Three returning Waratah squad members were enjoying the celebrations after a forceful 46-7 victory against Gordon at Chatswood Oval last Saturday.
The first ten minutes was an arm wrestle, as Gordon was able to halt University forays. The dyke finally burst after thirteen minutes when University loosehead prop Jeremy Tilse was the last man picking and driving to smash over the Gordon line. Dan Kelly’s conversion, and a further penalty saw University take a 10-0 lead mid-way through the first half.
University was giving the ball ample width but with minimal results, until they managed to set a five metre scrum to unleash their power play.
Packing more venom than a Packer – Gyngell Greco-Roman exhibition, the University scrum trampled over the Gordon scrum to allow Captain and number eight Tom Boidin to score. University had a handy lead of 17-0 at the halftime break and there was plenty left in their armoury to continue scoring for the second half.
A ten minute halftime break at Chatswood has endless options. Checking your vehicle tyres for council ranger chalk, or perhaps grab a last minute mother’s day present to avoid grief on Sunday.
University’s second half saw the Students raise the pressure on Gordon. The Students recycling could not be countered by the Highlanders and quick tries were constructed and scored by fullback Jack Macklin and breakaway Hugo Dessens after a speculative kick through by hooker James Willan.
The score had ballooned to 32-0 but the best try was still to come. University were attacking towards the score board and shifted the ball quickly through the backs. Outside centre Chris Ingate busted the Gordon line with bewildering running lines and offloaded to the supporting Dan Kelly on his inside. Kelly ran hard towards the posts to score and convert his own try.
Gordon’s only points came from halfback Preston leaping over a ruck to score and convert his try. University continued playing right to the bell and another backline raid allowed replacement centre Dane McCarthy to slip past some tired defenders to score near the posts for the game’s final try.
A good win by the Students although University has still not reached their full potential, and some hard matches ahead will certainly test the Students mettle.