Graham Croker
Chasing a fifth consecutive Shute Shield title, Sydney University will meet Northern Suburbs in a crucial round six Sydney Grade rugby union match under lights at the University’s No.1 Oval on Friday night.
With the kick-off for the First Grade fixture scheduled for 7pm, the Football Club has planned a busy night of activities to cater for an expected bumper crowd, starting with an Under 16 curtin-raiser between Canterbury, Sydney University’s junior affiliate, and West Harbour at 5.50pm.
There will also be a function for Rugby Club Foundation members, a Lawn Party and a coaching clinic for juniors conducted by former Wallaby Al Kanaar, who has been assisting with coaching since a knee injury forced him to retire from playing.
Sydney University’s Shute Shield aspirations hit a hurdle at Forshaw Park on Saturday when Southern District’s defeated the premiers 33-21, relegating the Students to fourth on the competition ladder.
Sydney University opened the season with a 37-7 win over Penrith at Nepean Rugby Park, a 29-14 win over Parramatta at Two Blues Park, a 22-15 result over West Harbour at Concord Oval and a close-fought 23-19 win over Warringah at No.1 Oval before going down to the boys from the Shire.
Meanwhile, Sydney University has eight players in the 26-man NSW Waratahs squad in South Africa for a three-match Super 14 tour.
Along with captain Phil Waugh, the University is also represented by halfback Luke Burgess, centre Tom Carter, five-eighth Daniel Halangahu, winger Peter Playford, and second-rowers Will Caldwell, David Dennis and Dean Mumm.
The Waratahs will meet the Cheetahs in Johannesburg on Saturday before relocating to Durban for matches against the Sharks and the Lions.
