Sydney University
Vs
Easts
29/08/2026
By Bruce China Lin
There were no second chances last Saturday at Woollahra Oval. University after a lifeline last week were up against the minor premiers Eastern Suburbs.
Unfortunately in an epic struggle University fell short 38-31. Early mistakes were University’s achilles heel and against Easts it is fraught with danger.
Easts scored early with a rolling five metre maul. University had not secured any decent ball for any meaningful attack until the tenth minute.
A University lineout was formed on the halfway line. The ball was spread beautifully through the hands along the backline. Inside centre George Poolman sent a long cut out to breakaway Ollie Harvey who had looped around in support. Harvey sensibly drew defenders like a chux wipe and then offloaded to the machine Benjy Joseland. Joseland unleashed some explosive pace down the golf course flank smoking cover defenders ultimately crashing over in the corner. The try was unconverted but scores reflected 7-5 to Easts.
Easts were relentless inside the University five metre zone. A long cut out saw them lead 12-5. But University hooker Fainga’a had other ideas and burrowed under the posts later for scores to be even 12-12.
But a sin binning did not help the Students cause. Easts extracted more blood with another five metre rolling maul try. But captain Eamon Doyle on halftime decided to reduce the scoreline with a bullocking try in the corner to trail 26-17 at halftime.
A pulsating match against two heavyweight contenders with only one victor going to Leichhardt oval next week. You could feel the tension in the air. No one was leaving the ground to sample the early tasting menu at Catalina restaurant down Rose Bay. Fashionista mothers Ruth Matthews and Kate Robinson were ensconced looking into the western sun spritzing themselves with Sukin hydrating mist for the next forty minutes.
The second half did not start peachy for University. Winger Tom Morrison was brought down after an early attacking move. Easts Waratah fullback Harvey somehow collected the ball from the ruck and simply re engineered defence into attack. Harvey waltzed downfield for the easiest of tries. Easts now led 33-17 and University’s mission was made that much harder. Easts continued pressing inside the University half but once again the man who could make GQ Magazines man of the year Benjy Joseland decided to stretch his legs.
A drifting ball along the Easts backline saw Joseland intercept it at full speed. Joseland ran seventy metres for a converted try under the posts. University were back in business but still trailing 33-24.
But Joseland could not be stopped and another fruitful attack down the clubhouse touchline saw Joseland crash over in the corner. The try was converted and University now only trailed 33-31.
But Easts continued pressing the Students and a gap allowed their second rower to slice through to gallop away for a try. The try was unconverted and with still thirteen minutes left University could extract a converted try to reach parity at 38-38 and then dook it out in extra time.
University maintained pressure with replacements coming on for both sides. Wave after wave of University raids were executed only for Easts to defend stoically. A raid was made down the scoreboard side. University had to keep the ball alive at all costs. But agony ensued with the ball being spilled. Easts prevailed to the elation of their fans whilst the young Students team were left devastated that their 2026 was now over.
Despite not reaching the grand final University can hold their heads high. Head coach John Manenti and his fantastic co coaches Liam Winton and Chris De Looze have made an incredible impact this season. After three years in the finals wilderness University are not far off from the glory days again.
Next weekend at Leichhardt oval the club will feature in grand finals for second, third and fourth grade. Colt’s two will also feature on Sunday. A grand achievement indeed.
After next weekend we can all take a collective deep breath and indulge in a bit of *melifluous activities.
*Melifluous- pleasantly smooth and soothing to hear.