West Suffolk College Sports Academy rugby players finished their pre-season with a bruising encounter with a team made up of former Academy players.

West Suffolk College Sports Academy rugby players finished their pre-season with a bruising encounter with a team made up of former Academy players.

Playing under the name of West Suffolk College Legends, the 'old boys' team beat their younger counterparts 32-22.

In front of a large crowd at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club, the two sides, pictured above, produced some free flowing rugby that at times was interspersed with scrappy play. From the very start of the match it was obvious that the current squad were going to have their work cut out.

The much heavier Legends' pack dominated from the first whistle and at times totally out-muscled the younger players. The back lines seemed more evenly matched, though Will Martin at full back for the Legends was outstanding throughout the evening. Coach Nigel Brown said: “The evening was a great success. It was fantastic to see two very competitive sides (pictured above) made up of current and former players from West Suffolk College. “On the Legends side there were players from clubs

throughout the Eastern Counties who are now playing first team rugby. This shows the positive impact that the Academy at West Suffolk College is having on local rugby.

“This game has brought our pre season to a close. This has been one of the best to date. With games against Thurston and Shelford before this, we have been able to test the players in all aspects of the game.”

The College season starts in earnest this week, with two teams taking the pitch at Bury Rugby Club ground on Wednesday against a very strong 1st and 2nd XV from Brentwood School. Kick-off for both games is at 3pm.