Sydney University
Vs
Warringah
11 April 2026
By Bruce China Lin
The 2026 Shute Shield opened last Saturday. On a glorious autumn afternoon, University hosted the defending premiers and Australian club champions, the Warringah Rats.
Led by University’s 2026 Captain with a name straight out of *James Joyce’s novel Ulysses the giant leprechaun Eamon Doyle, for twenty five minutes the young University team stood toe to toe with a formidable opposition. The University scrum even shunted Warringah’s gargantuan pack for a penalty. But for all the collective enthusiasm will not beat experience. Once the green machine gained a sniff of opportunity they punished University.
Warringah led 17-0 at halftime through two converted tries and a penalty. Loose marking at rucks, turnovers and unnecessary penalties was the deadly trifecta the Students did not need.
University looked sharp and fit but could not mount a solid comeback in the second half. Warringah out muscled and stifled the Students continuity to perfection. Only when a loose sequence of play saw the ball shifted to the far northern flank did we see some attacking flair.
If the 70’s had the * Two Ronnies University saw the two Tom’s in action. Winger Tom Watts raced downfield and the Green Rats defence was scattered. Replacement five eighth former Sale Shark Tom Curtis backed up. With twinkle toes that would be the envy of a Coachella dancer, Tom Curtis drew the defence and offloaded to Tom Watts backing up who scored an exquisite Tom try.
But it was too late in the game. A few more opportunities did not come to fruition and 45-7 was the final score. A bit flattering but University were their own worst enemies. Against a heavyweight side like Warringah you will be punished mercilessly and be treated with *floccinaucinihilipilification.
Head coach John Manenti saw this defeat as a benchmark in the 2026 competition. For the Students who are on the rebuild this year to reach that standard further work is required. All very achievable and it comes next Saturday against the always difficult Southern District Rebels at their fortress Forshaw Park, Sylvania Waters.
*James Joyce– Irish novelist,poet and literary critic known for his experimental use of language and exploration of new literary methods.
*The Two Ronnies – Iconic British comedy show of sketches 1970-early 80’s starring the gregarious Ronnie Barker and the diminutive Ronnie Corbett.
* floccinaucinihilipilification -the act of regarding something to be worthless.