Sydney University Football Club

[boyo]

Round 18 Review - Students end the regular season with a bang

By Bruce 'China' Lin
Sydney University’s most emphatic performance was left for the last round of the season with a 85-19 defeat of Eastern Suburbs last Saturday at University No.1 Oval.

The performances of a number players still eligible for Colts enabled the club to win the Sydney Club Championship for 2014.

Despite the cricket pitch area having the consistency of a Dixon Street congee, the conditions failed to deter University throwing the ball long and wide for a 13 try swamping of Easts.

The game was only a minute old when winger Henry Clunies-Ross received a pass through the backline to outpace the cover defence to score. With Angus Roberts playing fullback, a combination with prop Sam Talakai allowed breakaway Sam Quinn to score next. The silken handling skills and sheer speed of the University backs could not be matched by Easts.

Roberts and Stewart were mesmerising in their running lines and at halftime the score was 38-12 to the Students.

The second half commenced along similar lines to the first. After three minutes University’s forwards flexed their arms with picking and driving to post a try. University seemed to be on a pledge to score points and fast. The score board was running out of numerals as the tries kept coming from the Students.

The dominance of University was illustrated by Stewart applying two complimentary Ella Bache facials to Easts defenders for one of his three tries. University were clearly enjoying themselves on the last home game of the season.

Outside backs, tight and loose forwards had all scored throughout the afternoon. The final try for University was another involving the duo with synergies, the hyphen Clunies - Ross and his compatriot Stewart who received a no look pass from Clunies-Ross to score.

In the latter stages of the half there was the welcome return of Michael Hodge and Peter Betham after extended rehabilitation through injuries.

It appeared the team adhered to coach Vickerman’s words from last week to lift their work rate. A perfect foundation before next Saturday’s sudden death semi-final playoff against Warringah at their fortress Rat Park.

 

[boyo]

Qualifying Finals

The Finals Series is upon us, and all 7 of our teams will be playing in the Qualifying Finals this weekend!
It is a huge weekend for the boys, so we urge you all to get out and support them either at Pittwater for Grade or Forshaw for Colts!
For full team lists, please click here.


GAME TIMES

SATURDAY 2nd August
Pittwater Rugby Park
1st Grade vs. Warringah -
3.00pm
2nd Grade vs. Gordon -
1.15pm
3rd Grade vs. Sourthern Districts -
11.40m
4th Grade vs. Eastern Suburbs -
10.15am

Forshaw Rugby Park
1st Colts vs. Eastern Suburbs -
3.00pm
2nd Colts vs Southern Districts -
11.30am
3rd Colts vs. West Harbour -
10.00am

Waratahs

SUFC would also like to wish each of our Waratahs boys the best of luck in their upcoming Grand Final against the Crusaders!

We are already so proud of all you have achieved to have made it this far, and look forward to seeing you give it everything on Saturday night. Go Tahs!!

 

[boyo]

Congratulations SUFC!​

2014 Club Champions​

 

[Pfitzy]

Well I'm sure I'm not the only surprised one

 

[Dave Beat]

Congratulations SUFC!​

2014 Club Champions​

Boooooo, but we tried and boy was it close.

 

[boyo]

Qualifying Final Review - Students secure a semi-final spot with "gutsiest win all season"

By Bruce 'China' Lin
Mirroring the tenacious come from behind victory of the Waratahs, Sydney University defeated the Warringah Rats 26-23 in a grinding qualifying final last Saturday at Rat Park.

With a freezing 10 degree breeze travelling up the northern peninsula, Warringah took advantage of the conditions for the first half. The Rats five eighth with the Celtic legacy, Hamish Angus, kept his team just ahead with penalties and a conversion after a try to their winger Dixon. But the young Students brigade fought back with tries to winger Dargaville and a sniping run from a splintered ruck to replacement half back Jake Gordon. A nasty leg injury to fullback Angus Roberts reduced the Students’ strike power but galvanised the rest of his team.
University and their band of die-hard supporters saw pegging back the deficit at halftime was not insurmountable at 16-10. University could focus on a game plan for the next half with the wind. This was made easier by the scoreboard now operating as the weekend penalty rates for an attendant was thankfully waived!
The second half saw a reorganisation of the University backline with Jack Macklin moving into fullback and outside centre Jim Stewart now succumbing to a knee injury. Macklin proved his worth with two quick penalties for scores to be even at 16-16. But the cunning green rodents took advantage inside the University quarter after University prop Sam Talakai was sin binned. An ensuing five metre lineout saw Warringah score a try through the rolling maul. With the successful conversion, Warringah led 23-16 with 20 minutes remaining.
University weathered the Warringah barrage whilst a man down. Macklin’s kicking kept the Students in striking distance with another penalty to reduce the scoreline to 23-19. When Talakai returned to the field this was the call to arms for University as they commenced to dominate Warringah inside their quarter.

You could sense something was on the horizon as the Students were commencing to asphyxiate the green Rats. Some enormous pressure near the Warringah tryline saw five eighth Jock Merriman slice through under the posts for a much earned converted try. Just like the big match at Homebush, the clock wound down for University to see the ball kicked out into touch for a backs to the wall 26-23 victory.
The big smiles were shown afterwards throughout the University fellowship from an exhausted coach Nobby Malone inside the dressing room who described the victory as, “the gutsiest win all season” to a beaming father Paul Hickey outside the dressing room who was proudly displaying winning the voluptuous meat raffle for his wife Di to cook!
Another titanic battle looms ahead for next week in the Students mission for a grand final berth.

 

[boyo]

Semi-Final Week

It's semi final time and all 7 SUFC teams are still going strong!
We'll be honest, there were a couple of nervous moments last weekend for our boys with 2nd Colts winning with a try in the final stages of their game against Souths, and 2nd Grade relying on another result to secure their spot - but we did it!
Then, with a surprise win by Southern Districts over Eastwood on Sunday last weekend, our 1st Grade side was able to secure a home semi-final to be held Sunday, along with 3rd and 4th Grade. So we're coming home and we hope you'll be there to support our teams on their road to Grand Finals!
Make sure you keep an eye out for our excellent raffle this weekend as well. With some great prizes to be won, and tickets just $2 each or 3 for $5, you don't want to miss out!

1st Prize - One night at the Westin Sydney​

2nd Prize - 24 can slab of Magners Cider​

3rd Prize - SUFC Merchandise Pack​

For team lists, please click here.

GAME TIMES

SATURDAY 9th AUGUST
Manly Oval
2nd Grade vs. Manly -
1.15pm


Forshaw Rugby Park
1st Colts vs. Northern Suburbs -
3.00pm
3rd Colts vs. Southern Districts -
11.50am
SUNDAY 10th AUGUST
Uni No.1 Oval
1st Grade vs. Southern Districts -
3.00pm
3rd Grade vs. Manly -
11.40am
4th Grade vs. Warringah -
10.15am

Forshaw Rugby Park
2nd Colts vs Eastwood -
1.20pm

 

[boyo]

Shute Shield Semi-Final 2 Preview

06/08/2014
By Jack Mcilroy Reid
NSW Rugby
Shute Shield Semi-Final 2: Sydney University v Southern Districts
Sunday August 10, University Oval 1 (LIVE ON ABC TV 3pm)
Southern Districts coach Matt Barr is hoping that his side can pull off a second giant killing this weekend, despite their underdog status.
After beating second-placed Eastwood in last week’s Qualifying Final, Souths now face Sydney University for a place in the 2014 Final.

“I’d say we are the underdogs of this finals series,” admitted Barr. “We did well to finish fifth after an up and down season but we’ve played well consistently the past few games and we’re looking for that to carry on this week.”
The Rebels beat Eastwood 38-36 away from home in what was arguably the game of the season so far. The score see-sawed for the entire 80 minutes and Barr knows that the defending champions will pose an sterner test this weekend.
“I had a few more grey hairs Sunday night than I did Sunday morning that’s for sure,” he joked. “The win was a great achievement and everyone at the club is confident and upbeat. We have played well against Eastwood throughout the year, beating them twice and very narrowly losing. But our record against Sydney Uni is very different, almost opposite.
“I think we’ve only won one of the last five so it is going to be very difficult. We’re going to have to execute our game plan, stick to our structures and be as outstanding in defence as we have been the past two games.”
Both Manly and Eastwood played their Qualifying Finals safe in the knowledge that they were guaranteed a place in the semis regardless of the result. Barr’s side on the other hand has already played one finals game where their season was on the line and the coach is hoping this will play to their advantage this weekend.
“We were fighting for our lives last week and that’s something that the top three haven’t had to do yet. That experience will put is in good stead but Uni have experienced finals so many times, they’ve been there, done that and know how to win in the big games better than anyone.
“If anything, the pressure is on them to continue their history of success. We’re going to try and stop that and are going to enjoy being the underdog.”
Sydney University’s recent history is hard to ignore and should they make this year’s Final it would be their thirteenth in fifteen years. They have won eight of the last nine. Chris Malone welcomes back Tahs duo Jeremy Tilse to the front row and Pat McCutcheon at No. 8, with Daniel Kelly starting at 10. Barr however is more focused on his own superstars with Jed Holloway and Ben Volavola both involved in this year’s victorious Waratahs squad and their coach believes that their winning mentality will become infectious.
“They both spoke about their experience winning as part of the Waratahs after the game on Sunday. Tasting success has made them hungry to win again and has inspired them to bring their success to club rugby and win silverware with Southern Districts.”

Cameron Betham is the only change to the starting XV and Barr goes into the game knowing that should his side win, they will face the winner of the other Semi-Final between Manly andv Eastwood in the Final at Concord Oval next Saturday.
“There is certainly no easy option. If I had to choose a Grand Final opponent I would lean towards Eastwood because we have been so impressive against them this year and were beaten convincingly by Manly twice. However we are a different side to the one that lost on the first day of the season and I’m confident that however we should face we would do ourselves proud. But first we have to beat the champions.”
Once again the Shute Shield will provide rugby fans with a full weekend of action with two games over the two days broadcast live on ABC1 in NSW and the ACT. Interstate viewers can watch a full replay of each week’s Shute Shield game at 3.30am on Wednesday mornings on ABC1 nationally and rugby fans everywhere can catch all the action online at anytime on ABC iView.
The same can be said of the following weekend with the2014 Magners Shute Shield Final taking place at Concord Oval at 30pm just 6 kilometres down the road from ANZ Stadium, where the first 2014 Bledisloe Cup match will kick off that evening, giving rugby fans the perfect excuse to make a day of it.
For up to the minute scores and all the weekly results, previews and reviews, don’t forget to follow the competition on Facebook at Shute Shield and twitter at @ShuteShield. Highlights and previews of every round are also available on the Shute Shield YouTube channel.
Sydney University: 1. Jeremy Tilse, 2. Gerard Ellis, 3. Sam Talakai, 4. Thomas Boidin, 5. Jordan Chapman, 6. Samuel Quinn, 7. David Hickey, 8. Patrick McCutcheon, 9. Jock Merriman, 10. Daniel Kelly, 11. Henry Clunies-Ross, 12. Tom Carter (c), 13. Jim Stewart, 14. James Dargaville, 15. Michael Hodge.
Southern Districts: 1. Duncan Chubb, 2. Maile Nguamo, 3. Cameron Betham, 4. Andrew Leota, 5. Jake Douglas, 6. Marcus Carbone, 7. Kieran Black, 8. Jed Holloway (c), 9. Chris O'Reilly, 10. Ben Volavola, 11. Afa Pakalani, 12. Apo Latunipulu, 13. Paul Asquith, 14. Alex Gibbon, 15. Ben Connolly.
Referee: Andrew Lees

 

[boyo]

Semi Final Review - Rebels eliminate Students in nail biting semi-final

By Bruce 'China' Lin
The thoughts of a relaxing Sunday afternoon absorbing the tranquillity of University Oval were far from the truth. In a see sawing agonising battle, Southern Districts defeated University with a long range penalty at fulltime for a 27-25 victory for a berth in next Saturdays grand final against Eastwood.
Souths had the slightly better of the first half courtesy of five eighth Volavola’s penalty kicks and conversions. University scored tries by the man faster than speed dating, winger Henry Clunies-Ross and a particularly bruising hit, spin and crawl try to breakaway David Hickey.

However every coach’s bad dream, a try before halftime occurred when a turnover was pounced on by the speedy Souths back Pakalani to set up his support breakaway Black for a try. The converted try saw a 21-12 lead to the Rebels and a thorough debrief was in store for University inside the dressing rooms for the half time break.
The second half saw an injection of new players to the Students with prop Paddy Ryan and new Wallaby squad member hooker Tolu Latu. Unfortunately young Tolu only lasted a few minutes after succumbing to a suspected broken wrist. Coupled with concussion to five eighth Dan Kelly, University were not enjoying a salubrious Sunday afternoon.
But Stuart Dunbar, Kelly’s replacement kept University in touch with a penalty to place University in striking distance of Souths. When centre Jim Stewart finished off a break from University to score a converted try, University were just a nose ahead at 22-21.
Volavola missed some penalty kicks but a successful one allowed his team to be just ahead at 24-22. The remainder of the game was an arm wrestle as Souths were frantic to bustle University to force errors or concede penalties. University appeared to enjoy some valuable momentum and took another opportunity to stay ahead when Dunbar kicked a penalty for a 25-24 lead.
The clock was winding down and University were weathering Souths hitting them with everything in their arsenal. With 49 seconds remaining, Souths were attacking on University’s 10 metre line when the referee Mr Lees blew a penalty to Souths for University not rolling away from the ruck. Time was virtually up, and Volavola took the gamble to attempt a long range shot from out wide. All eyes were fixated on Volavola who would be crowned the unofficial mayor of the Shire and University’s party pooper with a successful penultimate kick.
The siren had sounded while the kick was lined up. Volavola steadied himself, approached the ball and tapped it. There was a collective cheer and sound of melancholy from the Souths and University camps as the kick won Souths the game in an absolute heart stopper. Congratulations to Souths who may culminate their season in a fairytale ending?
There was no hiding University’s disappointment not joining their club mates in the other grades for next weekend. But with such a young side, the hallmarks are still positive for University to learn and regroup for 2015. Best of luck to all the grade and colts teams in their quest next week.
With the maiden Buildcorp National Rugby Championships about to start this month, exciting times are ahead with the Sydney Stars joint venture laden with University players and some more showcasing their talents!

 

[boyo]

Grand Final Week

Huge Weekend Ahead

by Chris "Nobby" Malone
6 teams out of 7 will contest the Grand Finals.
All through Saturday and Sunday everyone at the Club hung on every result as we tried to get every single team into the Grand Finals for only the second time in history – the last time was last year. 3rd Colts squeaked through, 2nd Colts had a huge come from behind win, 1st Colts beat the only team they hadn’t beaten this year; 4th Grade had to really grit out a performance against a tough Warringah side, 3rd Grade played a wonderful game to dispose of Southern Districts, our 2nd Grade side were the only team to play away in Grade and they overcame the Eastwood side that had not lost a game all year! There were some phenomenal results, and each performance needed more than just the 15 guys starting, so huge congratulations to all 6 teams who will fly the Club flag high this weekend. On Saturday our Grade teams will venture out to Concord Oval and on Sunday all Colts sides will play down at Forshaw Rugby Park.
The 1st Grade result, losing to a penalty kick after the bell, was the only poor result we had all weekend, and we are mightily disappointed about that. But we have to put that disappointment behind us and support all of our fellow Club mates as they set about putting 12 months of hard work to good use come the weekend.
Having the opportunity to play in a Grand Final is huge, and is by no means a given. Opportunity comes along quite regularly here at SUFC because of how hard everyone works, but it still doesn’t guarantee you anything. Having the ability to be patient and to take opportunities that come our way are what big games are about.
2014 Ken Catchpole Medal

Also on Saturday will be the announcement of the 2014 Ken Catchpole Medal winner, of which Sydney University Football Club have 3 nominees; Thomas Boidin, Henry Clunies-Ross and James Dargaville.

Congratulations to each of these boys on the outstanding achievement, and we wish you all the best of luck!
For team lists, please click here.

GAME TIMES

GRADE - SATURDAY 16th AUGUST
Concord Oval
2nd Grade vs. Manly
12.50pm
3rd Grade vs. Manly
10.50pm
4th Grade vs. Eastwood
9.05am
COLTS - SUNDAY 17th AUGUST
Forshaw Rugby Park
1st Colts vs. Randwick
3.00pm
2nd Colts vs. Manly
1.00pm
3rd Colts vs. Manly
11.15pm

 

[boyo]

Presentation Night

Last week SUFC held it's annual Presentation Night to recognise the achievements throughout the club from the 2014 season.

On top of individual team awards (which have been named under each team report below) there were also a number of encouragement, achievement and major club awards that were announced.

We would like to congratulate all prize winners on their achievements.


Encouragement Awards
Colts Encouragement Award 2014: Alexander Jackman
Craig Fear Encouragement Award 2014: Hugh Frazer

Achievement Awards
Most Improved (Grade) 2014: Henry Clunies-Ross
Most Improved (Colts) 2014: Jack Leger-Ryan
Most Promising Colt 2014: Matthew Sandell
1st Colts XV Best Fresher 2014: Christian Yassmin
Leading Try Scorer for the Club 2014: Christian Yassmin (32 tries)
Leading Points Scorer for the Club 2014: Christian Kagiassis (202 points)
Player of the Finals 2014: James Dargaville

Major Club Awards
2014 Club Captain: Dane McCarthy
Colts Clubman of the Year 2014: Stewart Nutt
Clubman of the Year 2014: Jack Macklin
Stephen Rowntree Volunteer of the Year 2014: Ed Walgien
Team of the Year 2014: 3rd Colts
The Steve Anthony Trophy for the Best and Fairest Colt 2014: Ben Hughes
Best & Fairest 2014: David Hickey
Michael Griffin Cup for Players Player 2014: James Dargaville

 

[boyo]

SUFC Pre-Season Trial vs. NSW Waratahs

Saturday 31st January
Waratahs vs Sydney Uni - 1.35pmGranville Park
To kick off the season, and the start of our pre-season trials for 2015, SUFC will be involved in the NSW Waratahs 2015 Fan Day, playing a 30-minute trial match against the defending Super Rugby Champions at Granville Park this Saturday January 31.

Two SUFC boys, Jeremy Tilse and Will Skelton, are in hard pre-season training for the Waratahs getting ready for their trials and the upcoming season (Image: Karen Watson)​

The Fan Day will include three 30-minute practice matches against Sydney's Shute Shield sides, Randwick, Parramatta and of course Sydney Uni.

Granville Park will also play host to the Semi-final and Final of the Willie O Cup on the same day, showcasing some of the best young Australian/Tongan rugby talent. There will be food stalls, Waratahs player signing opportunities before the game, poster giveaways and more.

 

[boyo]

SUFC 2015 Trial Matches/Pre Season Tournaments

On top of our trial against the NSW Waratahs, SUFC will be involved in a number of other trial matches and pre-season tournaments. We would love your support as we prepare for the 2015 Shute Shield season, so come along!

2015 Trial Games / Pre-Season Tournaments
Saturday, 7th February - Crescent Head 7s Tournament

Saturday 28th February - Kiama 7s Tournament

Saturday, 7th March - Full Club Trial vs. Eastwood at T.G. Millner Oval (timings TBC)

Saturday, 14th March – Trial vs. Canberra Vikings/TBA at Kiama Showground

Saturday, 14th March – Laffan Cup at UWS Hawkesbury Campus

The Shute Shield competition will then commence on Saturday, 21st March.
For the full draw please click here.

 

[boyo]

SUFC takes the Shute Shield to the country

Sydney University Football Club (SUFC) is pleased to announce they will be taking the Shute Shield to the Country!

For the very first time, SUFC Grade and Colts sides will be playing against Eastern Suburbs (Easts) on Saturday March 28th at Bowral Rugby Club, Bowral.
SUFC Grade had been scheduled to play Easts at Uni’s home for the round 2 clash, but due to the unavailability of Uni No.1 Oval as a result the field still being used by Sydney University Cricket Club at that time, the club has had to source an alternative venue.
This has provided the club with the perfect opportunity to do something different, and with many players of both clubs coming from country regions of NSW, it is a terrific chance for local supporters to get to a game which they ordinarily would be unable to attend.
“A lot of our players are from similar rural communities and rural Rugby Clubs, so having the chance to play in Bowral is something we are excited about” said SUFC Head Coach, Chris Malone, who is looking forward to the opportunity to play in the country.
“Some past greats of SUFC including Charles “Chuck” Carter and Angus Stephen are involved in Bowral rugby now so it will be a great chance for players past and present to enjoy a good day out”.
It is also a great chance to bring the entire club together, and with Eastern Suburbs’ support, SUFC has been able to make this a Super Saturday round, with all our Colts teams also playing on the day.
“Hopefully we can make a huge day of it and encourage as many supporters of rugby to come out and watch some quality Shute Shield rugby, across all our teams, in a fantastic setting” said Malone.
Bowral Rugby Club is excited to have the Sydney teams utilise their fields and facilities for the day in support of country rugby, and Bowral Rugby Club President, Mark Freund, hopes this will be the start of a number of elite fixtures being played at their club.
“Bowral Rugby Club couldn’t be more pleased to be holding the SUFC vs Easts fixture” said Freund. “We as a club are working hard to build our club as the premier country location to hold elite level rugby games. With two fields expertly looked after by our local council it is the perfect location to hold multiple games of rugby playing side by side.”
“Our clubrooms are also currently undergoing a major refit and Bowral Rugby Club is confident of hosting rugby clubs like SUFC whose reputation for playing quality rugby proceeds it."
Bowral Rugby Club and SUFC will also be working with food and beverage suppliers in the Bowral area to not only support the local community but also provide SUFC and Easts supporters with a taste of the country throughout the day.
Bowral Rugby Club is 90mins outside of Sydney, and kick off for 1st Grade will be at the usual time of 3pm (with the full schedule still to be confirmed). Tickets to the game will be $15 for adults, kids and students go FREE as with all regular SUFC home games. All SUFC members will also get access to this round game as part of their membership in 2015.

 

[Rugby Is My Life]

Is it true Tom Boidin is playing overseas? I remember the Uni vs. Rats game at Rat park last year where it seemed like there were 3-4 Boidons on the field, his work-rate and impact was that great.

 

[qwerty51]

Yes he plays for Narbonne along with plenty of other Uni blokes.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Isn't Narbonne associated with Green and Gold's Own Bob Dwyer?

Wouldn't they want the cream of the crop from Bob Dwyer's own Coogee Oval Gallopers?

 

[AussieDominance]

A quick look through the squad has :

Tom Boidin (Sydney Uni)
Clint Eadie (Warringah)
Huia Edmonda (Warringah & Easts)
Rocky Elsom (Randwick)
Ted Postal (QLD)
Frankie Fainifo (Randwick)
Shaun Foley (Randwick)
Daniel Halangahu (Sydney Uni)
Jono Jenkins (Sydney Uni)
Gerard McCallum (Eastwood Colts)
Brett Sheehan (Warringah)
Tyrone Smith (Manly)
Lei Tomiki (Randwick)

 

[Pass it to Dunning!]

All these signings don't seem to be doing much for Narbonne. They are bottom of the table and on relegation-watch.

 

[the coach]

All these signings don't seem to be doing much for Narbonne. They are bottom of the table and on relegation-watch.

Maybe they need an injection of youth?
How old are Edmonds, Elsom and Tomiki?