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14.04.2008 – Graham Croker


A two-try performance from fullback Nathan Trist and another strong showing from the young Sydney University front-row highlighted the Students’ 50-24 win over Parramatta at University Oval on Saturday.


The hosts rattled up seven tries in the round three clash but allowed a gutsy Parramatta in for four.


In a fast-moving affair, the first four minutes provided a portent of things to come. From the opening, the young Sydney University backline moved the ball from one side of the ground to the other before winger Hayden Bushell breached the defence. Tackled just short of the line, he found wing cohort Mitch Inman in support to score the first try after two minutes.


Parramatta hit back immediately with a conventional backline sweep ending with winger Roland Herea scoring in the grandstand corner. At five-all both sides had shown their intentions.


The visitors controlled possession for the next 10 minutes, with number eight Junior To’o and winger Mitch Gow causing some concern for the University defence.


When the hosts finally gained some possession play moved to the Parramatta quarter where prop Jerry Yanuyanutawa swooped on a ball at the back of a ruck and broke two tackles on a 30m dash to the line.


Trist cruised over after a rolling maul had been halted near the line and five-eighth Dan Kelly crossed just before half-time to bring up the bonus point for four tries. Having missed the first two conversions, inside-centre Daniel Halangahu found the target to convert the Trist try, while Kelly took over the kicking duties to convert his own five-pointer for the Students to go to the break with a 24-5 lead.


Trist opened the second half scoring after reclaiming a Lachlan Mitchell chip, but Parramatta replied with a clever try from inside-centre Dave Alo, who followed a grubber from five-eighth Josh Weeks to score unopposed. Weeks converted for a 39-12 scoreline which was to keep changing at regular intervals.


ACT Brumbies winger Leo Afeaki was bought on off the bench and immediately made his presence felt when he took a well-timed pass from Yanuyanutawa to score in the corner.


Parramatta hooker Scott Podmore scored from a lineout near the University line, but Students negated that when flanker Jono Jenkins reaped the rewards from a push-over try.


The lightning fast Mitchell left defenders in his wake when Trist took a quick lineout 40 metres from the Parramatta line and threw it to the young outside-centre. It was just reward for a busy game in attack and defence.


The visitors fought to the end and were rewarded with a bonus point when flanker Winney Paulo scored next to the posts after a multi-phase build-up.


Parramatta were well served by Weeks, Paulo, fullback Ben Borg and second-rower Steve Mafi.


With five conversions and a very well-taken try, Kelly ended up with 15 points for the match. Laurie Weeks anchored a very solid scrum that scored one pushover and should have scored a second, and halfback Nathan Sievert kept the backline busy. And it was nice to see them running the ball regularly from their own quarter rather than resorting to the kick.


Second Grade: Sydney University 43 Matt Battishall 2, Shayhne Smith 2, Duncan Hardy, Richard Finau, Jon Burnett tries; Dan C Kelly 4 goals) d Parramatta 14 (Aaron Mattin, Junior Kolikata tries; Aaron Mattin 2 goals).


Third Grade: Sydney University 45 (Matt Schwagger 2, Dave Burnett, Josh Munro, Nick Woolf, Lachlan Rothwell, Brian Green tries; Jacob Taylor 5 goals) d Parramatta 14 (Junior Kolikata 2 tries; Matt Borg 2 goals).


Fourth Grade: Sydney University 57 (Dane Cole-Clarke 2, John Morellato, Jamie Whelan, Joab Hull, Joey Dawson, J Patrick, J Mataria tries, Jamie Whelan 7 goals, pen goal) d Parramatta 0.


Colts


First Grade: Sydney University 89 (15 tries) d Parramatta 12.


Second Grade: Sydney University 58 (10 tries) d Parramatta 12.


Third Grade: Sydney University 75 (13 tries) d Parramatta 0.

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