It was a hard day at the office last Saturday at Chatswood Oval as a resurgent Gordon defeated University 37-29. Despite scoring five tries to four, the accurate boot of Gordon five eighth Kearns was blood sucking any momentum from University mounting a comeback.
University started off positively when after three minutes a five metre rolling maul delivered their first try. But soon after Gordon managed to camp themselves inside the University five metre area. A scrum was later packed and Gordon’s pack inched their way over the goaline for a converted try. Gordon capitalized on University’s defence momentarily slackening where a jinking run split University and saw Gordon score another converted try. 14-5 was the score and the Highlanders had well and truly made a statement that they were going to defend their fortress.
University later composed themselves and managed to gain some field position. This time University were inside the Gordon twenty two metre area. A University lineout was brought down and spread wide. Winger Nathaniel Tamwoy was the last receiver and dived towards the Albert Avenue corner in spectacular fashion. If young Nathan was not a student he could be a contortionist for the Great Moscow Circus as his body was mid-flight over the touch line whilst his hand grounded the ball inside the field of play. Fullback James Kane was unsuccessful with the conversion as the Students still trailed by 20-10 after Kearns kicked two penalties.
Gordon were playing with confidence running hard and attempting to back pedal the Students. An attack was mounted inside the University half but a wayward pass was intercepted by method actor fullback James Kane. Kane then proceeded to mimic the Warner Brothers character – the Road Runner by scooting downfield to score a converted try under the posts. University were now trailing 20-17.
Half time sounded and Gordon looked strong while the Students were not their usual consistent self. Maybe during the break Gordon could focus on a sale at Chatswood Chase and give the Students some breathing space. But this was wishful thinking and the second half would be a guaranteed dog fight.
The break failed to curb the Gordon enthusiasm who scored first with a rolling lineout maul. But the game was constantly changing in scores. A penalty try to University saw them still trail Gordon 27-24. Then a series of sin bins cruelled University. With a dominant Gordon scrum a penalty try was awarded. Then University scored a try from another rolling maul. The scoreline was oscillating more than Clive Palmer’s belly! 34-29 was showing on the scoreboard with minimal time left.
But Kearns drove the final nail into the coffin with another penalty causing an eight point buffer to deny University of any more bonus points. University were attempting to play ad lib rugby near the end to breach the gap but failed. Gordon were victors 37-29.
Things don’t get any easier with another away game next Saturday at North Sydney Oval against the Northern Suburbs Shoremen.