Sydney University

Vs

Warringah

By Bruce ‘China’ Lin

29 June 2024

Despite the rare dry conditions University was outgunned by a red hot Warringah team. Their first place on the Shute Shield table is justified as they hammered the Students 50-14 at their Warriewood rodents lair.

The Rats kept the ball alive and their phase play was constant back pedalling University. Warringah led 24-0 at the break. University could not gain any good field position so that they could at least herald any meaningful  type of tintinnabulation *.

The Ladies Day marquees at the northern end was the only bright views enjoyed by the small band of University supporters. It’s not everyday that we can participate as extras to a Barbie sequel with the plethora of denim and blonde hair on show!

The second half actually started on a positive note with University obtaining a penalty try through deliberate interference at the ruck. 24-7 was a start but turnovers, missed tackles and mistakes compounded University’s hurt as Warringah punished the Students at every opportunity. Soon the score had ballooned to 36-7 mid way through the second half. University scored another converted try by breakaway Sam Allsopp following some good phases of rucking near the Rats line. Unfortunately University’s scoreline ended there. Warringah continued their onslaught and the final score was 50-14.

Although it was a bitter pill to swallow all clubs go through these periods. The young University team will learn from this and no doubt bounce back.

Next week we return to University against Southern Districts a team we narrowly lost to on another rainy day.

*Tintinnabulation – a ringing of bells.