Sydney University returned to the winner’s list with a 30-24 win over last-placed Norwest Polecats in their Round 15 Tertiary Cup rugby league clash at Kellyville Park on Saturday.
The Students put five tries on the Polecats, with 30 Kingi Ngatai and Graham Harris each scoring two and Dean Reid also crossing the stripe, while Thomas McCarthy landed five goals.
Ngatai was making his First Grade debut, along with Jye Braga, while Viola Mahe was a welcome addition in the forwards as the Students set up a 16-8 halftime lead.
Tries to Ngatai and Reid, and a perfect kicking display from McCarthy, kept the Lions in front in the second half. Although there were some anxious moments late in the game when the Students came up with some handling errors and let the hosts in with a sniff of victory.
The win was built on a 100 per cent effort from all players. Club captain Brendan Lees led by example and Junior Taupo, Harris and William Grooms stood out in the forwards.
Players’ Player points went to Kingi Ngatai (3), Graham Harris (2) and Wlliam Grooms (1).
Sydney Trains are still steaming ahead of the competition on 39 points, with UTS Tigers in close attendance on 38, and Sydney University (31) and Cumberland Beavers (28) making up the top four. ADFA Knights (27) and Norwest Polecats (25) are still in with a chance with four rounds remaining.
Sydney University will host Cumberland Beavers at Henson Park on Saturday, with Division One kicking off a 1pm as a curtain-raiser to the NSW Cup match between Newtown Jets and Wests Tigers.
Sydney University’s fourth-placed Second Division side will meet ANZ Grizzlies at 11.15am.
Scoreboard
Tertiary Cup competition – Round 15
Division One: Sydney University 30 (Kingi Ngatai 2, Graham Harris 2, Dean Reid tries; Thomas McCarthy 5 goals) d Norwest Polecats 24, at Kellyville Park.
Division Two: Sydney University bye.
