Sydney University rediscovered their mojo with a comprehensive 44-0 victory over Eastern Suburbs last Saturday at Woollahra Oval.
Following a week where Sydneysiders endured torrential rain, high house prices and the media focus on Gabi Grecko and Geoffrey Edelsten, an afternoon of rugby in the crisp winter air of Bellevue Hill was the setting to admire the attacking flair of the Students.
Unfortunately for Easts the parting words of a celebrated Warner Bros. character of Merrie Melodies fame summed up their day “Th-th-th-that’s all folks!” as no points were scored against University.
The returning Melbourne Rebel Tom Kingston had that mesmerising presence to create an impact by having a hand in three of the six tries for the day. After ten minutes a loose ball was regathered by Kingston along the golf course side. The outside centre shot down the field beating a swag of cover defenders . Nearing the Easts 22 metre area Kingston passed inside for his supporting number 8 Mitchell Whiteley to score near the posts for an Angus Roberts converted try.
University had shifted from third to fourth gear. Fifth gear was soon engaged. University were recycling possession quickly and placed Easts under enormous pressure. A ruck was formed 5 metres out from the Easts line. University’s cunning halfback Jake Gordon, spotted an exposed right edge off the ruck and darted through for a simple try under the posts.
Score was 14-0 and soon increased to 20-0 after some Roberts’ penalty goals. The halftime siren sounded with University enjoying a solid lead with plenty of fuel left in the tank. Coach Nobby Malone’s instructions during the break were obvious- for University to put their foot on the accelerator and run roughshod over Easts.
University always have a penchant for attracting good crowds at suburban grounds and today was no exception. The Easts Club had a Winter Warmer theme day in full swing. There was the smell of a barbecue, ladies galore enjoying a glass of Cuvee des Enchanteleurs while rummaging through a Gucci remnant sale inside the club house adding to the carnival atmosphere.
The commencement of the second half was Nobby Malone’s wish to Santa arriving early. From the kick off University were really spreading the ball wide. Again Tom Kingston loomed in support to receive a pass along the northern touchline. With astonishing acceleration Kingston scorched downfield scoring a try to demonstrate his proficiency to fulgurate*. Or for those Latvians amongst the club zibsnit!
So potent is Kingston’s speed and agility that he could almost continue down to the Catalina restaurant, look at the signature dish – roasted suckling pig with spicy tomato chutney and whole grain mustard jus and return before the kick off. At $110 this was enough for Tom to come back as he needed an extra credit card!
University’s fourth try was a combination between the players with the fast twitch muscles Kingston, O’Dare and Jeloudev passing and supporting between them for a length of the field try. Scoreline had ballooned to 32-0. Not to let those flamboyant backs receive all the adulation, the next University try was scored by one of the crew who mixes amongst the burly. Shifting the ball to the club house side, five eighth Stuart Dunbar executed a short pass for prop Tom Robertson. Robertson ran through a yawning gap and wave to the crowd before scoring under the posts increasing the scoreline to 39-0.
The final minutes saw University blood a number of colts. One of the debuting colts in the run on side hooker Declan Moore played like a veteran. Declan’s poor mother’s nerves were allayed by University’s touchline whisperer University captain David Hickey’s mother Di.
The game concluded when Easts were attempting to run the ball from their quarter and committed a cardinal sin by passing over a shoulder without looking. The ball was received by University’s replacement Jock Merriman for a final try to finish the game at 44-0.
A good win by the Students but nothing to get carried away with. Next Saturday the University clubs legendary Services Day will be held at University Oval. University will battle West Harbour while NSW Police versus Fire and Rescue in a 10’s clash will entertain the crowd before the main game.
* Oxford dictionary – a flash like that of lightning