Second Grade (Colin Caird Shield)
By Ray Hudd (Coach)
After a disappointing loss against Gordon 2nd Grade bounced back with an away win over Penrith.
Dylan Oldfield, Harrison Cully, Matthew Hood and James Kane showed their speed and skill out wide. Leading the charge up the middle was Ben Betts, Jack Bliss, Jack Blair and Harrison Williams.
Our inside men, Thomas Koerstz, Edward L’Estrange and Alfred Paea managed the game well and steered the team to victory.
Man of the Match – Ben Betts
Full time score Sydney Uni 83 def Penrith 7
Third Grade (Henderson Shield)
By Tom Heslop (Coach)
Round 6 against the mighty Emus is always a highlight on the calendar, a chance to get out of Sydney and an opportunity to enjoy the famous Emu burger (or two).
The Students were in for a challenging match with former Sydney Uni, Wallaby and now Penrith Head Coach Julian Huxley leading Penrith around the park. With the ball on a string, the Emus were first to score off a well place kick and a strong chase against the sleeping back three.
The Students fought hard, with focus on hard running lines led by Library resident and ladies’ man Koni, followed by the bouldering Ezrah, meant the Students were in full force. Uni Skipper and Club legend Scott Stumbles kept the structure, with the game opening up the Students fitness was the winner of the match, leading to some individual brilliance from Pat Muller which helped secure the 46-19 bonus point win.
Full time score Sydney Uni 46 def Penrith 19
First Colts (W. McMahon Memorial Shield)
By Robert Taylor (Colts Head Coach)
Our focus going into the game was to add another layer of performance and execution of our playing principles. We were not focused on the colours of the opposition jersey, pride in our performance is our ultimate measure. I will never forget the Penrith game from 2016 where they were up by three tries going into the last 15 minutes, we had not lost a game and it was Round 15. That day, they came direct and hard at us and our guys thought it would be a holiday, it was a beautiful lesson for them. This years Colts were determined to go one better by the quality of our preparation and performance, and that is a continuing theme and challenge this season, can the 2017 Colts go that one higher standard in quality than the 2016 group? It sure is going to be a tough challenge but one to watch with interest.
At the end of the game, it was the quality the younger players and debutants played with. Notable performances on debut where from all four of them; Josh Sheridan (7), Joe Schwager (12), Ed Renton (10) and Strath Yeo (14). They all being first year Colts, the future is looking strong for University rugby.
Full time score Sydney Uni 95 def Penrith 10
Second Colts (Shell Trophy)
By Connor Farnell (Player)
After a dominant performance against Gordon last week, 2nd Colts were looking to continue building momentum in the competition, showcase their skills and come out firing against Penrith on a good day for footy at St. Paul’s.
Through a dominant set-piece the Students were able to capitalise on field position early on and convert the pressure into points through Hayden Pomare. Connor Grindal soon busted over the line followed by a slippery Ed Renton going through Penrith’s defensive line. Despite having most of the possession in the first-half, some respectable defence from Penrith held the score to 19-0 at halftime.
The Students started to flow in the second half and so did the points. The team focused on running the ball from all positions on the park which resulted in numerous tries being scored with a number of boys crossing the line for a meat pie. 2nd Colts were able to maintain their defensive structures to keep Penrith scoreless. Full credit to the boys as always for a big 62-0 win.
Full time score Sydney Uni 62 def Penrith 0
Third Colts (Bill Simpson Shield)
By Gabriel Enright (Coach)
With Penrith forfeiting the match well in advance the management of the Emu’s Colts Club re-assured us that a game would be played, not for points, not for bragging rights, but for the very survival of the code at the Colts level in Sydney’s West. When the team lists hit the wire in Friday afternoons SUFC E-Program a simple search revealed a sprinkling of Illawarra Colts fresh off NSW Country Championships and a trio of top flight League Schoolboys were inclusions. They were coming to play…
With “Trainer of the Week” Max Miller’s paperwork not going through the SUFC 3rd Colts were down to 14 players, everyone would have to start, everyone would have to finish… It would not matter, 3rd Colts were too fit, too fast, too creative and too well drilled and took the game by 48-17 points.
Probably the biggest gain for the team on Saturday was the Man of the Match performance by the youngest recruit Oliver Young at Scrumhalf… In delivering 20 superb passes within the first five minutes of play Oli Young went the distance and capped of his performance with a couple of fantastic tries. 3 Points – Well earnt, Jack Mackenzie-Wood at 7 was torrid for the 2 points while Sofalino ‘Ringo’ Latu played a stellar game up front for the point.
Full time score Sydney Uni 48 def Penrith 17