Tough day for Randwick at Sydney University
Randwick went down 28-10 to league leaders Sydney University on Saturday.
Southern Courier
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Randwick went down 28-10 to league leaders Sydney University on Saturday.
Still hurting from the game against Souths last week, the Wicks were determined not to make the same mistakes again.
Randwick started off well, putting University under pressure and looked good when they spun the ball out wide.
Randwick’s scrum was also dominant but 12 minutes in University scored the first try.
Just six minutes later, winger Seamus Frost scored for Randwick.
Northampton Rugby recruit and lock Alexander Moon won a line-out throw from the students and Randwick’s scrum continued to dominate for the first half.
Despite Randwick’s good play, University managed to score a further two tries and went into the break leading 21-10.
The message from Coach Owen Finegan at the break was: “Attack is good… play up the middle and tidy up the line out.”
In the second half, Randwick’s lineout throws improved and the scrum continued to dominate. In the last ten minutes, University’s hooker was yellow-carded for a late tackle. University’s replacement front rower had an instant impact on their previously ailing scrum.
University scored their final try in the last minute of the game — their first points in the second half.
Players’ player was openside flanker and captain Jack Johnson, leading by example from start to finish. Final
University second grade were well organised and played with high intensity, for which Randwick were unprepared.
Coupled with poor defence by Randwick, University were able to make easy yards in attack. Despite this, Randwick did at times expose University’s vulnerability. Noteworthy performances came from lock Tom Nowlan and fly half Brian Croke, who attacked the line when opportunities arose. Final score was University 33 Randwick 14.
Third grade started off well and led 19 points to 12 at half time. University lifted in the second half, making easy yards to score five further tries. Flanker Sam Connor provided a notable performance in Randwick’s 43-19 loss.
Fourth grade certainly had the capacity and opportunity to defeat University but lost to a successful penalty kick on the bell.
Final score 13-10.
First grade colts, also playing at Sydney University, showed why they are top of the table. They won with 54 unanswered points.