Having claimed the Eric Spilstead Shield for the Colts Club Championship for the 10th time in the past 11 years, Sydney University Football Club’s Colts teams enter the elimination finals series at Forshaw Rugby Park this weekend as minor premiers in each of the three grades.
While the Club Championship was in the bag some weeks ago, the team titles are still up for grabs and on that score First Grade Colts will be chasing a seventh successive win in the title W. McMahon Memorial Shield. They will meet fourth-placed Randwick in the qualifying final.
First Grade Colts have won nine of the past 10 grand finals, having gone of a run of four from 2002, lost to Eastwood in the 2006 decider and set up another unbroken run from 2007. They won 17 of the 18 rounds this year, amassing a remarkable 982 points while conceding 254.
Indeed, their scoring feats earned them the minor premiership on points for and against, after Sydney University and Manly finished on 85 competition points. Northern Suburbs (58), Randwick (58), Eastwood (51) and Parramatta (45) make up the top six.
Second Grade Colts, chasing an eighth consecutive premiership, meet fourth-placed Manly in their qualifying final. They won 16 of 17 rounds in 2013. Seconds finished the season proper on 80 points, with Eastwood (77), Northern Suburbs (68), Manly (51), Randwick (49) and Eastern Suburbs (49) making up the top six.
Third Grade will meet fourth-placed Eastern Suburbs in their qualifying final. The Thirds were minor premiers in 2012 but fell at the final hurdle when Randwick won the grand final 17-5. They finished on 62 competition points this season, ahead of Northern Suburbs (59), Eastwood (51), Eastern Suburbs (51), Parramatta (42) and Randwick (36).
Meanwhile, SUFC is celebrating a 10th consecutive Club Championship for the Gregor George Trophy.
The Students secured the silverware with their clean-sweep of Gordon at University Oval on Saturday, including a 95-7 win in First Grade. Outside-centre Tom English and winger Lachlan Mitchell each scored four tries in the 15-try demolition.
Sydney University Firsts are shooting for an 11th successive grand final appearance and a possible seventh Shute Shield in that period.
The Students travel to Coogee Oval on Saturday to take on Randwick in the final round of the 2013 competition. They are still a chance of earning the minor premiership should they win and Warringah causes an upset over competition leaders Eastwood at T.G. Millner Field.
Sydney University Women’s team remain on track for a third successive premiership. With one competition round remaining, Parramatta head the ladder on 52 points. Sydney University (51), Warringah (42) and Rockdale (28) make up the top four.
The Students meet Penrith this weekend, while Parramatta take on Rockdale to determine the minor premiership.
Scoreboard
Sydney Men’s Grade competition – Round 15
First Grade: Sydney University 95 (Tom English 4, Lachlan Mitchell 4, Tom Kingston 2, Greg Jedoulev 2,Trent Dyer, Hugo Dessens, Peter Betham tries; Byron Hodge 4 goals, Greg Jedoulev 3 goals, Nick Phipps 3 goals)d Gordon 7 at Sydney University No.1 Oval.
Second Grade: Sydney University 48 (Nathan Trist 3, Benn Melrose, Elliot Messara, Richard Draper, James Dargaville, Alex Rokobaro tries; Nathan Trist 4 goals)d Gordon 17.
Third Grade: Sydney University 82 (Tim Reid 2, Anthony Pohlen 2, Hugh Frazer 2, Scott Cameron, Michael Pollastri, Josh Ellice-Flint, Willie Du Plessis, Ben Murray, John Rudd, Ben Cannon, Dave Dillon tries; David Fong 2 goals, Dave Dillon 2 goals. Jack Macklin goal, Scott Cameron goal) d Gordon 0.
Fourth Grade: Sydney University 55 (David Pohlen 2, Cameron Mason 2, Andrew Hunter, Cameron Lawrence, Jack Marples, Ben Lenehan, Connor Foley tries; Cameron Mason 3 goals, Jack O’Connor 2 goals) d Gordon 0.
Colts
First Grade: Sydney University 56 (10 tries) d Gordon 0.
Sydney Women’s Grade competition – Round 13
First Grade: Sydney University 41 d Waverley 7 at St John’s Soccer Ground.
