Sydney University
Vs
Eastern Suburbs
22 March 2025
By Bruce China Lin
Saturday morning traffic is generally more horrific than a college students’ unkept room. But last Saturday the drive to Woollahra Oval and clamouring for parking was satisfying as University defeated last season’s premiers and new Australian club champions Eastern Suburbs by 25-10.
The foundations of University’s victory came early. Less than 1.40 seconds into the game University ran down the open towards the golf course side. Fullback Jack Matthews showed great deft running skills bamboozling the covering defence. Through some more hands backing up finally was University’s new raging bull Dane Terekia who ripped down the middle to score a try.
University with a smattering of youth, size ,skill, aggression and good looks courtesy of teacher by day and part time male model after hours winger Sepesa Loga-Tarogi . The whole team was giving the ball some breadth and width.
The next University try was a gem. Just inside the Easts half the ball was swung through the hands rapid fire. When it reached another newcomer to the club on the wing Benjy Joseland a momentary blink and you would have missed him scoring as Joseland’s *portentous acceleration beat the covering defence to score an excellent try.
Easts scored a try before the break however the Students were leading 15-5 going into the break.
It’s interesting to see cuisine on offer at suburban grounds. A perusal of yesterday’s salubrious menu items one would expect a side of truffle oil also included! The days of pies and a floury hot dog are long gone.
The second half was more of a grafting forty minutes. Easts scored another try but University continued forging ahead with some penalties by replacement winger James Kane.
University’s version of the Springbok bomb squad was brought on to give fresh legs into the side. The match ended without the flair of the first half but a sound result was achieved against strong opposition.
These last two weeks trials against quality opposition have tested University’s commitment to raise the bar this season.
Director of Rugby Nick Ryan summed up the focus from these trials. “This year there’s an emphasis and commitment to physicality and being fitter this year.”
Following a hiatus to iron out kinks in play, University will commence their 2025 Shute Shield campaign against West Harbour at Concord on 5 May.
- Portentous – Prodigious attribute