Sydney University Football Club

[Blackers13]

SUFC will be pleased to know that Parramatta's Andrew Vatuvei was released from Hospital today and is well on the road to recovery. Thanks again for your sportsmanship and thank god for Dr Kate! Good luck for the rest of the season.

 

[boyo]

Round 3 Review - Frustrating loss for Students against Gordon at postponed Round 3 fixtures

By Bruce 'China' Lin
A despicable cold drizzly winter night was the setting for University’s frustrating 17-10 loss to Gordon at Chatswood Oval last Friday night.
Uncharacteristic mistakes by an off key University was capitalised by Gordon. The Students were missing their signature disciplined play this evening.
The game actually started on the plus side for University as they scored the first try. Making his first grade debut, right winger colt Christian Yassin streaked down the right wing and later coolly passed back inside to his support five eighth Angus Roberts for a nice try.

The vibrant Vivid light festival across the road in the Chatswood business district was on show. But the game was far from colourful and felt more like a wisdom tooth extraction – a bit painful . University were trying hard but nothing seemed to gel. Gordon held their line and even scored a responding try in the corner by one of their big props for a 5 apiece scoreline.
The Students were spreading the ball to splinter Gordon. But the efforts proved a barren exercise. Gordon capitalised on a University lapse in concentration to slide through a gap to post that important try before halftime. The half time score was 12-5. Patience and discipline was required from the Students in the second half as there would be no respite from Gordon’s mission. The Students were clearly not their usual self. Was it due to the cold misty rain a suspect pork and prawn dumpling from the nearby Mandarin Centre? Whatever the reason the Students had 40 minutes to redeem themselves.

The second half continued University’s lack of continuity. When a clearing kick was charged down and scored by Gordon, University were now pushed to repeat the previous weeks get out of Long Bay jail act. There was 20 minutes left on the clock plenty of time for University to score points. However, the desperate Gordon defense thwarted University’s attack.
With 3 minutes left University finally scored their second try through a bumping run close to the Gordon line by hooker Tom Coolican. University were attempting to do the Houdini act from the kickoff. Gordon was able to secure the ball and ran down the clock. But a series of penalties allowed University back inside the Gordon five metre area. University were loading their backline to smash through the Gordon line for a gripping finale. But as the ball was channelled to the right a dropped ball was secured by Gordon to end the game.
A disappointing loss and one which will be felt by the team. Hard games lay ahead starting next week against old nemesis Randwick at Coogee.

 

[boyo]

Randwick vs. Sydney Uni​

SUPER SATURDAY​

Round 12 | Saturday 13th June​

Game Times
Saturday 13th June, 2015​

Coogee Oval, Coogee​

1st Grade - 3.00pm
2nd Grade - 1.25pm
1st Colts - 11.50am
2nd Colts - 10.25am
3rd Colts - 9.10am

Latham Park, Coogee​

3rd Grade - 11.50am
4th Grade - 10.35am​

 

[boyo]

Round 12 Review - Galloping Greens take a home win over the Students in a battle down to the wire

By Bruce 'China' Lin
The healthy crowd at Coogee Oval last Saturday saw Randwick defeat Sydney University 20-15. Both sides posted two tries each. But for University they were desperately unlucky at the end with a disallowed try.
The majority of the first half was an even encounter. Randwick was ahead 6-0 courtesy of their accurate goal kicking winger. University’s young crew which included a number of colts being groomed were showing glimpses of attacking flair but patience and concentration at times wavered .
The pendulum swung fully to Randwick on the stroke of half time when their winger scored a converted try in the grandstand corner for a 13-0 lead.
The 10 minute break was needed to put that mongrel streak back into University’s armour.

The commencement of the second half was hardly receiving a Queens birthday honour as Randwick drew first points in unusual circumstances. Following the formation of a University lineout a tapped ball was passed from the lineout to the open. Figg the Randwick breakaway positioned himself on the University side of the lineout. Figg caught the passed ball and trotted downfield for the easiest of tries. The crowd were perplexed if this was a legitimate try? However the try was awarded and Figg created a legal precedent in the Shute Shield by resurrecting Section 178BA of the Crimes Act 40/1900 - Obtaining the Benefit by Deception!
University’s plight had that look more dour than the late Sir Christopher Lee’s horror movie face. But the Students did not throw in the towel. Just under half an hour remained in the game for University to show their character.
A five metre lineout was the cue for the Students first try. Forming on the eastern touchline the ensuing maul saw a surge of University bodies pile in for a try to returning Waratah Pat MCutheon.

The conversion and a penalty saw Randwick still leading 20-10 with about 15 minutes remaining. At this stage of the game it appeared University was gaining the momentum with some long surges downfield. University were applying a full blown attack across all corners of the ground as they could sense a tiring Randwick. The try by half back Jake Gordon in the eastern corner set the scene for a pulsating finish. Randwick was hanging in by a sliver of subcutaneous fat over a fast finishing University.
Less than 3 minutes remained in the game and University just had to gain field position to achieve the result. A series of ferocious rolling mauls were made by University. In one smashing surge the ball appeared to be planted over the line by University. A pallet of human flesh was on top of the ball causing the referee Mr Smith to consult his assistant referee. The try was deemed held up. Exasperation was heard amongst the University brethren. Randwick uttered a sigh of relief and held their line for victory.
Next week University are set for another hard game against Eastern Suburbs at Woollahra Oval.

 

[boyo]

Eastern Suburbs vs. Sydney Uni​

SUPER SATURDAY​

Round 13 | Saturday 20th June​

Game Times
Saturday 20th June, 2015​

GRADEWoollahra Oval, Woollahra​

1st Grade - 3.00pm
2nd Grade - 1.25pm
3rd Grade - 12.00pm
4th Grade - 10.45am

COLTSWoollahra Oval No.2, Woollahra​

1st Colts - 1.25pm
2nd Colts - 12.00pm
3rd Colts - 10.45am​

 

[boyo]

 

[boyo]

Round 13 Review - Students enjoy a dominant win over Eastern Suburbs at Woollahra Oval

By Bruce 'China' Lin
Sydney University rediscovered their mojo with a comprehensive 44-0 victory over Eastern Suburbs last Saturday at Woollahra Oval.
Following a week where Sydneysiders endured torrential rain, high house prices and the media focus on Gabi Grecko and Geoffrey Edelsten, an afternoon of rugby in the crisp winter air of Bellevue Hill was the setting to admire the attacking flair of the Students.
Unfortunately for Easts the parting words of a celebrated Warner Bros. character of Merrie Melodies fame summed up their day "Th-th-th-that's all folks!" as no points were scored against University.
The returning Melbourne Rebel Tom Kingston had that mesmerising presence to create an impact by having a hand in three of the six tries for the day. After ten minutes a loose ball was regathered by Kingston along the golf course side. The outside centre shot down the field beating a swag of cover defenders . Nearing the Easts 22 metre area Kingston passed inside for his supporting number 8 Mitchell Whiteley to score near the posts for an Angus Roberts converted try.

University had shifted from third to fourth gear. Fifth gear was soon engaged. University were recycling possession quickly and placed Easts under enormous pressure. A ruck was formed 5 metres out from the Easts line. University’s cunning halfback Jake Gordon, spotted an exposed right edge off the ruck and darted through for a simple try under the posts.
Score was 14-0 and soon increased to 20-0 after some Roberts’ penalty goals. The halftime siren sounded with University enjoying a solid lead with plenty of fuel left in the tank. Coach Nobby Malone’s instructions during the break were obvious- for University to put their foot on the accelerator and run roughshod over Easts.
University always have a penchant for attracting good crowds at suburban grounds and today was no exception. The Easts Club had a Winter Warmer theme day in full swing. There was the smell of a barbecue, ladies galore enjoying a glass of Cuvee des Enchanteleurs while rummaging through a Gucci remnant sale inside the club house adding to the carnival atmosphere.
The commencement of the second half was Nobby Malone’s wish to Santa arriving early. From the kick off University were really spreading the ball wide. Again Tom Kingston loomed in support to receive a pass along the northern touchline. With astonishing acceleration Kingston scorched downfield scoring a try to demonstrate his proficiency to fulgurate*. Or for those Latvians amongst the club zibsnit!
So potent is Kingston’s speed and agility that he could almost continue down to the Catalina restaurant, look at the signature dish - roasted suckling pig with spicy tomato chutney and whole grain mustard jus and return before the kick off. At $110 this was enough for Tom to come back as he needed an extra credit card!

University’s fourth try was a combination between the players with the fast twitch muscles Kingston, O’Dare and Jeloudev passing and supporting between them for a length of the field try. Scoreline had ballooned to 32-0. Not to let those flamboyant backs receive all the adulation, the next University try was scored by one of the crew who mixes amongst the burly. Shifting the ball to the club house side, five eighth Stuart Dunbar executed a short pass for prop Tom Robertson. Robertson ran through a yawning gap and wave to the crowd before scoring under the posts increasing the scoreline to 39-0.
The final minutes saw University blood a number of colts. One of the debuting colts in the run on side hooker Declan Moore played like a veteran. Declan’s poor mother’s nerves were allayed by University’s touchline whisperer University captain David Hickey’s mother Di.
The game concluded when Easts were attempting to run the ball from their quarter and committed a cardinal sin by passing over a shoulder without looking. The ball was received by University’s replacement Jock Merriman for a final try to finish the game at 44-0.
A good win by the Students but nothing to get carried away with. Next Saturday the University clubs legendary Services Day will be held at University Oval. University will battle West Harbour while NSW Police versus Fire and Rescue in a 10’s clash will entertain the crowd before the main game.
* Oxford dictionary - a flash like that of lightning

 

[boyo]

Sydney Uni vs West Harbour​

Juniors & Services Day​

SUPER SATURDAY!​

Round 14 | Saturday 27th June​

Game Times​

Saturday 27th June, 2015​

University No.1 Oval, Sydney University​

1st Grade - 3.00pm
2nd Grade - 1.25pm
1st Colts -11.20am
4th Grade - 10.45am​

St Paul's Oval, Sydney University​

3rd Grade - 11.30am
2nd Colts - 9.55am
3rd Colts - 8.40am​

 

[AussieDominance]

60 players could be a bit tough to handle on No.1 at 11:20am.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

How about the thirds colts starting at 8:40?

Hope not too many of them are up late with their studies on Friday night.

 

[boyo]

60 players could be a bit tough to handle on No.1 at 11:20am.

Read it again

 

[boyo]

Round 14 Review - Students turn up the tempo against Wests on Services Day

By Bruce 'China' Lin
Sydney University maintained back to back victories with a high tempo performance defeating West Harbour Pirates 41-31 at University Oval No.1 last Saturday.
The day also coincided with the annual junior’s services day and there was a plethora of police and fire personnel on hand with their hardware on show consorting with the crowd.
The curtain raiser to the first grade fixture was a fast paced 10’s game between the NSW Police and Fire & Rescue. The fire fighters were triumphant with a hard fought 17-14 scoreline. Less carbs and more protein recommended to the boys in blue next year to defeat the fit as a fiddle firies.
The Pirates fullback Harvey commenced the days’ points with an early penalty but University commenced to freely use the ball and soon after wards notched two excellent tries scored by that number 8 with the clean cut Hugh Grant looks Mitchell Whiteley. Whiteley shredded through a ruck and backed up some sustained play for his respective tries.

University were building in confidence and running the ball from all corners of the ground. Sometimes that exhuberance can prove dangerous . An attacking raid saw University’s good work come undone when Wests intercepted a ball. An easy try was scored for a 17-14 score line in favour of the Students half way through the first half.
University were geared towards stopping Wests through some heavy tackles and prominent amongst the heavy hitters was bustling inside centre big Jim Stewart. Both Stewart and his partner outside centre Tom Kingston were proving handfuls for the Pirates to handle.
Before halftime a set move was executed inside the Pirates 22 metre area. Half back Jake Gordon passed back inside to Greg Jeloudev running on an angle at full pace. The winger split the Wests defence who were clutching at him prior to scoring. This try was the signature move of injured winger Henry Clunies-Ross. However Henry today was busy donning the police penguin mascot suit Constable Charlie amongst the children and trying not to alarm them with a set of protruding legs which were in dire need of a wax!
Half time beckoned and the Students were ahead 24-17. Wests were still a danger with their wily coach Rayne Homer Simpson plotting to get one over his old club. But University coach Nobby Malone had other ideas for the start of the second half.

University came out of the sheds focused on punishing the Pirates by scoring two quick tries. Once again Jeloudev backed up a nice neat movement between back rowers Wainwright and Whiteley to score his second try and 200 points for the club. Congratulations to the speedy winger who thrives on tries during rugby games as a virtual dipsomaniac*
University continued the pressure when breakaway Jake Wainwright in his best game to date scored another try through some good backing up by fullback Roberts and his winger O’Dare. Wests counterpunched with a try from a line out. But their efforts were resisted when Wainwright scored another back up try to make their visit to University Oval feel like a Contiki tour to Pyongyang.
The game became a bit heated in the second half and resembled a hybrid version of Mongolian wrestling . Yellow cards were issued to both teams and a red card against the Pirates for wayward rucking.
The Students held out the Pirates for a final score of 41-31. A bonus point victory and building valuable momentum in the coming weeks against some strong teams.
*One who suffers from an irresistible craving for intoxicants.

 

[boyo]

Sydney Uni vs Southern Districts​

Round 15 | Saturday 4th July ​

Game Times​

Saturday 4th July, 2015​

University No.1 Oval, Sydney University​

1st Grade - 3.00pm
2nd Grade - 1.25pm
1st Colts -12.00pm
4th Grade - 10.45am​

Barden Ridge Sports Complex (Menai)​

3rd Grade - 3.00pm
2nd Colts - 1.35pm
3rd Colts - 12.20pm​

 

[boyo]

Sydney Uni vs Gordon​

Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Day​

Round 16 | Saturday 11th July ​

Game Times​

Saturday 11th July, 2015​

University No.1 Oval, Sydney University​

1st Grade - 3.00pm
2nd Grade - 1.25pm
3rd Grade - 12.00pm
4th Grade - 10.45am​

Chatswood Oval, Chatswood​

1st Colts - 3.00pm
2nd Colts - 1.35pm
3rd Colts - 12.20pm​

 

[boyo]

Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Day​

Sydney Uni vs. Gordon​

This Saturday the SUFC First Grade team in their match against Gordon will leave their ‘blue and gold’ at home and don their finest green socks, in support of the outstanding work of the late Professor Chris O’Brien, and of the Lifehouse team.

​

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is a world-class integrated cancer hospital and research facility working to make things easier for people living with cancer, their carers and their families. The partnership between SUFC and Lifehouse began in 2012 and has grown in strength with each year.
“Sydney University is a key research partner of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and as such it is very fitting that SUFC have chosen to support us and our work to transform the treatment of cancer in Australia by bringing together all elements of cancer research, treatment, care and support within one centre of excellence,” said Eileen Hannagan, CEO of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.

​

Last year on Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Day Sydney Uni celebrated with a dominant win over Eastern Suburbs wearing the green socks!​

“Chris O’Brien was a man of leadership, vision and courage,” said SUFC President, David Mortimer AO. “He inspired people, both through his work as a cancer specialist and through his own personal battle. Much like the Sydney University Football Club, Chris always strived for excellence and leading-edge best practice. To me, our Club’s partnership with Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is the perfect union.”
Come along for a great afternoon of Rugby and help raise funds for Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

How is the Uni No2 upgrade project going?

The recent rain, with 4 of the last 6 rounds on No 1 and two more "home" rounds on No 1 Oval, the pitch would be almost grass less.

 

[boyo]

 

[boyo]

Round 16 Review - Sydney Uni take the clean sweep over Gordon on Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Day

By Bruce 'China' Lin

The sunny but cold conditions were ideal for University to express themselves against Gordon last Saturday at University Oval. The Students 44-26 victory was played on the annual Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Day. Lifehouse Day recognises the visions of the pioneering cancer surgeon the late Professor Chris O’Brien a stalwart of the club.
The game was barely thirty seconds old and if you walked down to The Grandstand bar to order two Long Island iced teas, you probably missed the first try. A regathered ball from the kick off was spread by University to the scoreboard flank. The quick fire passing was finally received by newly promoted winger Matt Narracott. Possessing incredible speed, Narracott scorched down the sideline to touch down in the corner.
University were on a mission to reverse the first round defeat at Chatswood Oval. With a number of representative players returning, there was some extra sting in the tackles.

The ball was being recycled rapidly by University and any loose play was capitalised by the University backs. Tom Kingston today playing at fullback punished Gordon with any wayward kicks. Kingston received a Gordon clearing kick and somehow weaved right through the Gordon defence. Kingston saw a set of flashing pink, blue and white boots to his left and set up a try under the posts for his captain inside centre Tom Carter. Score line was now 12-0 and the University momentum was established.
University were cutting swathes through Gordon. Outside centre Jim Stewart scored the third try in a solo effort. Stewart received the ball along the backline and used his strength and formidable fend to shrug off some daggy defence to glide downfield for an easy try.

The Students were focused on running at every opportunity. There was also a University defence more dour than Jack Palance’s face thwarting Gordon’s attempts to cross the line. University’s next try was a virtual Picasso and the highlight of the day devised by up and coming tactician Luke Campton that man blessed with the Channing Tatum looks! The lead up saw breakaway Tom Shaw punch hard down the blindside from a ruck. Shaw set play down the sideline and passed inside to another Tom in Carter. Carter straightened play and passed outside again to the speedster Mark O’Dare. The big winger clapped on the pace against his former club and scored a welcome bonus point try under the posts. Score was 24-0 to University and there was less than 3 minutes remaining in the first half.
Gordon finally registered their first points with a crash ball move inside the 22 metre area for a half time score line of 24-7.
The second half saw Gordon mount a mini renaissance. Gordon scored the first try through a driving maul from a five metre lineout. But the score continued to fluctuate more than a Shanghai stockmarket with University kicking penalties, Narracott’s second try and a Gordon try from a rolling maul. The score line still favoured University 37-19 mid way through the second half.

Gordon’s breakaway Dempsey scored a try by regathering a loose University ball for their bonus point. However the final points belonged to the home side. Once again Carter came to the fore when he followed through a Stuart Dunbar break for a final score of 44-26.
The solid victory was put in perspective by coach Malone after the game. “Eliminate three things to be a good football team”, said Malone. With a countdown to make the semi finals, University cannot cruise at all.

 

[boyo]

Warringah vs. Sydney Uni​

Round 17 | Saturday 18th July ​

Game Times​

Saturday 18th July, 2015​

Pittwater Rugby Park, Warriewood​

1st Grade - 3.00pm
2nd Grade - 1.25pm
3rd Grade - 12.00pm
4th Grade - 10.45am​

St Paul's College Oval, Sydney University​

1st Colts - 3.00pm
2nd Colts - 1.35pm
3rd Colts - 12.20pm​

 

[boyo]

Round 17 Review - Students gaining momentum with bonus point win over Rats

By Bruce 'China' Lin
Coming away from Warringah’s Rat Park with a bonus point victory was welcomed on a bitterly cold wet and windy Saturday.
University ran with a prodigious southerly gale during the first half. There was little between both sides in the initial stages until Students’ five eighth Angus Roberts decided to run straight over the advantage line. Just outside the Warringah 22 metre area Roberts executed a deft step and shot through a gap. Approaching the tryline Roberts passed outside to his winger Greg Jeloudev racing down a narrow touchline corridor to dive in the north western corner.
The University fifteen had collectively raised their body temperatures to 97.7 *F and were now drawing upon their attacking arsenal.
Deep inroads were being made into Rat territory and the second try was courtesy of Jeloudev again. The nuggety winger made a long run inside Warringah territory and linked with breakaway Pat McCutheon. McCutheon chimed into the backline to score in the north eastern corner for a 12-0 University lead.

But these were no lab rats of the northern beaches as shown by Warringah’s dangerous half back Josh Holmes. University were attacking near the Warringah tryline. Somehow the ball popped out of a ruck and was swooped upon by Holmes. Seeing a gap and the University players all up front, Holmes motored virtually the whole length of the field to score Warringah’s first converted try. However this moment of redemption was soon reversed by University’s centre Jim Stewart. University built some phase play inside the Warringah quarter. Stewart received a ball and used his trademark power to bust the defence and touch down before halftime for University to lead 19-7 at the break.
There was a big crowd around the ground on such a cold miserable day. With Warringah about to take advantage of the significant breeze for the second stanza there would be ample action forthcoming.
Warringah did not disappoint their supporters as they whittled the scoreline back down to 19-14 with an early try after an attacking scrum. But an important buffer was maintained with a long range Roberts penalty seeing a lead of 22-14 lead 10 minutes into the second half.
It was tough for University running into a stiff breeze and any field position had to be fully exploited. The Students forwards were working well and managed to camp themselves inside the Warringah five metre area for an extended period. University then secured a five metre scrum.
The Students pack were now dominant receiving successive penalties after Warringah took the utilitarian option to collapse the scrums. On the third reset the advantage was played and University decided to continually pick and drive for number eight Mitchell Whiteley to smash over beside the posts for a converted try and lead of 29-14.

The restart saw the Rats securing the ball and work their way inside the University five metre area. Holmes once again provided another glimmer of hope for his team. Holmes was trailing the rucks and then applied a supreme dummy to the outside. Hoodwinking the Students defence an easy converted try was scored.
Scores were now 29-21 and according to the ground announcer there was approximately three minutes left in the game. The ground announcer was a suspected clairvoyant to know what time had elapsed. There appeared a reverence to Edgar Rice Burroughs 1924 novel - The Land that Time Forgot as the ground clock was permanently affixed to 30.88 seconds for the entire day! Negotiating an enterprise bargaining agreement for a scoreboard attendant and feeding the volunteer hamster generating the power for the electronic clock would be handy for the next game!
University secured possession inside the Warringah half and sensibly used the time remaining to gain a bonus point victory in extreme conditions.
University play their last home game next week at University Oval against Northern Suburbs to complete the regular season before the finals series.