Sydney University
Vs
Western Sydney Two Blues
17 May 2025
By Bruce China Lin
It was a case of Groundhog Day befalling University last Saturday at Camperdown. With a deficit of three points trailing 39-36 with full time beckoning University had five metre line out to exact a victory and not be branded as a *taradiddle.
However The Western Sydney Two Blues held firm and forced the Students to swing the ball. Everyone’s hearts were palpitating but a knock on in the five metre zone ended play to the frustrations etched on the University fifteen.
Mistakes and penalties proved costly throughout the match and the Two Blues fullback Seu Seu had a heat seeking missile of a boot punishing University with conversions and penalties. The Two Blues led 10-3 twenty five minutes into the half. Then University posted their first try when some hard rucking and then a spreading of the ball saw winger Jack Matthews not to be confused by the opposite winger the machine Benjy Joseland score in the northern corner for a converted try. Scores were tied at ten apiece. But virtually from the kickoff University allowed the Two Blues cheap points by failing to tackle the man down a blindside channel. The ball was kept alive allowing their winger to swan dive in the far corner.
University’s failure to watch out for ad lib play by the opposition saw them punished once again on the cusp of halftime. Seu Seu executed a cross kick allowing the winger to regather and score the easiest of tries for a half time lead of 25-17.
Despite University being their own worst enemies there was a beacon of positivity today. Amongst a plethora of first grade debutants none more so than second rower who is almost as old as the decimal currency – Jack Stanford. In his run on debut Stanford started in fourth grade, was named on the bench for first grade and almost Steven Bradbury like was named to run on. A truly remarkable set of events that brought tears of joy and tissues to his parents Richard and Sally in the stands.
The second half would once again have to show University redeeming themselves playing catchup which should not have been the case.
Things did not go to plan with another relatively soft try through some concerted rucking and driving near the Students goal line. Soon the boys from the wild west were ahead 32-17.
But once a Two Blue forward was sin binned for repeated ruck infringements University exploited a window of opportunity. A five metre rolling maul started the Students points mission. Soon after Two Blues were being pressured again and this time inside centre Lukas Ripley dived over. Another five metre lineout was set and this time the ball was driven forward and later offloaded to fullback James Kane. Kane the celebrated pantomimist crashed over and uttered the words Brogan…Brogan reminiscent of Sylvester Stallone in his classic role as Rocky Balboa towards his suitor seated in the grandstand. University were now ahead but there was ample time left in the game.
University’s worst fears eventuated when Two Blues were awarded a penalty inside the Students quarter. The Two Blues quickly tapped and literally hoodwinked the Students by rushing over for a soft converted try.
As previously mentioned that possible fairytale ending failed to capitalize and ended up with two bonus points salvaged. Once again University incurred the curse of the Two Blues by not being able to defeat them over the past four years.
Next week a hop over the Harbour Bridge will see University once again battle the Northern Suburbs Shoremen.
*Taradiddle – nonsense a lie