North prevail - but Fearn not satisfied
NORTHUMBRIA Sport head of rugby Darren Fearn was left with mixed emotions following his side’ battling 28-24 win over Cardiff Met, writes OSCAR MAUNG-HALEY.
The opening 15 minutes’ saw Northumbria play some of their best rugby all season as they shifted the ball through the hands with ease.
With the score sitting at 21-7 heading into half time, Northumbria were in complete control as they looked to add their fourth try of the evening.
However, a score right on halftime for Cardiff Met got them back into the contest.
What followed was a nervous 40 minutes of rugby for Fearn’s men, Cardiff Met having the lion’s share of possession in the second period.
With just minutes left, Cardiff looked poised to take their first lead of the game - with a try looking like it would snatch victory for the visitors.
However, a monumental defensive effort culminating in a late goal-line stand saw Northumbria claim their third win of the season.
While the victory enabled Northumbria to move into the top four of the BUCS Super Rugby table, Fearn was adamant his side must improve - especially with a trip to champions Hartpury on the horizon.
Fearn said: “It was probably some of the best rugby we have played all season in the opening 15 minutes.
“However, I thought later on some of the rugby we played was some of our worst.
“We have to be more consistent.
“This team, both coaches and players, knows it can do better because if we play like we did in the second half against Hartpury we will not win.
“We have to work on our sloppy missed tackles.
“However, this group is a bunch of quality players so I am sure we will get a reaction out of them.”