Fullback Daniel Rowe scored three of Sydney University’s 10 tries in their 54-8 win over Cumberland Beavers in their Round 9 NSW Tertiary Cup match at Henson Park on Saturday.
The win had special relevance as the match was billed as the Dave Chadwick Memorial Day game in recognition of the former Sydney University Rugby League club player and administrator who passed away a year ago.
Dave Chadwick was instrumental in re-establishing Rugby League at Sydney University, driving the club as player, captain, coach and president for over 50 years.
While Rowe collected three tries and directed the attack, Tevita Loko, Max Linden-Smith and Jake Vrahnos each scored two, with Kingi Ngatai also bagging a four-pointer.
Loko’s two tries were scored in identical fashion, with the giant forward carrying three and four defenders over the line.
Coach Luke Srama was pleased with the team effort, particularly some of the set pieces that paid dividends.
While the boys did push a pass here and there, he said it was pleasing to see some points on the board.
Sydney University alumni Kurt Lewis and Teli Taktikos were instrumental in controlling the ruck, which has been a focus for some time. While the hooker pairing of Murray Spear and Kazuki Fukushige were selective and direct in attack, carving up the Beavers forward pack with fast, targeted runs out of dummy half.
Fittingly, inaugural Dave Chadwick Scholar recipient and SU Arts/Education student, Jake Vrahnos, scored a double on the day by attacking the line with tricky show-and-go attack.
The voting for Man of the Match was spread across the team, but ultimately Odyssey Laderas scraped in by one vote. The small but tough Odyssey, who has played for the Philippine national side, was damaging in defence and proved dangerous in attack in a strong all-round display.
Sydney University will travel to Kellyville Park this Saturday for a return clash against the TAFE NSW Polecats, with a 3pm lick-off scheduled.
Scoreboard
NSW Tertiary Cup competition – Round 9
Sydney University 54 (Tries: Daniel Rowe 3, Tevita Loko 2, Max Linden-Smith 2, Jake Vrahnos 2, Kingi Ngatai. Goals: Tom McCarthy 4, Max Linden-Smith 2, Tevita Loko) defeated Cumberland Beavers 8.
