Sydney University
Vs
Eastern Suburbs
By Bruce ‘China’ Lin
23 March 2024
The afternoon was a hot affair last Saturday at Woollahra Oval. With temperatures in the high 20’s radiating from the artificial air fryer surface rendering those on the field as human *croquettes, University succumbed to Eastern Suburbs but not without a burst at the end.
Both sides were physical throughout the game. Easts had a sprinkling of Waratah representatives in their ranks. A few opportunistic tries in the first half had them just ahead at half time. Second rower Villi Cocker scored a bullocking try under the posts for the Students.
Following the break Easts got lucky with *egregious bounces of the ball allowing them to surge ahead against the run of play. University were unlucky on numerous occasions to record scores. Both teams in the latter stages of the second half rotated players.
University’s tactic probably paid off with the fresh legs introduced. University’s slippery seal five eighth Sam Bignold glided through the Easts wall from five metres out. Then some ad lib play from his days as an Australian seven’s veteran shone. Replacement inside centre Simon Kennewell split the line wide and chipped over the top. The ball was regathered and backed up by Kennewell who powered towards the posts like a Subaru WRX in 6th gear.
But alas it was too late and the game ended with Easts victorious 35-28. Positives are always derived from trials. No doubt the University coaching trust will fine tune the teams in the next two weeks before the season commences.
Our first Shute Shield game will be at University on 6 April against the Northern Suburbs Shoremen.
*croquette – A deep fried roll originating in French cuisine.
*egregious – outstandingly bad, shocking.