Bracken hat-trick makes it a dream debut

■By SAM SMITH

L’ghboro S…….. 50

Hinckley……….. 21

ENGLAND age-group star Jack Bracken made a dream debut for Loughborough Students with a hattrickof tries to lead his side to victory in the local derby against Hinckley.

It has not been a happy fixture for the Students over the past few seasons so they wanted a fast start – and Bracken gave them just that when he went over after only five minutes.

The first half continued in much the same way, with Loughborough getting the try bonus point before half-time and going in 26-0 up.

Hinckley responded after the break and scored a couple of tries early in the second half which made it look like there could be a comeback on the cards. However, Loughborough regained control, scoring a further four tries in the second half to produce a convincing display in front of their home supporters.

As well as Bracken’s hat-trick for the Students there was a try double from Fin Doyle and one apiece for Ed Harvey, Seb Smith and Joe Plunkett.

Alex Wainwright kicked three conversions and Morgan Meredith added two.

For Hinckley, there were two tries from Murray Davidson and one for Jack Ramshaw. Rory Vowles converted all three but they weren’t enough.