Southern Districts have suffered a shock defeat going down to Sydney University in a repeat of last year’s Grand Final. As well as ending the Rebels’ winning streak, the loss has sent Eastwood, who outplayed Gordon, to the top of the Shute Shield table.
In other Round 7 matches, Manly held strong against a fighting Penrith side, Randwick recorded a shocked win over Northern Suburbs, Eastern Suburbs kept their cool against Parramatta and West Harbour stole a win against Warringah.
Southern Districts v Sydney University
The Rebels have been knocked off the top of the Shute Shield ladder with a shock 18-13 defeat to the Students. Both sides fought hard but it was the Students who kept their cool under pressure and used the ball to make metres and earn points. The Rebels made several mistakes allowing the Students to run in two tries to add to their two penalties.
After a slow start from both sides, the Rebels earned their first points with a Bryce Hodge penalty after 19 minutes but the Students hit back with a three-pointer of their own, before crossing the line for a Sam Talaki try after 23 minutes of strong defence and fast pace rugby. Souths soon found the tryline themselves through winger Alex Gibbon after great hands throughout the backline, however a missed conversion left the Rebels trailing 8-10. With each side forcing the other into errors, neither was able to add to their tally before the break.
The Students kept the lead throughout the second half, holding off a strong Rebels’ attack that was constantly searching for gaps. However, the Students’ defence was just too strong and, turning over the ball, they mounted a great counter attack that resulted in their second try, scored by wing Greg Jeloudev. Added to a second penalty, Uni went out to an 18-8 lead before the Rebels hit back with Gibbon adding a second try with only 10 minutes remaining, after great phase work against a Students’ defence that was one man down, after their captain Tim Davidson was shown the yellow card for cynical play in the ruck. Despite the Rebels’ resurgence, their comeback came too late and the Students held on for the win.
Sydney University 18 (Greg Jeloudev, Sam Talakai tries, Bryson Hodge con, 2 pens) d Southern Districts 13 (Alex Gibbon 2 tries, Rohan Saifoloi pen) at Forshaw Park. Referee Angus Gardner.
