Club News

Training Update

Mon, 21 May 2012 06:18:00 GMT

TRAINING UPDATE - week commencing 21st May 2012

Tuesday – 1st & 2nd Grade @ St Andrew’s Oval, 3rd, 4th & 5th Grade @ No. 2 Oval, no colts training.

Wednesday – Colts 1 @ St Andrew’s Oval, 1st Grade @ Wills Oval

Thursday – training as normal

Students out muscle Shoremen in Annual Friday Night Footy

Mon, 21 May 2012 01:27:00 GMT

1st Grade claimed back-to-back John Thornett Cups

By ‘Sideline Eye’

The Sydney University “Students” are back on the winners list, defeating the “Shoremen” of Northern Suburbs 30-10 in a tough and entertaining Round 6 Friday Night clash at University No. 1 Oval.

Night fixtures between these two sides at the Birthplace of Australian Rugby have become an annual event in recent times. In the corresponding match last year the Shoremen upset the Students. This year though, University was able to turn the tables, running away with a 5 tries to 1 win. With many off-field attractions for the healthy crowd, the on-field action on display was also of high quality.

Following last week’s loss at the hands of Southern Districts, University Head Coach Todd Louden made 6 changes to his starting line-up. The Students were bolstered by the return of HSBC Waratah wingers Peter Betham and Nathan Trist, prop Sam Talakai, inspirational scrum-half and skipper Matt Schwager, versatile back Angus Roberts and lock Tom Heslop, who was playing his first top grade game of the season.

Legendary New York Yankees baseball player Joe Dimaggio was famously once quoted as saying “I always thought there was at least one person in the stands who had never seen me play, and I didn’t want to let them down”. Anyone watching in the stands at University No.1 Oval would have witnessed why, as their maturity levels continue to grow, some of the University players have a bright future. Think the likes of David Hickey, Sam Talakai, Michael Hodge, Angus Roberts and Ollie Atkins, amongst others, who let no one down in the latest win.

Dan Kelly was able to find numerous holes in the Norths' defence

In an at times spiteful clash, it appeared Northern Suburbs were keen on trying to bash their way to a win. But the Students held firm, refusing to back down. Sydney University laid the foundations for the win with a strong first half, led brilliantly by their little general and arguably man of the match, Matt Schwager and powerhouse blindside breakaway Liam Winton, whose work rate has been outstanding in recent weeks. After an early arm wrestle, University would start to gain control at the 10-minute mark, and remained in control of the match thereafter.

The first try of the match came from a nice backline movement inspired by fly-half Dan Kelly, whose running game is improving with each outing. Slicing through the defence 30 metres out, Kelly was able to throw the ball out wide to his outside backs which eventually led to fullback Angus Roberts scoring in the Western corner.

On the half hour mark, a surging run from University tight-head prop Sam Talakai allowed Schwager to barge over from close range for the second try of the evening. Earmarked for a future representative contract, Talakai was playing with great intensity before being replaced later in the match with a recurring ankle injury. As the half-time siren was on the verge of sounding, the Northern Suburbs defence would be opened up once more with Tom Heslop, returning to the team on the back of high and abrasive workloads in the lower grades, crossing under the posts to take the Students to the break leading 17-0.

Of the many instructions delivered by Northern Suburbs coach Scott Fava to his team at half-time, no doubt the message to be the first try scorers in the second stanza would have been ringing loud. And indeed the Shoremen were the first to score through their winger Corey Brown, who showed a blistering turn of speed after receiving a deflected University kick just inside his own half. Brown was returning after spending a week in 2nd Grade, dropped in unusual circumstances for not being present a couple of weeks back to clap the Club’s reserve graders onto the field for their game.

The Players' Social Committee had a roaring trade on the western side, hosting the Student Lawn Party - pictures Ollie L'Estrange and Ally Ryan (L to R).

After trading penalties, the University margin was down to 10 with 25 minutes to play. However, that’s as close as Northern Suburbs would get. With their scrum and line-out dominating, the Students would cross for another two tries to replacement breakaway Anthony Pohlen (65th minute) and Number 8 Trent Dyer (78th minute). Both tries would come as a result of sustained forward pressure, with the Shoremen unable to disrupt the rolling mauls and pick and drives of the Students. The more the match went on, the more Northern Suburbs were struggling to contain the low body height and powerful leg drive of the University forwards.

“In terms of physicality, we were terrific tonight”, said Sydney University Director of Rugby, Todd Dammers. “They really tried to rattle us but I thought we stepped up and showed some maturity, which set the platform for a great win”.

Sydney University 30 (Angus Roberts, Matt Schwager, Tom Heslop, Anthony Pohlen, Trent Dyer tries; Nathan Trist cons, Dan Kelly pen) d Northern Suburbs 10 (Corey Brown try; Haydn Wolfsbauer con, pen).

Across the lower Grades, Sydney University defeated Northern Suburbs 45-8 in 2nd Grade; the Students were victorious by 40-3 in 3rd Grade, were defeated in 4th Grade by 17-14 and had a 20-10 with in 5th Grade. It was another clean sweep for the Students in Colts. Colts 1 defeated Northern Suburbs 38-19, Colts 2 won 23-8 and Colts 3 were victorious 28-7.

Club Video: Sydney Uni Funnies

Thu, 17 May 2012 02:03:00 GMT

Rawson Cup Rugby - Round 1

Wed, 16 May 2012 22:42:00 GMT

Article by Stephen King, Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness

The 2012 Rawson Rugby competition kicked off on Monday under perfect conditions, with two typically competitive college contests.

St Andrew’s took on St Paul’s in the opening match, with a very tight opening half. St Andrew’s had the first try and a 7 point lead, before 3 St Paul’s penalties put them in front 9-7. A late try to Andrew’s secured a slender 12-9 margin at half time. From there St Andrew’s were able to pull away eventually running out victors 31 to 9.

St Andrew’s 31 (L’Estrange, Mason, Messara, Murphy, Taylor tries; Cannon 3 Goals) def. St Paul’s 9 (King 3 Penalties)

St John’s took on Wesley in the afternoon, with John’s quickly out of the box taking a 17-0 with 3 first half tries. However, Wesley responded with a try on the stroke of half time, and then immediately after the restart to close the gap 17-10 and set up an interesting last half hour. John’s were then able to regain control with a further 3 tries, before Wesley finished with a late consolation.

St John’s 38 (Davies (2), Beach, Evans, Gorrie, Harbourne tries; Redden 4 Goals) def. Wesley 15 (Bartimore, Pollen, Reid tries)

Round 1 - Tuesday 22nd May, No. 1 Oval
- 5:30pm - St Andrew’s v Wesley
- 7:30pm - St John’s v St Paul’s

Pictured: SUFC's Stuart Goodman in action for St Andrew's

Dennis: Stuck between a Rock and the bench

Wed, 16 May 2012 22:23:00 GMT

Article by Jamie Pandaram, The Daily Telegraph, 15 May 2012

WARATAH Dave Dennis has declared himself ready to make his Wallabies debut despite being dropped to the NSW bench.

Dennis made way for Rocky Elsom at blindside flanker last week but is hoping Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will judge him on the outstanding performances he produced in the first 11 rounds of the season, when he was NSW's most consistent performer.

"I'd like to think Robbie and the coaches know what I can offer, and if it means it's only 20 or 30 minutes for the rest of the year, so be it," Dennis told The Daily Telegraph.

"I've been around for a couple of years, been on Spring tours, haven't had that chance. If I got that opportunity in June I'd be ready to go.

"It will be a good test against Wales too, they're a good young team and by all reports they're pretty focused on this trip. If I was lucky enough to be picked in that squad for the mid-year Tests, hopefully I can offer as much as I can." A 35-man Wallabies squad will be named on May 28.

Dennis conceded his chances may take a dip now that he is playing second fiddle to Elsom, who is likely to be named by Deans alongside backrowers David Pocock, Scott Higginbotham, Wycliff Palu and Michael Hooper for the June Tests against Scotland and Wales.

Dennis will likely face competition from Brumbies pair Ben Mowen and Fotu Auelua, the Force's Ben McCalman and Matt Hodgson, and possibly Queensland's Radike Samo, Beau Robinson and Jake Schatz for the remaining backrow spots in the squad.

Waratahs captain Elsom had struggled with injury early this season but made his comeback off the bench before his first start against the Bulls last Friday, when he produced a mighty performance, and he should hold his spot against the Stormers this weekend in Cape Town.

"It's obviously a little bit harder playing off the bench to make a statement with your game, but there's still ways you can do it," Dennis said.

"You look at a lot of teams, there are potential Wallaby guys rotating, particularly at the Reds. Obviously it will be tough. I feel as though the first half of the year I played some good rugby, it definitely got to the stage where he (Elsom) deserved his opportunity to start at No.6 and he certainly didn't waste his opportunity."

"And he's captain as well, which is a big part of us as a team. It won't be easy for me to try to get that position back, but I'll definitely do as much as I can off the bench."

"I'll also look at other options like playing lock or No.8 or wherever it may be."

Dennis refused to accept that he would remain a benchwarmer.

"If you fall into that mindset where you're just content being on the bench then you're not going to offer too much to the team,' he said.

"I'm a player that needs that pushing. I don't think I'd play as well as I could if there was no one else challenging my position every week."

"Some players fall into that trap sometimes and get a little complacent. I've been at the Waratahs for five years and every week I've got to fight for my spot. I'm happy with that."

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/stuck-between-a-rock-and-the-bench/story-fn8ti7yn-1226355249072

Friday Night Footy returns to No. 1 Oval

Wed, 16 May 2012 06:52:00 GMT

Sydney University will play their annual Friday night fixture against Northern Suburbs this week at the historic No. 1 Oval. While Sydney University sit slightly above the Shoreman on the 2012 Shute Shield ladder, Head Coach Todd Louden is expecting big things from the visitors. "With the changes to the competition structure in 2012, it means that this years' competition will be “fast and furious” in every way, shape and form,” commented Louden. “Upsets are being caused week in, week out so far this season, anything can happen, and we just need to make sure we are on the right side when the competition splits into the top 6, bottom 6 in June.”

“We are expecting a very physical Northern Suburbs side, who will throw everything at us for eighty minutes, but the players are looking forward to the game after the narrow loss to Souths last weekend” said Todd Louden.

Friday Nite Footy will kick off with 2nd grade taking to the field at 5:55pm, followed by the 1st Grade fixture at 7:30pm. Lots of activities are planned on the sideline, with the SUFC players hosting a Student Lawn Party, a Canadian Club “College” Challenge at half time and Redbull and Canadian Club promotions happening throughout the night.

An exciting weekend of rugby will continue on Saturday with the lower grades and colts games taking to the field against Northern Suburbs. “Norths are strong right across their Grades and Colts teams, with the Club winning 7 out of 8 games last weekend against Randwick,” comment Todd Dammers, Director of Rugby. “Our players are prepared for a big weekend but they will need to turn up ready to play on Saturday to keep the Club in a good position on the Club Championship ladder.”

Grade Games

Friday 18th May
2nd Grade – 5:55pm
1st Grade – 7:30pm

Saturday 19th May
5th Grade – 9:40am St. Paul’s Oval
4th Grade – 10:55am - Uni No.1
3rd Grade – 12:10pm – Uni No. 1

Colts Games at North Sydney Oval

Saturday 19th May
3rd Grade Colts – 12:20pm
2nd Grade Colts – 1:35pm
1st Grade Colts – 3:00pm

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Team of the Week v Southern Districts

Tue, 15 May 2012 05:17:00 GMT

1 - Jordan Sukkar (1) 5th Grade

2 - Tim Reid (1) 1st Colts

3 - Chris Bartimote (2) 4th Grade

4 - Liam Winton (2) 1st Grade (pictured)

5 - Byron Wicken (1) 3rd Colts

6 - James Nonu-Carling (2) 1st Colts

7 - Dave Hickey (3) 1st Grade

8 - Stu Goodman (2) 2nd Colts

9 - Duncan Boyd-Jones (1) 3rd Grade

10 - Dave Dillon (1) 2nd Grade

11 - Dakuitoga Kauoa (1) 5th Grade

12 - Chris Ingate (2) 1st Colts

13 - Jack Davies (2) 2nd Colts

14 - Ned Mullany (1) 4th Grade

15 - Tianua Poto (1) 3rd Colts

Special Mention

Dakuitoga Kauoa equalled the Club record of 4 tries on debut - congratulations!

Friday Nite Footy - 18 May

Sun, 13 May 2012 22:51:00 GMT

Rebels Enterprising Style Secures Win

Sun, 13 May 2012 22:21:00 GMT

By ‘Sideline Eye’

The Sydney University “Students” have narrowly gone down 26-23 to the “Rebels” of Southern Districts in a tough Round 5 clash at Forshaw Park. Sydney University and Southern Districts have built up a strong and healthy rivalry over the last few years, with the latest contest a real arm-wrestle.

1st Grade coaching team, Todd Louden and Marc Avery, and Club Video Analyst, Declan Oorloff

Despite scoring 3 tries to 2, the Students suffered at the hands of Rebels fly-half Rohan Saifolio, whose personal haul of 21 points and flawless goal kicking sunk the Students. Based on his performance, Saifiolio will win the Rebels many games before the end of this season with his radar like boot. Kickers of this calibre are invaluable to a Rugby team.

Throughout the match, both sides would play a contrasting style of Rugby. Southern Districts were happy to throw the ball around amongst their speedy backs and were dangerous in broken play, particularly the back three. Sydney University were playing it tight, dominating in the forwards and making numerous yardage with their rolling mauls and pick and drives. On three separate occasions (13th, 30th and 47th minutes) the Students were denied tries for being held up over the line. Rugby is a game of inches.

Both sides traded penalty conversions early. Just over the quarter mark, a University attacking scrum opportunity inside the Rebels 22 was wasted. Southern Districts inside centre Lester Solanoa was able to intercept a pass and link up with Saifolio in support, who showed too much pace and evasiveness for the covering defence of centres James McMahon and stand-in skipper Michael Hodge to score the first try of the match. Solanoa’s intercept prevented what appeared to be a certain University try coming. Saifolio converted his own try, a mere formality for his kicking ability it seems, and with a penalty goal to University half-back David Fong, his second for the half, the teams headed to the sheds with Southern Districts up by 16-6.

The second half started with Sydney University making easy inroads through their pack. The Rebels were struggling to contain the low body height and powerful leg drive of the University forwards. This relentless pressure eventually saw the Students take advantage of an overlap with winger Tom English, returning after a stint representing his country in the IRB Sevens World Series, dived over in the corner for the try to be eventually awarded by the Television Match Official. Trailing by 5, the University fight back was on. Five minutes later the Students were in again for their second try. Another driving maul saw hooker James Riches score his first try of his career in the top grade. The missed conversion meant the score was now locked at 16 apiece. Game on.

James McMahon breaking through the Gordon defence last weekend

Credit to Southern Districts. They stuck to their guns and the tide slowly started to turn in their favour. Ill-discipline at the breakdown led to Saifolio kicking another three pointer for the Rebels. With 10 minutes to go, University lock Liam Winton was caught not releasing the ball just as the Students were pressing and looking at their most dangerous to take the lead for the first time in the match. From the ensuing penalty, the Rebels were able to gain vital field position with the clock winding down. In the 76th minute, a clearing kicking from ex South Sydney Rabbitoh Eddie Paea from close to his own line was charged down by the Southern Districts defence. From the ensuing possession, the Rebels spun the ball wide to their unmarked winger Nicky Price who crossed over to put the match beyond doubt.

A last minute consolation try to University No.8 Trent Dyer meant the Students would walk away with a bonus point (loss within 7 points), which may prove vital in the overall context of this competition.

Sydney University would rue a missed opportunity to jump to 2nd place on the table. The beauty of a game like Rugby is that there is always next week. The loss means the Students now find themselves in 5th spot, with a must win match against Northern Suburbs coming up next Friday night to consolidate their position in the top 6 and stay in touch with the leading pack.

Southern Districts 26 (Rohan Saifolio, Nicky Price tries; Rohan Saifolio 2 cons, 4 pens) d Sydney University 23 (Tom English, James Riches, Trent Dyer tries; Dan Kelly con, David Fong 2 pens).

Across the lower Grades, Sydney University defeated Southern Districts 27-24 in 2nd Grade; the Students were victorious by 51-10 in 3rd Grade, won 4th Grade by 38-0 and ran away with 5th Grade 56-0. It was another clean sweep for the Students in Colts. Colts 1 defeated Southern Districts 36-20, Colts 2 won 33-0 and Colts 3 were victorious 38-9.

Ryan a role model for young prop

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:39:00 GMT

By Waratahs Rugby Media Unit

Injured HSBC Wararahs prop Paddy Ryan has been making the most of his enforced break from the action to help other young players from his home town of Tamworth.

Sidelined due to a foot injury, Ryan, who mentors Central North Under 18s prop Tyler Gallienne, caught up with his young friend last weekend during a trip home.

As well as watching and supporting his former Pirates team mates as they took on Walcha, Paddy watched Tyler in action for the second XV. The day was a chance to catch up and get to know each other better. “Paddy and I talked rugby, players, playing and things in general,” said Tyler. “He just got to know me really, and I got to know him a lot better.”

The following day, Paddy put Tyler through his paces at the gym. "I was doing lots of things in the gym but Paddy concentrated on technique, warm up, warm down, the mental side of things, like how to get through barriers when you train,” said Tyler.

“I knew it had been a good session when we left but every ache was worth it! He really knows his stuff and was so easy to talk to.

“He encouraged me to train with a player from Pirates who he knew a lot about and gave a great rap to. We also talked about my apprenticeship and commitment to work, and then about rugby again. I can’t wait until I get another session with him, I learnt so much!”

After the workout, Paddy spent the rest of the morning running a coaching session for the Central North Under 18s, helping them to prepare for the Country Championships, before returning home.

Said Tyler’s dad Mark, Director of Sport at Tamworth’s Calrossy Anglican School, “Tyler has already benefitted greatly not just from a rugby perspective but as a young adult from this time with Paddy.

“During the club game on Saturday, he and Tyler talked about Pirates, players’ strengths and weaknesses in the game, what they might do different and how it is important to be committed to work and Rugby, lots of stuff really. Then afterwards Paddy was more than generous with his time with members of both clubs and supporters.”

“Paddy is doing an outstanding job and I’d like to thank him for his generosity of time and commitment to rugby. He is an excellent role model for younger players and an admirable ambassador for Waratahs Rugby.”

http://www.waratahs.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/6431/Default.aspx

Students ready to Rumble with the Rebels

Thu, 10 May 2012 02:13:00 GMT

For the second week running, the Students are on the road once more, this time travelling down to Forshaw Park to take on Southern Districts. The Rebels have had a strong start to the season and currently sit in second place on the competition table, one spot above Sydney University. So far in the 2012 competition the Rebels have achieved wins against Parramatta (round 1), West Harbour (round 2) and Randwick (round 4). SUFC and Souths both share a common, on the bell loss to Manly.

Super Boot...David Fong

“Southern Districts are quite a formidable opponent down at Forshaw Park. Their forward pack has been playing well and their backs are particularly good in loose play, evidenced by them averaging just under 40 points per game after a month of the season. Yet again this fixture poses to be another tough one, and our players are really looking forward to the challenge that awaits”, said Sydney University Head Coach Todd Louden.

“This week, we will be looking to continue the momentum we have been gathering as a Club over the last few weeks. Our young team is coming together nicely and will need to step it up once more to another level to overcome the Rebels who will be a tough opponent in front of their home crowd”. Louden said.

Sydney University and Southern Districts have built up a strong and healthy rivalry over the last few years, and this Round 5 clash promises to be a great battle.

GRADE GAMES - Saturday 12th May – Forshaw Park, Sylvania
- 5th Grade 9:45am
- 4th Grade 10.55am
- 3rd Grade 12.10pm
- 2nd Grade 1.25pm
- 1st Grade 3.10pm

COLTS GAMES - Saturday 12th May - St Paul's Oval, Camperdown
- Colts 3 12.20pm
- Colts 2 1.35pm
- Colts 1 3.00pm

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Team of the Week v Gordon

Wed, 09 May 2012 06:39:00 GMT

1- Tolu Latu (2) 2nd Grade
2 - Dan Simpson (1) 5th Grade
3 - Joe Horn-Smith (1) 3rd Grade
4 - Daniel Cope (1) 5th Grade
5 - Liam Winton (1) 1st Grade
6 - Geordie McSuella (2) 3rd Grade
7 - Sam Quinn (1) 1st Colts (pictured)
8 - Holua Tonga (1) 4th Grade
9 - David Fong (1) 2nd Grade
10 - Ben Cannon (1) 5th Grade
11 - Zubayr Abrahams (1) 1st Grade
12 - Jack O'Connor (1) 2nd Colts
13 - Chris Ingate (1) 1st Colts
14 - Daniel Potts (2) 2nd Colts
15 - Cam Lawrence (3) 4th Grade

Students overcome Highlanders in thriller

Mon, 07 May 2012 01:06:00 GMT

By ‘Sideline Eye’

The Sydney University “Students” have continued on their winning ways, this time overcoming the “Highlanders” of Gordon 27-25 in a dramatic ending at Chatswood Oval, thanks to a sideline conversion from replacement scrum half David Fong after the bell.

Daniel Potts scored an impressive 5 tries in Colts 2's win over Gordon, 100-0

After a month of the 2012 Shute Shield competition, Sydney University now find themselves in 3rd spot on the table, averaging just over 37 points per game (5.5 tries per match) with a healthy 70 points differential. “Early in the season, Gordon has been playing like a team that’s had nothing to lose, so we will have to be on our game once again to come away with the win”, Sydney University head coach Todd Louden was quoted as saying in the week leading up to the game. And how correct those words were, with pre-match favourites University given an almighty fright. The narrow two-point win was inspired by strong performances from Trent Dyer, Liam Winton and of course super boot David Fong.

From the outset, Gordon got into their rhythm early and started dominating possession and territory. A nice break from scrum half Terry Preston saw him find an unmarked Eric Maroni to score the Highlanders’ first try of the afternoon, and with inside centre Tom Hill being on target with his goal-kicking, Gordon would soon find themselves up 11-3 just over the quarter mark of the match. The Highlanders could have been even further ahead had University winger Zubayr Abrahams not been able to brilliantly chase down the flying Tom Hill in the 5th minute. It seemed Hill would easily score without a hand laid on him, however Abrahams came from nowhere to bring him down just short of the line. Without knowing at the time, it would end up being a decisive play.

Just prior to the break, tries to Sydney University tight head prop Pieter van der Merwe and captain Matt Schwager helped the Students take a 15-11 advantage into half-time. South African prop van der Merwe has had a strong start to the season, winning several work rate awards which has been outstanding considering he has yet to play a full 80 minute game. In the 34th minute, he was the beneficiary of a University rolling maul from a line-out win close to the Gordon line, touching down for his first try of the season. Following off season groin surgery, scrum-half Matt Schwager’s all round game has slowly been getting back to its best in recent weeks. Playing his 50th First Grade game, Schwager somehow found a hole amongst traffic in the Gordon defence to barge over from close range on the stroke of half-time. The conversion from just beside the posts brought a sigh of relief from the University faithful in the crowd, with goal-kicking an area the Students must improve on. It was obvious the Highlanders were up for the challenge. Based on the run of play, most at Chatswood Oval would have agreed the Students were lucky to be ahead at the break.

Jake Gordon in the Colts 1 win over Gordon on Saturday, 48-20

Along with lock Liam Winton, who once again was leading the forwards, Sydney University Number 8 Trent Dyer has been in tremendous early season form. Strong defensively, Dyer is a constant threat in attack and early in the second half he showed why he was an Australian 7’s representative a couple of seasons back. In the 46th minute, a break from Dyer 40 metres out saw him link up nicely with new recruit Kane Morgan, with the former South Sydney Rabbitoh racing in to score his first rugby try in the top grade. Despite trialling by 9, the Highlanders hit back strongly through tries to centres Tom Hill and Tom Matthews to be in front by 5 points with 20 minutes to play. Throughout the game, Gordon was looking dangerous each time they spread the ball out wide. Both tries to Hill and Matthews came as a result of backline moves that split open the University defence.

The last quarter of the match was a real arm-wrestle. Gordon looked to have held off numerous University attacks and they were well on their way to an emphatic win. Then enter super boot David Fong, who came on to replace the injured Schwager (ankle) with only seconds left. With the Students pressing the Gordon line one last time, the former Pirate showed great awareness to sneak down the blind-side and dive over in the corner. After consulting his touch judge, referee Richard Goswell awarded the try and the scores were level. Following a tense 80 minutes, the equation was now simple. Miss the kick, and the game ends in a draw. Kick the conversion, and the Students win. David Fong stepped up. From right on the sideline and in front of a group of raucous Gordon lower grade players, Fong was able to kick the conversion and was then immediately swamped by his teammates.

Sam English in his first game back after injury in Colts 3 on Saturday

“We found a way to win today, even though there were so many reasons not to, so I’m happy with that”, said Sydney University coach Todd Louden. “From my count, we were held up over the line twice and had another two tries disallowed, so we were unlucky as well. Full credit to Gordon though. Today they showed why they have been in the top half of the table so far this season”.

Across the lower Grades, Sydney University defeated Gordon 57-13 in 2nd Grade; the Students were victorious by 40-12 in 3rd Grade however had a narrow 8-7 loss in 4th Grade. The Club had three strong wins in the Colts competition; Colts 1 48-20 defeated Gordon, Colts 2 100-0 defeated Gordon and Colts 3 won a non-competition game against West Harbour 52-0.

Sydney University 27 (Pieter van der Merwe, Matt Schwager, Kane Morgan, David Fong tries; Stuart Dunbar, David Fong cons, Dan Kelly pen) d Gordon 25 (Eric Maroni, Tom Hill, Tom Matthews tries; Tom Hill 2 cons, 2 pens).

Farrer and McGovern win at Sydney Uni Awards Night

Thu, 03 May 2012 02:53:00 GMT

At the recent Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness Sport Awards Dinner, Sydney University Football Club’s Jack Farrer was awarded joint 2011 Premier Coach of the Year and Bob McGovern was awarded 2011 Male Administrator of the Year. The Club’s NSW Waratahs, Tom Kingston and Bernard Foley were extremely unlucky to miss out on being named 2011 Sportsman of the Year after both had an exceptional year last year.

Jack Farrer coaching in 2011

Jack Farrer has been the Director of SUFC’s Colts program for two season (2010 and 2011), overseeing the winning of two Colts Club Championships and 5 Premierships (2010 – Colts 1 and 2, 2011 – Colts 1, 2 and 3). Jack has been a brilliant mentor for many of our young players and provided outstanding leadership to the volunteers associated with the Club’s colts program.

Bob McGovern has been a volunteer with SUFC for over 5 years, commencing as a Colts Manager before taking on the rains as 1st Grade Manager in 2010 and 2011. Bob is heavily involved with the Club’s juniors program and has stepped down as 1st Grade Manager in 2012 due to illness. The Club cannot speak highly enough of Bob. Bob has been a fantastic mentor for both our players and coaches and has actively engaged in setting high standards and club culture at SUFC. Bob is a highly organised and professional volunteer and has provided fantastic leadership and management skills of fellow volunteers.

Bernard Foley was a standout 1st Grade performer in 2011. On returning to club rugby after representing his country as the Australian Sevens Captain, Foley played 13 1st Grade games for SUFC, scoring an impressive 79 points for the Club. Foley was named Australian Sevens Player of the Year in 2011 and made his Super Rugby debut with the NSW Waratahs in the Semi Final against the Blues in Auckland.

Tom Kingston was a standout 1st Grade performer in 2011. On returning to club rugby Kingston scored 7 tries in 10 1st Grade games for SUFC. Kingston made his Super Rugby debut for the NSW Waratahs in the 2011 against the Auckland Blues and ended the 2011 Super Rugby season with 4 caps and 1 try. Kingston also represented Australia at the Under 20’s Rugby World Cup in 2011 and scored two tries, which helped Australia secure third place in the tournament.

Congratulations to Jack and Bob on their awards and all the other award recipients and nominees from the night.

Students ready for a Highland fling

Thu, 03 May 2012 02:28:00 GMT

The Students will travel to Chatswood Oval for the only top six match up in round four of the 2012 competition. Gordon, who currently sit fifth on the competition ladder behind Sydney University, fourth, will come out fighting after their one point loss in round three against Eastern Suburbs.

2nd Grade in action last weekend against Randwick

"Last Saturday was a great day for the Club, and while the scoreboard may indicate an easy day at the office, it was anything but," said Head Coach Todd Louden. "Randwick are always a tough opposition and we had to work extremely hard to achieve the results we did as a Club."

"This weekend the Highlanders will be dangerous after their one point loss last weekend, they will throw everything at this game and play like they have nothing to lose," commented Louden. "Gordon has a strong line out and the team will be looking to Liam Winton and Ollie Atkins to take the charge in this department. Anthony Pohlen, David Hickey and Trent Dyer will need to be at their blistering best to overpower the Highlanders' strong back row."

GRADE GAMES - Saturday 5th May - Chatswood Oval, Chatswood
- 4th Grade 10.55am
- 3rd Grade 12.10pm
- 2nd Grade 1.25pm
- 1st Grade 3.00pm

- 5th Grade – 9:30am – Concord Oval vs West Harbour

COLTS GAMES - Saturday 5th May - St Paul's Oval, Camperdown
- Colts 3 12.20pm (v West Harbour, non-competition match)
- Colts 2 1.35pm
- Colts 1 3.00pm

Ollie Atkins is ready for a big game against the Highlanders

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