Sydney University
Vs
Northern Suburbs
27/07/2026
By Bruce ‘China’ Lin
University’s bug bear of inconsistent form continued last Saturday at North Sydney Oval with a 41-30 defeat. University failed to counter the disciplined Shoremen who capitalised on University mistakes and penalties.
Norths asserted dominance early with a penalty and a try to their dangerman fullback Wilcox who backed up a break down the blindside.10-0 ten minutes into the first half and University were well and truly facing a determined opposition.
But the Students *susurrus shyness was unshackled once inside the Norths five metre zone. The University rucking process took effect which saw returning Waratah prop Tom Lambert burrow over for a converted try. 10-7 University were still trailing but that was not for long.
University were attacking inside the twenty two metre area. Once the ball was received by outside centre George Poolman a hole appeared in the Norths defensive line akin to Charlton Heston parting the Red Sea in the *Ten Commandments. University were leading 14-10. But a bust by Norths was channeled to the eastern blindside. A looping cut out pass which suspiciously looked forward was received by the winger who scored in the corner for a 17-14 lead.
However on the cusp of halftime University were awarded a penalty for a high tackle breach which five eighth Joey Fowler kicked from forty metres out for an even scoreline of 17 all at halftime.
The Students could not maintain an ascendancy throughout the first half. Norths had in their mindset to never die wondering and the second half would be another arm wrestle.
A missed tackle from a clearing kick gave Norths considerable momentum . End result their halfback scored an easy try adjacent to the uprights. 24-17 and University required to refocus otherwise Norths would punish them.
University rallied with an excellent try to the other Poolman big brother centre Eddie. Fast hands towards the Miller street blindside saw speedy winger Boston Fakafanua create a break down the touchline. Fakafanua drew defenders and passed inside to George Poolman who unselfishly considered his senior sibling Eddie for an excellent try. The conversion was unsuccessful and University were trailing 24-22 with about twenty five minutes remaining.
Then a crash ball try by Norths experienced five eighth Burey under the posts and then
University were running out of time and a Tom Curtis penalty kept them withing striking distance at 31-25. But a penalty and a very innocuous try where Wilcox was allowed to get off the ground and run cruelled University. Concentration and discipline was the key in these tight moments and unfortunately the Students did not apply this. The score now ballooned to 41-25 and there was just on two minutes left to salvage a bonus point.
University did acquire a consolation bonus point on full time to halfback Olly Schmude but it was too late. Consistency evaded University today.
The coaching staff will have to remedy these faults as come next Saturday. University will confront the Manly Marlins at their home turf Manly Oval which is always a difficult assignment.
*Susurrus– A soft murmur or whisper.
*The Ten Commandments- 1956 epic bilblical motion picture directed by Cecil B.DeMille starring Charlton Heston as Moses.