match.
Gloucester-Hartpury players have relished their defensive duties this season. And it certainly looked the case as his side repelled a number of attacks. But an over-eager hit from Sarah Beckett, saw her sent from the field for ten minutes in the sin bin.
Exeter made the most of their player advantage with a try almost immediately.
But with Beckett still in the bin, the Cherry and Whites fought back into the lead. Slick hands sent centre Rachel Lund over in the corner for Gloucester-Hartpury’s second.
Beckett returned from the bin and made an instant impact. She barged her way over from close range to extend the Gloucester-Hartpury lead to ten points as the first period came to an end.
Half time: Gloucester-Hartpury 17-7 Exeter Chiefs
Gloucester-Hartpury came out of the blocks quickest in the second half, adding another seven points to their tally for the afternoon.
A cross-field kick from Lleucu George was slapped out of play deliberately by the covering Chiefs defender, preventing the high-flying Ellie Rugman from gathering the ball. So referee Dan Jones had no choice but to award a penalty try.
With the Cherry and Whites getting a firm grip on the game, the Chiefs needed to respond. Fly-half, Liv McGovern crossed in the corner to keep them in the game.
Just three minutes later, Gloucester-Hartpury’s Emma Sing struck a penalty over from 40-metres out to pull away once more.
The game was dead and buried with five minutes to go. Replacement Lisa Neumann benefitted from a huge overlap, strolling over to put the cherry on top and secure Gloucester-Hartpury a first-ever Premier 15s title.
Exeter did manage a consolation score in the dying minutes, but this was Gloucester-Hartpury's day at Queensholm.
Full time: Gloucester-Hartpury 34-19 Exeter Chiefs
Sean Lynn, Head Coach of Gloucester-Hartpury said: “This is a special group. It was a great game. It shows the character of the individuals that Sarah Beckett and Mo Hunt have. At the beginning of the year they were very disappointed [to miss out on England World Cup selection] and that’s sport sometimes. But they just showed what they can do and what they can control.”
Prof Andy Collop, Vice-Chancellor, Principal and CEO of Hartpury University and Hartpury College said: “Congratulations to Gloucester-Hartpury on a stunning win and hugely impressive season. There’s no greater advertisement for our well-established rugby pathway than to see many students, staff and alumni playing at the top of their game as well as working in coaching and vital support roles. We’re very proud.”
The close partnership with Gloucester Rugby has no doubt helped to shape Hartpury’s rugby pathway. Historically, this has provided a route for many talented players to progress into the professional game.
In addition to rugby, nine other competitive Sports Academies provide students with the chance to train and compete in sports including netball, football, futsal, equine, modern pentathlon, golf, athletics and more.
Student athletes train within an elite sporting environment while studying A-levels, diplomas and degrees as they progress along the much-celebrated Dual Career pathway that’s produced 250 international athletes over the past 15 years and results in high graduate employability among sport students of 97% (Graduate Outcomes 2022).
In addition to its sporting credentials, Hartpury University ranks 1st in the South West and 6th in the UK for Teaching Quality, according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2023.
