Sydney University remain in contention for semi-final berths in both divisions of the NSW Tertiary Cup rugby league competition following two strong wins on Saturday.
The Division One side went on a seven-try spree in their 42-6 demolition of Cumberland at Henson Park.
The return of Adam Sarkis and Tom Williams gave the side much more composure in offence, with Junior Taupo almost unstoppable in attack. He scored one of Sydney University’s tries, with Tom McCarthy, Sarkis, Jay Parker, Tommy Williams, William Grooms and Lasalo Matapule also crossing the stripe.
And, with semi-finals looming, McCarthy found rhythm with the boot, slotting seven conversions.
While Sydney University’s attack was on song, it was their defence that pleased the coaching staff. They kept their line intact in a strong showing on the tackling front.
The club has brought up a number of Division Two players during the season, with Grooms improving every week and Andre Rossini and Dominic Dagher getting valuable time in open age football.
The Players’ Player points went to Junior Taupo 3, Tom McCarthy 2 and Kingston Nicholson 1.
With three rounds of the competition proper to be played, Sydney University hold down third place on the Division One ladder on 34 points. Sydney Trains head the competition on 42 points, with UTS Tigers second on 39 and Cumberland Beavers fourth on 29.
The Students head to Canberra this Saturday to take on the Australian Defence Force Academy at Addison Ova. They’ll be looking to make it three on the trot against the Force, having won the Round Six clash 62-12, and their Round 11 clash 22-18.
After Saturday’s outing, Sydney University will meet UTS Tigers at Blackmore Oval on August 16, and Sydney Trains at St John’s Oval on August 23 leading into the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Sydney University’s Division Two side ground out a much needed 14-8 win over ANU in their clash at Henson Park on Saturday.
Jye Braga, Adam Irvine and Viola Mahe crossed for Sydney University’s tries in a win that was built on strong defence, particularly in the closing stages when the Grizzlies fought back.
Solid efforts came from the Mahe brothers and Vincent Appleton in defence on the wing, while Daniel Betham returned to form to lead the forwards, and Nathan Rokoia was strong at five-eighth.
Players’ Player points went to Viola Mahe3, Vince Appleton 2 and Adam Irvine 1.
This Saturday’s match against the Australian Defence Force Academy at Canberra will be another must-win affair with Sydney University lying fourth on the competition ladder on 30 points, behind UWS Ducks (39), ANU Grizzlies (34) and Sydney Trains (33).
But the omens are looking good, with the Students having won their Round Six encounter with ADFA 48-6 and backed that up with a 26-0 win in their Round 11 encounter.
