The Sydney University Women’s Rugby Club are the 2016 Premiers, after a nail biting 25-24 win over Parramatta Two Blues on Saturday 6 August, 2016.
From the outset it was clear that the big occasion had brought some nerves to the Sydney Uni team. Although leading 17-12 at halftime, the girls gifted Parramatta two tries through uncharacteristic mistakes.
Despite this, minor premiership mentality prevailed and with possession came composure as the team moved into attacking territory and flicked to Fi Jones for the try.
Then again after some strong forward play, turning the big Parramatta forward pack around and regaining possession through ferocious defense, Penelope Leiataua was able to charge onto the ball and score.
“The halftime talk was all about playing in their half and relying on our set piece to reward us with possession, but we underestimated Parramatta’s determination to reverse last year’s result,” commented Coach Phil Brown at the break.
Returning to play, Two Blues quickly caught Uni short on the left hand side twice and scored two great team tries.
This left Uni in a very unfamiliar position of being down 17-24.
With the whole season on the line, the last twenty minutes saw Uni play field position and step up the pressure at the breakdown. Their efforts resulted in a penalty goal followed by a well-deserved team try by Molly Gray to bring Uni home, 25-24.
“It was a game where there shouldn’t have been a loser such was the standard and we were grateful for the victory,” said Coach Phil Brown.
(Penelope Leiataua 1, Fi Jones 1, Mollie Gray 1, conversions Ash Hewson 2 and penalties Ash Hewson 2)
Image credit: David Bonnell
