Second Grade (Colin Caird Shield)
Second Grade: Sydney University 21 (Byron Hodge, Samuel Barclay, Christian Yassmin tries; Byron Hodge 3 goals) defeated Parramatta 20 (Mazeen Tasavili 2 tries; James Benton 2 goals, 2 pen goals) at Merrylands Regional Park.
Third Grade (Henderson Shield)
Third Grade: Sydney University 24 (Maxwell Hughes, Alexander Jackman, Coner O’Shea, Edward L’Estrange tries; Richie Williams 2 goals) defeated Parramatta 7 (George Tafua try; Lucas Baxter goal) at Merrylands Regional Park.
Fourth Grade (Henderson Cup)
By James Cameron (Coach)
I hope that in future seasons many of the players currently in 4th Grade will feature regularly in the three o’clock fixture. On Saturday at Merrylands they were able to do that while still representing 4th Grade as we kicked off the day’s fixtures with a tough 42-7 win over the Two Blues. The first 10 minutes was closely contested as Uni fought hard to break down determined Parramatta defence. The players soon learned that running upright into much bigger opponents wasn’t going to yield great success. The scorer was first called into action after 10 minutes as Uni turned their pressure into points. The remainder of the half was a try feast as Uni scored all of their points in that 20 minute period to lead 42-0 at half time.
The second half was not quite so one sided; Parramatta refused to give up and scored themselves soon after half time as the boys again discovered how not to tackle big opposition forwards. Uni had some chances of their own but often the last pass did not stick and a few tries went begging; full credit to Parramatta’s defence in the second half to keep us scoreless.
It was a pleasing response from the boys after last week’s disappointing result. We managed to put the game out of reach of the opposition by half time and we’ll be very happy if we can repeat that sort of prolific first half scoring each week. There were good performances throughout the team: special mention to Tom Wilson who kicked 100% for the third week running. Yoki Takeuchi, Netani Qicatabua and Tyne Holmes picked up the points for the week.
Fourth Grade: Sydney University 42 (Youki Takeuchi, Tyne Homes, Netani Qucatubua, Edward L’Estrange, Nicholas Burden, Fred Burdon tries; Tom Wilson 6 goals) defeated Parramatta 7 (Ratuvula Senibua try; Jonathan Lagos goal) at Merrylands Regional Park.
First Colts (W. McMahon Memorial Shield)
By Robert Taylor (Colts Head Coach)
You have to give Parramatta a lot of respect for the passion and commitment to keep finding players and organizing themselves to put up a fight each Saturday. Our boys knew there would be some sore bodies regardless of the score and maybe a few dented egos if they got their tackle technique wrong.
On a very narrow field, we knew the lay of the land suited them so we had to ensure we were very dominant going forward to generate space out wider to get our backs punching holes. It took a while to break them down but once our fitness started to kick in, the big hits started to become passive tackles. Hugh Summerhayes playing No.6 benefitted the most, walking away with a hat-trick of tries. Theo Strang playing halfback guided the forward pack around the park into space and mismatches, while Sam Renton kicked very well, whether it was a nice attacking grubber or kicking a conversion.
First Colts: Sydney University 61 (Hugh Summerhayes 3, Conor O’Doherty 2, Theo Strang 2, James Kane 2 tries; Samuel Renton 4 goals, James Kane 4 goals) defeated Parramatta 10 (Joshua Delailoa try; Jaydon Lonergan goal, pen goal) at Merrylands Regional Park 2.
Second Colts (Shell Trophy)
Second Colts: Sydney University 41 (Ethan Miller 2, Davis Jensen, Benny Watt, Harry Potter, Tim McCutcheon tries; Harry Potter 3 goals) defeated Parramatta 7 (Penimapa Tuitupou try; Netane Masima goal) at Merrylands Regional Park 2.
Third Colts (Bill Simpson Shield)
By Gabriel Enright (Coach)
Finally back in the winners circle with a commanding yet clumsy performance sealing a 35-10 victory against the Parramatta Two Blues. The first 15 minutes saw the Students pitch a tent on Parramatta’s try line and after several failed attempts a try was finally scored in the corner and then another. Daniel Poletto was sublime with the boot banging over several conversions from the sidelines.
The second half Hoodoo looked set to rear its ugly head again with the Students forgetting to catch the kick off and allowing Parramatta to regather and press the try line for an extended period. On this occasion the defensive line held with some courageous tackling that signalled the best period of defence the team has displayed this season.
Winning the second half by 21-7, the first second half victory in several weeks, was a great stress reliever for the whole team, including the coaches, and a return to singing the club song after two defeats had buoyed the spirits as we set our sights on mauling Gordon next week.
Sean O’Byrne was outstanding at flanker for 3 points while the Lock combination of Angus Chapman and Brad Hauville bagged the two and one point respectively.
Third Colts: Sydney University 35 (Dane Stephens, Angus Chapman, Tom Farnell, Harrison Croker, Alexander MacDonald tries; Daniel Poletto 5 goals) defeated Parramatta 10 (Zac Morris try; Dallas Paterson goal, pen goal) at Merrylands Regional Park 2.