Rugby squad enjoy convincing romp

The University of East London’s men’s rugby team replaced Canterbury Christ Church at the top of South Eastern 4B with a thumping 52-5 win.

With their usual home ground in West Ham still waterlogged, UEL hosted their rivals at Barking and Sean Seeley scored two of five first-half tries, helping them build a 26-point lead.

Seeley completed his hat-trick in the second half as the home side cemented a comprehensive 47-point victory.

UEL looked to make amends for their one-point loss away to the University of Greenwich last week, and with only four minutes on the clock they had their first try.

A string of neat passes found Seeley out on the right and the pacy winger ran directly under the posts, leaving a simple kick for Rahul Gurung to put them seven points up.

Winger Calum Gardner benefitted from Andrew Ibbertson’s excellent offload before powering over the line for the second try, but Gurung’s attempted conversion struck the post.

Canterbury replied from their first attack on 23 minutes when a well-executed lineout led to a driving maul and second row Richard Deane crossing the line.

But that was as good as it got for the Kent side after Jack Bricknell missed the conversion, as UEL exerted all the pressure and added three more tries before the break.

Ben Smith’s superb pass allowed Daniel McAndrew to go over, before an excellent cross-field run from Gardner put Seeley in for his second try.

Gardner was once again the provider just before half time, bursting into the Canterbury 22 before offloading to full-back Ibbertson who went under the posts, allowing the simple conversion from Gurung to give UEL a 31-5 lead at the break.

UEL started the second half determined to put the game to bed, and it took them only 10 minutes to increase their lead.

The hosts dominated the scrum and got the ball out quickly to captain Richard Fletcher who sailed under the posts, with Fab Ogunfowora adding the simple conversion.

Five minutes later Seeley completed his treble, breaking down the right wing before crossing as Ogunfowora added the extras once again.

The rout was completed by Paul Oliver, who once again benefitted from a solid scrum inside the opposition 22 to cross the line.

Ogunfowora kicked the conversion to complete the win which propels UEL to the top of South Eastern 4B, one point ahead of Greenwich in second.

UEL will be looking to maintain their position at the top of the table when they host Kent thirds at their usual home, East London Rugby Club, on Wednesday.

UEL tries: Seeley (3), Gardner, McAndrew, Ibbertson, Fletcher, Oliver. Cons: R Gurung (3), Ogunfowora (3).

Canterbury Christ Church try: Deane.