COVID-19: Southern Districts win Shute Shield thriller after coronavirus scare

For the second week in a row coronavirus concerns have affected how Southern Districts players have trained. But it didn’t stop the club notching a very important victory

Sydney University suffered their first loss of the season to Southern Districts.

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For the second time in a fortnight, players from the Southern Districts Rugby club have had their match preparations interrupted due to a coronavirus scare.

Southern Districts Shute Shield coach Todd Louden said even he went and got tested this week after learning a number of players felt unwell.

Sydney University suffered their first loss of the season to Southern Districts.

“We had another scare again last week,’’ Louden said after his side pulled off the first major upset of the Shute Shield season with their one point defeat of reigning champions Sydney University on Saturday.

“Even I went and got tested.’’

Louden said 21 players got tested last week and also the week before after feeling unwell.

“We are pretty lucky the Shire doesn't have many cases,’’ Louden said.

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The interrupted training didn't prevent Southern Districts producing their best rugby this season to beat Sydney Uni at home in a 32-31 thriller.

“We won’t let up. They play for each other, these guys,’’ Louden praised.

Action in the match between Sydney University and Southern Districts.

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This weekend all racing from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, which hosts the Sydney to Hobart each eyar, was cancelled.

The club is shut until Friday at the earliest after officials learned a second member has tested positive although did not visit the clubhouse.