In a difficult day at the office, University succumbed to the Warringah Rats at their wind swept rat’s lair last Saturday. 15-12 was the final score in an encounter with plenty of passion and feeling.
It was difficult to gauge who had the wind advantage as even the sparrows were flying in circles. Irrespective Rats captain five eighth Hamish Angus of the Royal and Ancient St Andrews potted an early penalty for a three nil lead. How significant these three points proved at the culmination of the days play.
University depleted by the Waratahs Contiki development tour to Japan eventually managed to gain some rhythm. Whilst attacking towards the grandstand Angus passed without looking only to see it gleefully received by University. New starting winger Eddy King anticipated the ball and intercepted it pinning his ears back racing downfield for a neat try.
University were now ahead by 5-3 and soon after increased their lead. From the kickoff the ball was recycled upfield. At a precise moment University’s speedy fullback Tim Clements injected himself into the backline slicing right through. University’s Young Sheldon tore down the centre drawing the last line of defence. At the appropriate moment Clements passed inside to his support five eighth Daniel Poletto who scored untouched under the posts for a converted try. 12-3 was the lead for the remainder of the half as both sides were just trying to manage the arduous conditions.
Again University attracted a healthy crowd. The game coincided with Warringah’s Ladies Day with a Havana Garden Party themed marquee. By the attire of some of the ladies frocks on a cold day, Cuba’s late leader Fidel Castro would have choked on his Cuban cigar smoke. There was also a new pretender to the mantle of Sydney rugby’s most amusing ground announcer (who is this man?). The Rat’s announcer had some lines cracked open from a cryogenic chamber sprinkled liberally with satire, puns and parodies. Watch out Andrew Coorey there may be a new sheriff in town!
Unfortunately the second half was a dour affair and Warringah took full advantage of the conditions scoring two bustling tries. University could not increase their score line and frustrations started to boilover with unnecessary skirmishes throughout the game.
University could not pull out a Houdini escape act on this occasion as time ran out. Warringah were victors and University salvaged one bonus point.
The game could have easily swung to University but luck was not on their side. Some perplexing referee decisions also stopped University achieving some advantage. Better to forget this game and regroup next week.
Next week University are at home against our dear old rivals Randwick.
Trys: D. Poletto (1), E. King (1)
Conversions: D. Poletto (1)