Sydney University’s dismal record against Manly in the past decade continued on Saturday when the Marlins ran out 37-25 winners in their Round 14 Shute Shield encounter.
Manly usually inflict the pain at their home ground, Manly Oval, but this time they put the Students to the sword at headquarters – Sydney University No.1 Oval.
And, in doing so, they overtook Sydney University on the competition ladder to move into second with two rounds to play before the finals begin.
Defending premiers Eastwood remain at the top of the ladder on 58 points, with Manly (56), Sydney University (52), Southern Districts (46), Northern Suburbs (39) and Parramatta (38) making up the top six.
While the Students controlled large chunks of possession and territory on Saturday, Manly managed to stay with them on the scoreboard until the final quarter when they levelled at 25-all and then ran away with the game.
They ended up scoring six tries to three, with winger Richard Hooper grabbing three, prop James Hilterbrand snaring two and hooker Elvis Taione one, while second-rower Liam Winton, flanker Tim Davidson and inside-centre James McMahon crossed for the Students.
The hosts lost captain and halfback Matt Schwager with a leg injury, but even his impeccable service and presence couldn’t be used as an excuse for the loss. Manly’s resolute defence and fitness late in the game were key factors, allied with Sydney University’s inability to manufacture tries.
The Students meet Eastwood in the first half of a split round this Saturday at T.G. Millner Field and close out the competition proper hosting Southern Districts a fortnight later. The competition remains wide open.
The run for the Club Championship also holds interest this weekend, with Sydney University sitting on 2475 points, followed by Eastwood (2131), Northern Suburbs (1946) and Manly (1937).
The Students remain in contention to have seven teams in the finals. Second Grade sit atop the Colin Caird Shield, Third Grade head the Henderson Shield, and Fourth Grade head the Henderson Cup, while the three Colts grades lead their respective competitions.
Scoreboard
Sydney Grade competition – Round 14
First Grade – Shute Shield: Manly 37 (Richard Hooper 3, James Hilterbrand 2, Elvis Taione tries; Scott Daruda 2 goals, pen goal) d Sydney University 25 (Liam Winton, Tim Davidson, James McMahon tries; Dan Kelly 2 goals, pen goal, Bernard Foley pen goal) at Sydney University No.1 Oval.
Second Grade – Colin Caird Shield: Sydney University 34 (Nathan Trist 2, David Fong, Peter Betham, Tolu Latu tries; Brad Hodge 3 goals, pen goal) d Manly 31 (O Famueli 2, Neil Meyer, M Wood, Blair Polwart tries; Marshall Milroy 3 goals).
Third Grade: Henderson Shield: Sydney University 22 (Holoua Tonga, Mark O’Dare, Zubayr Abrahams tries; Eddie Paea 2 goals, pen goal) d Manly 16 (Carrick May try; Luke Perry goal, 3 pen goal).
Fourth Grade: Henderson Cup: Sydney University 62 (Sione Kaivelata 3, Jack Macklin 2, Cameron Lawrence 2, Dan Simpson, Aldi King, James Swan tries; Jack Macklin 6 goals) d Manly 12 (Robbie Pickering, M. Dawes tries; Shem Grieve goal).
Colts
First Grade: Sydney University 58 (10 tries) d Manly 0.
Second Grade: Sydney University 20 d Manly 12.
Third Grade: Sydney University 44 (8 tries) d Southern Districts 0.
