Sydney University’s most emphatic performance was left for the last round of the season with a 85-19 defeat of Eastern Suburbs last Saturday at University No.1 Oval.
The performances of a number players still eligible for Colts enabled the club to win the Sydney Club Championship for 2014.
Despite the cricket pitch area having the consistency of a Dixon Street congee, the conditions failed to deter University throwing the ball long and wide for a 13 try swamping of Easts.
The game was only a minute old when winger Henry Clunies-Ross received a pass through the backline to outpace the cover defence to score. With Angus Roberts playing fullback, a combination with prop Sam Talakai allowed breakaway Sam Quinn to score next. The silken handling skills and sheer speed of the University backs could not be matched by Easts. Roberts and Stewart were mesmerising in their running lines and at halftime the score was 38-12 to the Students.
The second half commenced along similar lines to the first. After three minutes University’s forwards flexed their arms with picking and driving to post a try. University seemed to be on a pledge to score points and fast. The score board was running out of numerals as the tries kept coming from the Students.
The dominance of University was illustrated by Stewart applying two complimentary Ella Bache facials to Easts defenders for one of his three tries. University were clearly enjoying themselves on the last home game of the season.
Outside backs, tight and loose forwards had all scored throughout the afternoon. The final try for University was another involving the duo with synergies, the hyphen Clunies – Ross and his compatriot Stewart who received a no look pass from Clunies-Ross to score.
In the latter stages of the half there was the welcome return of Michael Hodge and Peter Betham after extended rehabilitation through injuries.
It appeared the team adhered to coach Vickerman’s words from last week to lift their work rate. A perfect foundation before next Saturday’s sudden death semi-final playoff against Warringah at their fortress Rat Park.
- Upcoming Games
1st Grade v Warringah – 3.00pm at Pittwater Rugby Park
2nd Grade v Gordon – 1:15pm at Pittwater Rugby Park
3rd Grade v Southern Districts – 11:40pm at Pittwater Rugby Park
4th Grade v Eastern Suburbs – 10:15am at Pittwater Rugby Park
1st Colts v Eastern Suburbs – 3:00pm at Forshaw Rugby Park #1
2nd Colts v Southern Districts – 11:30am at Forshaw Rugby Park #1
3rd Colts v West Harbour – 10:00am at Forshaw Rugby Park #1