Sydney University
Vs
Gordon.
22/08/2026
By Bruce China Lin
University head coach John Manenti must have attended the Sarks religious items store Parramatta Road Burwood. There he undoubtedly purchased a 4×4 poster of the Blarney Stone and planted a big kiss on it. Sheer luck was required for University to live another day next week after losing to Gordon last Saturday at Chatswood oval 40-35. The Warringah Rats 31-26 victory over Randwick enabled University to live another day.
University’s excellent first half was eroded as Gordon whittled away University’s lead and preyed on University committing *zugzwang during the second half.
University commenced the scoring after a period of pressing the Gordon line with heavy rucking. Prop Tam Lambert eventually reached out and slammed the ball over the line for a converted try.
The Students were ahead 7-0 but the lead was momentary. Gordon were inside the University twenty two metre area. The ball was swung wide and a break was made. With an overlap the ball was kept alive and their winger Snook scored a converted try.
There was no change in scores until the twenty fifth minute until a ripped ball turnover by Gordon saw the introduction of the machine B Joseland into proceedings. The turnover was quickly shifted to the blindside. Number eight Baron Nick Champion De Crespigny drew defenders and passed to Benjy Joseland who just burnt rubber down the touchline for another converted try for a Students lead of 14-7.
Gordon replied with a rolling maul try. However it was unconverted and University still maintained the slimmest of leads at 14-12.
But the name Joseland was etched into the minds with those at the ground. Attacking inside the Gordon quarter the ball was moved through the hands from a ruck. Five eighth Joey Fowler with vision passed delicately back inside where Joseland exploded through a gap top score another try under the uprights. A 21-12 halftime lead was handy. But 28-12 could be classed as even more appealing on the cusp of halftime.
A misdirected Gordon line out ball was secured by University halfback Schmude who executed a long looping cut out to the wing. Through the hands it was moved upfield. Outside centre Fakafanua drew defenders until it was time to deliver once again to Joseland. With pace on a par with the Shinkansen bullet train, Joseland motored down the touchline for another impressive converted try .The smaller stand jammed with University supporters echoed the Uni,Uni chant. You could even hear it coming from the platform of the nearby metro station as the Students returned to the sheds at halftime with a 28-12 lead.
There could be only one mission for the second half-to continue the pressure for the next forty minutes. But for reasons which would brain tease the famous psychic Nostradamus Gordon slowly but surely pegged back the scoreline.
A series of crucial mistakes such as kick off reception, turnovers ,penalties and knock on’s gifted Gordon field position and space to mount waves of attacks. University’s over exhuberance may have contributed to this with pushed passes in attacking positions falling back into the hands of Gordon.
Joseland scored another try in the corner but Gordon was monopolizing possession. When Gordon scored the penultimate try late in the game it was a forlorn looking University. Gordon held possession and drew down the clock for an extraordinary comeback to win 40-35.
The University players were naturally extremely disappointed after blowing a good halftime lead. University head coach John Manenti put things in perspective during the debrief.
“We needed to hold onto the ball and did not need to score every time. Today we beat ourselves and we take our medicine. We are in the hands of the god’s now,” said the frustrated Manenti.
It is indeed fortunate that the machinations of the semi finals format has allowed University to have a lifeline. Perhaps the Gordon loss was the ultimate wakeup call? Only time will tell with a gargantuan sudden death head to head with Eastern suburbs next Saturday at Woollahra oval.
*Zugzwang- A term used in chess where every move worsens your position.