Second Grade (Colin Caird Shield)
By Ray Hudd (Coach)
The trip to Bowral was terrific but unfortunately we left our focus at home.
We struggled from the first whistle with no intent in defence or attack and we let in two simple tries in the first half.
When it pours it pours, suddenly the bounce of the ball, the 50/50 calls, even the weather went against us as it rained heavily for most of the 2nd half.
The Team managed to hang on to the ball for a short period and launched two impressive attacking raids to equal the score 15 points all.
With less than five minutes left in the game our lack of discipline gifted the opposition two penalty’s in front of the posts.
Fortunately for us our luck had returned with both penalty goal attempts being unsuccessful.
Man of the Match – Hamish Dunbar
Full time score Sydney Uni 15 draw with Northern Suburbs 15
Third Grade (Henderson Shield)
By Tom Heslop (Coach)
The 3rd grade Students were buzzing with anticipation on Saturday for their match against the North Shoreman, no one more so than coach Jack Leary after a few too many latès. The game started hard and fast with a clear focus on the back of a good win against the wicks. Only seconds into the game, Uni pressure forced an error allowing Ed L’Estrange to collect the dregs for the first try of the match. Some failed exits and wayward passes and easy penalties allowed the Shoreman to stay in the game. A couple of line breaks extended their lead but Uni pushed back executing well off the back of strong set piece and hard running. The second half saw immediate impact from the tackle busting super sub Koni, although he was rewarded for his efforts with a stint on the sideline, placing uni under pressure again. The Students held on, defending on their try line for an age before forcing the turn over which ultimately led to the win. A great display of what 3rd Grade is capable of, with lots of things to work on in the coming weeks.
Full time score Sydney Uni 40 def Northern Suburbs 34
Fourth Grade (Henderson Cup)
By Will Davies (Coach)
The Sydney University 4th Grade were entering round 4 without a loss and a bus trip down to Bowral only excited them more to add another victory to Coach Davies’ list. The boys began strongly with great phase play which led toJosh “Gropper” Schwager opening the affairs with an early try, which seemed unexpected from the lock considering he hadn’t seen himself in so much space since early Colts.
At half time it was apparent that moral and energy was high as the boys lead 14-0 at the break. A half time speech from Malachy Mullin only lifted the boys further. Unfortunately Norths had there own tricks up their sleeves and hit back with two quick tries to level the scores at 14-14. A tactical sub from Davies brought stalwart Tim Davidson to the paddock who provided the students with a 30m dash to cross over for who knows could have been his 100th try in the blue and gold. The students began to lift and push away from the Norths boys finishing four tries to two, giving the Students another victory and continuing their undefeated season.
Special mentions to Maciej Matusewicz recieving 1 point, Ezrah Amituanai 2 points and man of the match Josh Schwager 3 points.
Full time score Sydney Uni 26 def Northern Suburbs 14
First Colts (W. McMahon Memorial Shield)
By Robert Taylor (Colts Head Coach)
Norths at Bon Andrews Oval is a difficult place to get a win, you just cannot let your guard down against a team that just keeps competing in every moment. They kick long, chase hard and contest every possession.
We started the game with a converted try in the first five minutes, then scored a further two tries in the half, try scorers being James Armstrong, Nathaniel Tamwoy and Eddy King. Norths scored a try and kicked a penalty to go into the sheds at halftime 19 – 8.
At the start of the 2nd Half, Norths found some momentum by scoring two quick tries, to take the lead 19 – 20. The first try coming from a sneaky short side run by the No.9 down the sideline off the scrum to score in the corner and then shortly after that, we had an intercept from 70m out.
It was game on after that. Knowing Norths were committing numbers to the ruck we knew we could find some space out wide. In the last twenty minutes, we scored three very well worked tries with some impressive short passing and support play to wrestle the game away from a very enthused Norths team.
The team will take a lot away from the win, under pressure and behind, they found a way to get the job done.
Congratulations to Miti Tuinakauvadra on his 1st Colts debut, who is following in his father’s footsteps by playing for SUFC.
Full time score Sydney Uni 41 def Northern Suburbs 24
Second Colts (Shell Trophy)
By Jock Capel (player)
After a disappointing loss to Randwick on the Easter long weekend 2nd Colts were after redemption against Norths. With three changes to the forward pack through the week, the set piece was going to be key for the Students to get the upper hand in the game. However the first half set piece showed timing was out, as a result of not getting the small things right, which allowed Norths to take the upper hand especially at scrum time. This became extremely costly for the Students as they conceded multiple penalties, allowing Norths to walk straight up the field.
The pressure Norths applied was converted into points, contrasting Uni’s pressure which wasn’t. Due to poor accuracy at the break down and set piece. Uni’s only points came from Ethan Miller scoring the only try in the first half. As the game progressed the Students set piece improved, but with costly yellow cards, Uni struggled to get in a dominate position. Furthermore due to some very poor discipline, set piece and defence the Students were unable to come out with the win going down 15-7.
Full time score Northern Suburbs 15 def Sydney Uni 7
Third Colts (Bill Simpson Shield)
By Gabriel Enright (Coach)
Following on from last weeks big win over Randwick the 3rd Colts picked up where they left off to put the home side under huge pressure at Northern Suburbs, Bon Andrews Oval from the get go.
In the first half a few early errors kept the scores tight until some very classy attacking football and support play saw the students ahead 14 to zip at the break.
Firing on all cylinders the second half opened with several attacking raids deep into Norths territory. Ed Rentonslotted an early penalty and was masterful in keeping the scoreboard ticking over all day.
As the game progressed the fitness and skills of the Sydney University team shone through taking the score out to 34 to zip before Norths mounted a late charge but were denied a try on the bell through some courageous defense under fatigue.
Andrew Knight posted a hat trick and trumped in for the 3 points from fullback, Luke Austin continues to grow enormously at Number 6 for the 2 points with all members of the front row getting a point each – Ringoo Latu, Joe Boley, Adam Goodman and Dane Stephens.
Full time score Sydney Uni 34 def Northerns Suburbs 0