Yesterday, Newman Rugby Academy, the rugby programme at Newman College in Hove, played their first ever game of Rugby League as they travelled to Colchester to play Sigma Sixth, who are partnered with the Eastern Rhinos club.
Newman raced to a three try lead as Sigma struggled to get into the game. Sigma fought back into it by completing a few of their sets and pulled back some tries of their own, leading to a half-time score of 18-16 to Newman. The second half saw Sigma pull into the lead, as Newman conceded a few repeat sets for some technical offences and a yellow card for a professional foul. A late comeback from Newman took them within a score but Sigma held on to win the game 32-30.
To the best of our knowledge, it’s the first time a college team from Sussex has played a game of Rugby League! Next week, Newman host a return fixture.