Sydney University women’s rugby team remain unbeaten in the Sydney First Grade competition with a 58-nil result over Waverley at St John’s College Oval on Saturday.
It was Sydney University’s third big win over Waverley this season, following a 76-nil result at C.C Redmond Field in Round 2 and a 44-nil win at Waverley Oval in Round 8.
With four competition rounds to be played, Sydney University are on track for the minor premiership and another major premiership, having missed out last year when chasing a third consecutive title.
They opened the season with a 28-nil result over Rockdale, put Waverley to the sword in Round 2 and followed with a 40-14 win over Penrith, a 23-15 win over Warringah, a 24-10 win over Parramatta, a 32-14 result over Rockdale, and a 40-24 win over Penrith.
Saturday’s win was achieved without the services of Wallaroo Ashleigh Hewston, but University were bolstered by the strong defence of Jade Fonua on the wing and the tactical kicking of halfback Iliseva Batisbasaga.
The opening stanza was marked by a spirited Waverley attack which quickly exposed weaknesses in the University scrum and lineout, where they missed the experience and reliability of Haruka Takahasi who was out with injury.
The Students scrambled well in defence to keep Waverley scoreless and were eventually able to force turnovers and gain control. And when they had possession, the silky ball skills of Lope Leiataua at the line constantly asked questions of the Waverley defence.
Sydney University were dangerous with the ball in hand and some excellent individual displays and good backing up saw possession quickly turned into points.
The initial University tries also built confidence in the hosts and doubt in the opposition. This was manifest in a stronger push in the scrum and a better performance at the breakdown.
In the second half a rampant Alexandra Hargreaves was unleashed from the bench and quickly made her presence known by scoring three tries. Continued pressure and self-belief meant the result was never in doubt and try after try went the host’s way.
Sydney University face the tough Parramatta team in a catch-up midweek away game tonight before backing up to face an in-form Rockdale at St John’s Oval on Saturday.
