On an evening more suited to staying at home with a cup of tea and watching one of those Rock Hudson Doris Day movies, Sydney University still defeated Randwick 29-15 last Saturday night at a water logged University Oval No 1.
The ground resembled a pot of Nonna’s minestrone soup as both sides were splashing through the rucks and mauls trying to secure a slippery ball. Any points on offer was a blessing and University’s potent goal kicking second rower Byron Hodge, took advantage of opportunities. University probably had the slightly better of the first half in a real grinding battle. Both teams were attempting to gain that slight advantage in the heavy conditions. Hodge kicked three penalties to Randwick’s five eighth David Horwitz’s one before the halftime break.
Minimising mistakes was the formula to win this game. The directive from coach Nobby Malone at the break was simple-maintain possession and Randwick would feel the pressure.
A momentary period of calm weather in the second half allowed University to start building continuity and show some boldness. On numerous occasions the ball was swung wide and both University wingers Mark O’Dare and Henry Clunies- Ross were proving a handful for Randwick down the flanks.
Randwick’s defensive wall finally broke after a perfectly executed move from a University five metre scrum. After channelling the ball a coded call came from the University scrum dismantling the stereotype that rugby forwards were devoid of culture “Gene Kelly- Singin in the Rain” was heard bellowing from the saturated pack. With that call from an acute angle, Clunies- Ross burst onto the ball from his left flank headed towards the goal posts. The wingers sheer speed caught Randwick off guard . Clunies received the ball for a dive over the line from Ross. The Hodge conversion gave University a handy lead of 16 -3 against a wounded Randwick.
The foot was maintained on the accelerator as University’s momentum saw more points added to the scoresheet. A dominant University scrum was back pedalling the Randwick pack close to their line. An exposed open side allowed number 8 Mitchell Whiteley to scoop the ball from the scrum base and rush over next to the goal posts for University’s second try. The conversion and successive penalty kicks to Hodge provided a nice buffer of 29-3 to the Students with 15 minutes remaining in the half.
To their credit Randwick never threw in the towel and scored a try by kicking through a loose University ball. Their other try was through some picking and driving close to the University line resulting in a burrowing try near the posts.
The Greco – Roman wrestling continued in the wet for the remainder of the game which saw scores finish at 29-15 to the Students. It was not the prettiest of victories but a valuable exercise in the wet against a previously unbeaten opponent.
Next Saturday University slog it out against traditional nemesis Eastwood at T.G Millner Field.
