Sydney University
Vs
Eastwood
9 August 2025
By Bruce China Lin
With University’s 2025 campaign effectively over, playing for pride was at stake last Saturday at Camperdown. Unfortunately, the weight of Eastwood could not be stemmed and the Students were defeated 42-21.
Eastwood ran out like a runaway train with three quick converted tries within thirty minutes. The signs were ominous, and University were behind the scoreboard 21-0.
But University was not a bunch of *lickspittle individuals as portrayed unfairly by the cowardly keyboard warriors on social media.
University actually had a dominant scrum and were shunting the opposing pack. Following an Eastwood feed the ball was channeled to the open. A clearing kick was perfectly charged down by Captain and inside centre Connor O’ Shea. The regather saw O’Shea leisurely stroll under the posts for a converted try.
The pain continued before half time when a rather casual clearing kick by Eastwood saw a wicked bounce and regather by their speedster winger Shelley to see out the first half 28-7. Mistakes and reshuffling of the side were hurting University and against a side like Eastwood with plenty of momentum a difficult assignment lay ahead for the second half.
Somewhat of a metamorphosis befell the Students early in the second half. A set tap move inside the five-metre zone resembling a hybrid version of the British & Irish Lions was executed. Instead of a swan dive over defenders the ball was taken up by secondrower Clem Halaholo. Like his father Billy playing for the club over a quarter of a century ago as a burly prop, Clem swatted away defenders like mosquitoes and smashed his way over for a converted try. University were still trailing 28-14 but the will was still there in the Students.
But a wayward clearing kick saw Eastwood score an outrageous cross field kick regather and touch down. The heartache continued when recycling inside the University five metre zone a short ball to replacement the big backrower Tuisese who was curiously biding his time in second grade today smashing his way over to now lead the Students 42-14. But the penultimate try for the Students would be remiss if there was not one by the machine winger Benjy Joseland.
Halfback Hwi Sharples box kick bounced and was regathered by Waratah hooker Ethan Dobbins. Dobbins kept the ball alive as he was brought down by popping to his support Joseland. Joseland shifted into turbo drive beating defenders for an excellent converted try to end the game 42-21. Not the ending University was after following a promising start to the season.
Head coach Todd Louden summed up the day. “We had multiple changes before half time. We did not win a trick today.” Director of Rugby, Nick Ryan saw University requires some more tweaking to be back enjoying the glory days. “I cannot fault the effort and there are things to build on for next year. We have a good group of people here, but we need to be honest and better.”
The day also heralded Rounders Day to recognise the club’s volunteers who are the cornerstones of the club. One such valued volunteer is first grade co manager Siobhan Seiuli. In her first season managing she had nothing but praise for the team. “It was well worth it. There’s excellent human beings and young men coming through here.”
Although first grade has a rest the journey continues with all lower grades still in the semifinals campaign. Support the Students in their quest for their holy grails.
*Lickspittle- means something similar to brown noser.