Leichhardt Oval played host to another Metro League classic on Sunday, as Sydney University went toe-to-toe with the TAFE NSW Polecats in the NSWRL Metro Combined Bronze competition grand final. Despite a brave performance, the Students fell 18-12 in a gripping contest that echoed last year’s decider.
The Polecasts struck first, giving them an early 6-0 lead. Sydney Uni responded immediately after, with winger Lachlan Chwa crossing out wide in the 6th minute to get the Black and Gold on the board.
Momentum swung in Uni’s favour when Max Linden-Smith sliced through the defense in the 15th minute, converting his own try to edge the Student ahead 10-6. But the Polecats answered back, reclaiming a 12-10 lead they carried into half time.
The second half was a war of attrition, both sides defending with grit. Liden-Smith’s penalty goal in the 51st minute locked the scores at 12-12, setting the stage for a tense finish.
With just minutes remaining, it was the Polecats who found the decisive breakthrough sealing it at 18-12.
While the result didn’t go Sydney Uni’s way, the team’s resilience and fight were on full display. Pushing the minor premiers all the way, the Students once again proved themselves among the competition’s elite.
From everyone at Sydney Uni Sport we would like to congratulate the team and hold their heads high after another campaign that demonstrated the club’s depth, determination, and spirit.
