Sydney University def Penrith 80-26 (3.00pm, Nepean Rugby Park)
Penrith may have lost their second round against the highly fancied Sydney University but the score certainly doesn’t tell the full story. The team from Western Sydney were up against it in just their second match under mentor and former Wallaby Jeremy Paul and if there was any test of their progress as a team to date, this would be it. If the Students expected a walk over from the start they were in for a shock as a new look and determined Penrith side flew out of the gates early to open the scoring with the first try of the day. The Students were quick to respond but the first half proved a physical affair, as both teams wrestled for possession. Sydney University soon gained control and despite a second try to the Emus, the experience and slick execution of the Students was soon evident and they lead at half time 42-12.
Again the Emus were not quite ready to capitulate and in what is clearly a new spirit within this Western Sydney side, they came out fighting early in the second half and again managed to add another 14 points to their tally to take their team score to one of the highest it’s been in over a season. As expected the Students would always be a difficult opponent to beat and as they upped their intensity this well drilled side ran in a series of late tries to close out the match, 56-26. Uni’s Matthew Narracott had an outstanding game this week with three tries to his name, while Angus Roberts notched up a try and 10 conversions to his personal tally. Jake Wainwright, Rohan O’Regan and club stalwart Tom Carter were also exceptional on the day.
For Penrith, Nemane Ramone and Joseph Faoagali performed well but full credit to the entire team today for they have shown that they are developing well under new coach Jeremy Paul. Certainly they can take much from this result as they head into another epic confrontation next week against the defending champions Eastwood. The result also sees Sydney University top the ladder while Penrith secured a bonus point for their efforts today and have leaped off the bottom of the table for the first time in over a year.
Sydney University 80 (Tries: M.Narracott 3, T.Carter, F.Fainga’a, J.Gordon, B.Hodge, R.O’Regan, A.Roberts, M.Sandell, S.Tanganoa, J.Wainwright. Conv: A.Roberts 10) def Penrith 26 (Tries: N. Ramone 2, J.Havea, Haufini. Conv: J.Faoagali 3.)
Referee: Anthony Moyes, Assistant Referees: James Marshall and Colm McCaughan
Other Results – Round 2 vs. Penrith
Second Grade (Colin Caird Shield): Sydney University): Sydney University 87 defeated Penrith 7.
Third Grade (Henderson Shield): Sydney University 55 defeated Penrith 0.
Fourth Grade (Henderson Cup): Sydney University 90 defeated Penrith 0.
Alexander Jackman made is debut in Grade this weekend in 3rd Grade
First Colts (W. McMahon Memorial Shield): Sydney University 50 defeated Penrith 20 at Nepean Rugby Park.
Second Colts (Shell Trophy): Sydney University 38 defeated Penrith 7.
Third Colts (Bill Simpson Shield): Sydney University 50 defeated Penrith 12.