Sydney University
Vs
Gordon.
16 August 2025
By Bruce China Lin
The first week of the semi finals had a number of the club’s teams enjoying a home ground fixture at Camperdown last Saturday. Unfortunately first grade colts suffered a frustrating loss against a Gordon which enjoyed the rub of the green with fortuitous penalties and phases of play to defeat University 36-20.
Gordon came out like a wounded bull scoring a try after fifty seconds. But University were not a bunch of fifteen *flummery fellows and proceeded to build phases and soon winger Ben Chick was on show.
University spread the ball wide through the hands and winger Chick received the final pass after centres O’Connor and Mitchell made territory. Chick pinned his ears back and made a bee line towards the corner to dive over and score. Score parity had been achieved however Gordon’s recycling was on cue and they soon scored two quick tries to lead the Students 22-5.
But University were not about to coast along till halftime and once inside the Gordon quarter some heavy rucking play was executed. University’s patience paid off when Australian under 20 secondrower Joe Mangelsdorf ran hard onto the ball and extended the arm of his 6 ft 5’ frame over the line to score. The conversion was charged down surprisingly and at half time the scoreline was 22-10 favouring the team from Chatswood.
But following the half time break University’s rhythm could not be ignited. The lack of offside penalties were cruelling University and when Gordon proceeded to inch their way inside University territory punishment was unleashed. Soon they were ahead 29-10 but then another Ben Chick try and a forward rush saw the Students trailing 29-20 with about fifteen minutes left to play.
But akin to a CD on repeat mode Gordon camped themselves inside the University quarter. A quick shift to the blindside saw a supposed try under an avalanche of blue and gold defenders. University definitely had no luck as the referee consulted his assistant referee who must have eaten a kilogram of carrots for an enhanced beta-carotene content for eyesight to identify under the mountain of flesh for a thumbs up try.
Final score was 36-20. Not the preferred ending for their 2025 campaign but the signs are still good with both seconds and third colts still in the hunt. Our third grade winning but seconds losing 18-19 to Randwick but having a second bite next week at Rat Park vs Manly.
The future of the club is on track and has not gone unnoticed by observers. One such observer was former long serving club President David Mortimer AO. “I’m an innocent bystander now and just the Chairman of the Friends Foundation . But I can see the talent in the colt’s ranks. Players like Beau Morrison and Joe Mangelsdorf who both made the Australian under 20’s are really making a statement.” Said the club stalwart.
*Flummery – A soft jelly or porridge made with flour or meal.