S.U.F.C. 2016

[boyo]

Round 18: Sydney Uni vs Parramatta

Super Saturday!
Game times/locations

Saturday 16th July
Sydney University Football Ground
3rd Grade 10:25
2nd Grade 11:50
1st Colts 13:25
1st Grade 15:00

St John’s Oval
4th Grade 9:10
3rd Colts 10:35
2nd Colts 11:50

Update on Club Championships

 

[boyo]

Students claim minor premiership

By Graham Croker
19th July, 2016
Sydney University claimed the 2016 Shute Shield minor premiership with a 35-12 win over Parramatta in the final round of the premier Sydney rugby union competition proper at the campus football ground on Saturday.
The Students had already claimed the Club Championship for a 13th consecutive season and the Colts Club Championship for a 12th year in a row when they produced a clean sweep in the three Colts and four grade matches against West Harbour the previous week.
Sydney University finished on 69 points with 13 wins, a draw and four losses (and 15 bonus points), with Southern Districts (68), Northern Suburbs (67), Warringah (63), Randwick (61) and Eastwood (61) making up a very tight top six.
In one of the most closely contested Shute Shields for many years, Manly (58) and Eastern Suburbs (54) were still contenders until the final four rounds. On their day any of the top eight sides could have beaten each other and the term ‘upset’ would not have been mentioned.
The qualifying finals this weekend will see the Students up against Eastwood at the Sydney University Football Ground, Southern Districts hosting Randwick at Forshaw Rugby Park, and Northern Suburbs hosting Warringah at North Sydney Oval.
Saturday’s five try to two win was a gutsy effort from the hosts, who were out-scrummed for one of the few times this season, on the wrong end of 14-9 penalty count, had limited possession and, as a result, territorial sway, and were mostly physically smaller across the park.
But they defended well and put points on the board on the few occasions they counter-attacked or were allowed to build phases. And that augers well for finals football where teams must make the most of their chances and defend their line.
The Students went to the break leading 14-nil, having posted two converted tries on the rare occasions they touched the ball in light of an 8-1 first half penalty count.
Five-eighth Stuart Dunbar scored the first after he found fullback Angus Roberts with an inside pass and backed up to place the ball under the posts.

The second was scored by hooker Folau Fainga’a, a number 10 in a number 2’s body. Outside-centre Chris Ingate made big inroads with a bustling run and, from the ensuing ruck, the Dunbars, Stuart and flanker Hamish combined to send Fainga’a on his way. Winger Christian Kagiassis converted both tries.
Prop Al Ryan scored soon after the break on a pick-and-drive assault after inside-centre Tom Carter had taken play close to the line. Kagiassis converted for a 21-0 scoreline.
The Two Blues finally put their scrum dominance to use 15 minutes into the second half when five-eighth Robbie Mate looped blindside winger Robbie Duff to send openside winger Josh Minhinnick over in the corner in a well-worked move.
But the Students his back immediately when Roberts and Kagiassis combined to send Ingate over for a well-deserved five-pointer. Kagiassis did the honours once again.
With 10 minutes to go, Parramatta posted their second try when hooker Aaron Blacklock took a quick tap from a penalty near the line and sent second-rower Senio Toleafoa over.
The hosts had the final say when Roberts fielded a kick 60 metres out and blazed a trail through the defence using speed and guile for a fitting finale.
In an unusual sight during the second half, Parramatta fielded Waratahs hooker Tatafu Polota Nau at blindside flanker in what might be his final appearance for the club, and Sydney University fielded Folau Fainga’a in the same position after a scrum reshuffle. Neither were out of place.

First Grade (Shute Shield)

First Grade: Sydney University 35 (Folau Fainga’a 2, Stuart Dunbar, Chris Ingate, Alastair Ryan tries; Christian Kagiassis 4 goals, Angus Roberts goal) defeated Parramatta 12 (Senio Toleafoa, Josh Minhinnick) at Sydney University Football Ground Oval on Saturday.
TO WATCH THE FULL GAME, CLICK HERE:

​

 

[boyo]

China's 1st Grade Report

By Bruce "China" Lin
A 35-12 victory last Saturday at the SUFG was significant in many respects. It heralded University’s 2016 minor premiership, the club championship and recognising our volunteers on ‘Rounders Day’ over a very tough and ever improving Parramatta Two Blues.
University were confronted with a particularly strong Parramatta pack whose set piece was causing headaches for the Students. A counter to this was to play the game at a frenetic speed. The tactic worked when fullback Angus Roberts split the defence to allow five eighth Stuart Dunbar backing over Robert’s shoulder to score under the posts. The converted try was followed up with the younger of the Dunbar clan breakaway Hamish, scoring after a trademark bumping raid down the grandstand side by the dynamic hooker – breakaway Folau Fainga'a.
Both teams were not about to coast in the final competition game of the season. They both ripped into each other causing mothers in the grandstand to shudder. University led 14-0 at the break. Not a particularly gastronomic lead against a stubborn and dangerous Two Blues.
The second half was likened to gaining a senate majority . University managed to entrench themselves inside the Parramatta 22 metre area. The phases that followed were like Pokémon Go had converged to Western Avenue Camperdown. There was ferocious rucking and players were piled everywhere for a try under the posts. 21-0 was the score but the wounded Parramatta never threw in the towel. Parramatta quickly responded with a try in the northern corner simply by throwing the ball through the backline.
As the half continued University were increasing the speed of the game. Clearing kicks were minimal and running rugby was the mantra. University wanted to avoid any scrums as the Parramatta pack was now bolstered by their great hooker and clubman Tatafu Polota -Nau. The next try was a superb execution in support play. Roberts regathered a kick later linking with University winger Christian Kagiassis travelling at speed. Kagiassis running hard and straight continued play downfield. The talented winger passed to his trailing support outside centre Chris Ingate who scored University’s bonus point try.

Two further tries were scored by the Students and the last was reserved for the man of the match Angus Roberts. The fullback’s silken running lines were displayed after receiving a loose pass from a scrum just inside the Parramatta half. Roberts from a standing start sliced through a gap and glided downfield without a hand touching him to touch down beside the posts.
The full time bell sounded and the Shute Shield minor premiership had been achieved. The first time in 7 years that University could claim this alongside the war chest of club championships.
The dressing room was a sea of singing, dancing and backslaps amongst the University fraternity. The Tongan lads were doing a victory jig. Head coach Tim Davidson was full of praise for a variety of people. Club President Angus Stuart in his maiden year at the helm was beaming with pride. Rookie of the year Christian Kagiassis was sipping an ale and humming to the dulcet sounds of Giannis Ploutarxos. Captain Tom Carter was absorbing this period of his colourful career. Classing the minor premiership as one of his most treasured rugby moments the stalwart will lead University again next week in the first round of semi finals.
Will Tom Carter retire or adhere to those words of celebrated United States Army General Douglas Macarthur- “I shall return!” Keep supporting the Students to find out!

 

[boyo]

20TH JULY, 2016

For the 13th consecutive year, we are pleased to announce that Sydney University Football Club have officially been crowned the 2016 Club Champions, winners of the Gregor George Cup.

The Club Championships goes beyond the strength of a single team come Grand Final day, and is instead reflective of the strength of the entire Club throughout the whole season. Our success as a Club for the season largely falls on this achievement - it demonstrates our ability to consistently perform across all Grades and Colts teams. It is our number one goal as a club, so please join us in congratulating and thanking everyone involved!
Along with the Club Championships, we also proudly congratulate our Colts on winning the 2016 Colts Club Championships, the Eric Spilsted Shield. Another extraordinary achievement!

 

[boyo]

Finals Week 1

GRADE | Saturday 23rd July

Sydney University Football Ground
4th Grade: Sydney University vs. Manly 10.15am
3rd Grade Sydney University vs. Randwick 11.40am
2nd Grade: Eastwood vs. Sydney University 1.15pm
1st Grade: Sydney University vs. Eastwood 3.00pm
** Please note that gate entry is run through Sydney Rugby Union, not SUFC. ThereforeMembership cards will not be valid, and students will not be free.
Prices will be as follow:
Adults - $20
SRU Season Pass Holders - $10 (Not SUFC Season Passes)
Children (Under 17 years) - Free
Pensioners - Free

COLTS | Saturday 23rd July

Chatswood Oval
3rd Colts: Sydney University vs. Southern Districts 10.00am
2nd Colts: Sydney University vs. Eastwood 11.30am
1st Colts: Sydney University vs. Eastwood 1.10pm

 

[boyo]

Sydney University player, Tolu Latu, credits his mum for his Green and Gold dream

Written by Sophie Harrison.
8th November, 2016.
Moving from New Zealand to Australia with his mother Sharon at the tender age of two, Tolu Latu simply wanted to make a better life for himself and his mother in Sydney.

Latu's aspirations to play professional rugby were fostered by his mother from a young age, as she worked in a factory in Sydney's suburbs where the small family grew up, taking extra shifts regularly to help her son move his way through the ranks.
Latu, who became the Wallabies 12th debutant of 2016 and Wallaby No. 902 against Wales on 6th November, described in a touching interview with Australian Rugby Union his desire to give something back to his mother. Latu is the first Wallaby to also play for Sydney University Juniors representative team, Canterbury Juniors, moving up the ranks to play for both Sydney University Seniors then the Wallabies. Latu said, "Putting on that jersey made all the sacrifices my family made [worth it]. My mum being a single parent sacrificed a lot and being a single child she had to put stuff aside for my Rugby, so putting on that jersey hit home."
Joining Sydney University player, Tom Robertson, Wallabies' skipper, Stephen Moore, praised the potential impact of the Wallabies' newest Test debutants ahead of the match against Wales last weekend, believing Latu would handle the lineout whenever he does enter the fray.
"He's been outstanding," Moore said. "[Latu has] come into the squad and [...] played very well in the NRC so I think that's a great advertisement for that competition that a player's come through that pathway and been selected in the Wallabies squad."
For Latu, that pathway, began growing up playing rugby as a kid, as his mother worked long hours in the factory to do what she had to make sure there was food on the table and Latu would go to his weekend rugby games with boots on. So when he called his mum, Sharon, to tell her of his impending debut, she couldn’t have been more thrilled, setting up her Foxtel so she could watch her son play in the Wales Test match over before the Scotland test.
"She was asking me how to record it on Foxtel. She would've watched it live, but she will probably replay it 10 times during the lead-up to Scotland," said Latu.
While it was a not so smooth start for Latu, as he was called to enter the cauldron of Principality Stadium in Cardiff with 10 minutes to go, once Latu had his first contact with the ball out of the way his nerves were quickly calmed.
"I ran out there and Scott Fardy and Rory Arnold were telling me, "Just get your hands on the ball early," telling me what I already knew in my head. They said enjoy every moment."
However, for the new boy Latu, highly deserving of a shot at the tryline in the Green and Gold jersey, every chance he will get to play for the Wallabies will be played with his family in mind.
As Moore said of the young player, "[...] He's really deserve this opportunity to go out there and pull that jersey on for the first time."
"My whole family is a big motivation for me, coming from a Pacific Islander background we're all really tight with our families," he said. "My family is my motivation, that's why I do what I do."
To read further visit: www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/

 

[boyo]

Eight SUFC players in Wallabies squad ahead of clash against France.

Written by Sophie Harrison.
15th November 2016.
Three recent faces to join the Wallabies squad, including Waratahs prop Paddy Ryan, Brumbies lock Sam Carter and Rebels scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker, are all in Paris ahead of the Wallabies clash against France at Stade de France on Sunday 20th November (7am, AEST), bringing the Sydney University Club rugby players headcount to eight.
After making their way from Barbarians duties, all three players now have a chance to pull on the green and gold jersey against France on Sunday in order to give some other Wallabies a rest on a long tour at the end of a tough year.
Paddy Ryan will add to the props stocks, while Brumbies lock Sam Carter also joins the team as he looks to add his 13th Wallabies cap.
As well as their fellow club rugby members, Ryan, Carter and Stirzaker are also joining five new Wallaby squad members, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika confirmed this week. Adding to his touring party is Western Force flyhalf Jono Lance and outside back Luke Morahan, NSW Waratahs wing Taqele Naiyaravoro, Queensland Reds hooker Andrew Ready and Melbourne Rebels prop Toby Smith.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said: “We had always planned to bring in these players for the France week after the seven lads wrapped up with the Barbarians."
"Five of the players have Test experience for the Wallabies and while it's good to bolster our numbers ahead of the Wallaby XV game against the French Barbarians, we may consider them for selection against France this weekend."

[Pictured above] Sydney University player, Sam Carter, is tackled by Colin Slade during the Killick Cup match between Barbarians and Australian Wallabies at Twickenham Stadium on November 1 2016 in London, England.​

Additional Wallaby squad members:
Sam Carter, ACT Brumbies, 13 Tests
Jono Lance, Western Force, uncapped
Luke Morahan, Western Force, 2 Tests
Taqele Naiyaravoro, NSW Waratahs, 2 Tests
Andrew Ready, Queensland Reds, uncapped
Paddy Ryan, NSW Waratahs, 3 Tests
Toby Smith, Melbourne Rebels, 4 Tests
Nic Stirzaker, Melbourne Rebels, uncapped

 

[boyo]

Nic Stirzaker to make his Wallaby Test debut following Barbarians performance in Europe

Sydney University’s Nic Stirzaker will be one of three uncapped players welcomed in Paris this week to make his test debut with the Wallabies squad ahead of the clash against France on Sunday (7am, AEST). Alongside Western Force utility Jono Lance and Queensland Reds hooker Andrew Ready, the Sydney University player and Melbourne Rebels scrumhalf has been added to the touring party after his impressive performances playing for the Barbarians across Europe against South Africa, Czech Republic and Fiji.

 

[amirite]

I believe Stirzaker last played club football for the mighty Endeavor Hills Eagles.

 

[boyo]

"In memory of Daniel Vickerman, a memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 2pm,Wednesday 1 March 2017 at Sydney University No.1 Oval, Camperdown.
A wake will follow the service at 3pm in the SUSFC Function room, TAF Foundation Grandstand at Sydney University Football Ground (No.2 Oval).
As a sign of respect to a former great, we encourage all past SUFC players to wear the Uni colours.
There will be very limited parking available on campus. It is recommended that you use public transport to attend the service. Reserved parking will be strictly for close family members and those that are less mobile. "

​