Shute Shield finals week 1

Rebels set up Eastwood showdown with thrilling win over Uni

Southern Districts have once again proved their credentials in high pressure situations, registering a thrilling 28-26 victory over Sydney University at Forshaw Rugby Park in the final match of the first week of finals in the Intrust Super Shute Shield.

Three rapid tries midway through the second half were the catalyst for a remarkable comeback from the Rebels, who are becoming known for their tenacity and persistence when overcoming significant deficits.

THE MATCH

The Students and the Rebels traded penalties to register the first points of the match, which was a high-intensity battle from the outset, with Southern Districts determined to defy the odds against a side brimming with elite talent.

Sydney University had the early momentum, but Southern Districts’ defensive efforts were outstanding in the opening stages of the match.
Southern Districts breakaway Jono Hayes was yellow carded in the 19^th minute, giving Sydney University the opportunity to score after several missed opportunities in the previous minutes.

The accurate boot of Angus Roberts extended their lead to three points, and there was a definite shift in the momentum of the match as Sydney Uni doubled their efforts to cross the line.

Dogged defence from Southern Districts prevented two attempts by the Students, both from Waratahs captain Dave Dennis, but teammate Pat McCutcheon showed his class and was able to break the drought with a try in the 23^rd minute. The conversion took their lead to ten points, 13-3.

The electrifying Souths combination of Australian Sevens player Afa Pakalani and Dewet Roos proved to be invaluable in providing attacking options across the field, but the experience of Sydney University’s Super Rugby heavy side prevented reward from their efforts.

Sydney Uni stalwart Tom Carter combined with exciting young centre Jim Stewart for the side’s second try of the match with six minutes left on the clock in the first half. Angus Roberts took the lead to 17 points with a conversion from directly in front.

A penalty attempt for Souths could have eased the pain of the deficit just as the half-time siren sounded, but a narrow miss from McGregor saw the 20-3 scoreline stand.

The second half was marked by aggressive, physical football from both sides – but Southern Districts were frustrated at every turn by the depth of the Students, who were able to bring Waratah Paddy Ryan on from the bench early in the second half. Roberts was again accurate in his kicking, with another penalty goal in the 50^th minute to take the score to 23-3.

A superb series of passes assisted Jordan McGregor to set up Alex Gibbon for the Rebels’ breakthrough try in the 52^nd minute – and McGregor was able to convert and narrow the deficit to 13 points with just over 25 minutes to play.

Buoyed by the try, the Rebels followed it with a second try in as many minutes – with an incredible pass to Afa Pakalani setting up Alex Gibbon to cross for his second of the match. Jordan McGregor kicked a tricky conversion, and with just six points separating the sides the match was poised to be decided with a thrilling finish.

A bungled defensive effort from Sydney Uni saw Feluela Finau sneak in for the third consecutive try for the home side, but left unconverted the Students retained a one point lead despite the overwhelming effort from Souths.

A penalty goal to Southern Districts in the 65^th minute saw them regain the lead they hadn’t held since the opening minutes of the match, taking the score to 25-23.

The frenetic pace of the ensuing minutes yielded no reward for either side until Angus Roberts stole the lead back for the Students in the 79^th minute with a penalty goal from directly in front. Souths were keen to regain possession but a subsequent penalty again to the Students quashed their efforts to strike again.

A scrum on the final siren gave the home side a glimmer of hope; and was rewarded with a penalty goal attempt for Jordan McGregor – who continued the heartstopping journey for his side by slotting the goal from a considerable distance to steal the match from Sydney University in dramatic fashion.

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 28 (A Gibbon 2, F Finau tries; J McGregor 3 penalty goals, 2 goals) beat SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 26 (P McCutcheon, J Stewart tries; A Roberts 4 penalty goals, 2 goals)

2015 INTRUST SUPER SHUTE SHIELD – FINALS WEEK 2

Manly v Sydney University, 3pm Manly Oval – Saturday 8 August (BROADCAST LIVE ON 7TWO)
Eastwood v Southern Districts, 3pm TG Millner Field – Sunday 9 August (BROADCAST LIVE ON 7TWO)