After serving a three week ban for their initiation ceremonies, Kingston University’s rugby team made a triumphant comeback, smashing the London School of Economics 107-0.

President of the rugby club, Andrew Coan, said: “It was the perfect chance to take our frustration out on the opposition after our three match ban.

It was a balanced team of fresh faces and veterans that gelled really well together. It was a confidence boosting victory as morale was a bit low after not being able to train at home together for three weeks.”

From the kick-off Kingston dominated play, scoring their first of many tries after only a few minutes.
Experienced hooker Nick Maurice Dewland was impressive, notching up two tries, as was lock forward Andrew Agbo who also bagged himself a couple.

Captain and full back Lloyd Preston-Allen was outstanding throughout the landslide victory scoring five tries. He said: “For the first game of the season it was brilliant to get the win and to score more than 100 points was obviously great. However, there are still a few key elements to work on before we are the finished article, such as our continuity in attack and communication in defence.”

These are modest words from a captain whose team were clearly far superior to their opponents, who play four leagues lower than KU’s first team. A win was never a certainty but LSE looked embarrassed at the final whistle as Kingston comfortably kept a clean sheet.

Other scorers included James Lee and Laurence Stephan who stomped home with two tries a piece, while starting players Mike Wade, Andrew Coan, Sean O’Grady, Ryan Sorrell and Elliot Prescott also put points on the board.

Kingstons next league game is at home against Brighton men's first team next Wednesday. This will be a key game for Kingston as they are already facing a nine point deficit following the forfeited first three league games.

Preston-Allen said he is looking at this game as a key one for the season.  “We were able to beat Brighton at home last year so we know we can beat them. It will be difficult as they have the advantage of already playing three league games this season, but after today's performance all the boys are up for the challenge.”

It is too early in the season to say its a must win game but with a nine point deduction the team will have a fight on their hands to stay in the league if they lose this game.

The rugby team were also celebrating off the field this week after raising £100 for Cancer Research. Together with the women’s netball team and the cheerleading society the boys helped stump up the cash after a fund-raising game of pub golf around the bars and clubs in the town centre.