Graham Croker
Prop Jerry Yanuyanutawa powered over for three of Sydney University’s 12 tries in their 76-nil win over Penrith at the Weekender Sports Stadium, St Marys, on Saturday.
Yanuyanutawa, hooker Nathan Charles and tighthead prop Laurie Weeks – until he was given an early mark – were three of Sydney University’s best in a lop-sided encounter where the hosts were outplayed but committed to the end.
Indeed, Penrith halfback Jeremy Su’a and fullback Solomoma Fainifo deserved more for their efforts as the Students dominated possession, territory and the scoreboard.
Many of the dozen tries came off multiple-phase build-ups that led to the frontrowers running in the backline – and making breaks.
Second-rower Hugh Hawkins, yet another Colt playing in the senior grades, and flanker Tim Aistrope made promising first grade debuts, with the only dampener on the outcome being a serious leg injury to winger Lachlan Rosengreen early in proceedings.
When fullback Nathan Trist opened the scoring in the 5th minute, taking advantage of a decoy run from outside-centre Leo Afeaki, it was going to be a long afternoon for the hosts.
It was one of two the busy fullback scored in the first half, and with other five-pointers from skipper Tim Davidson, winger Nick Edwards and Yanuyanutawa, the Students went to the break leading 38-nil.
Weeks opened the scoring in the second half and, despite periods of committed defence from the hosts, winger Ed Jenkins, halfback Nick Haydon (twice) and Yanuyanutawa (twice) also found the line. Five-eighth Dan Kelly raised the flags eight times with his conversions, including some from either touchline in windy conditions.
In such a dominant performance there were good performers across the park operating on the back of a very dominant scrum.
With Sydney University heading the competition on 76 points with four rounds to play, there is plenty of interest in the make-up of the top six. Losses by Randwick and West Harbour at the weekend resulted in Gordon moving back to second place on 68 points, with Randwick (65), Eastern Suburbs (58), Warringah (58) and West Harbour (54) looking finals bound.
The Students will take on seventh-place Eastwood at T.G. Milner Field this Saturday, followed by home matches against Warringah and Randwick, with an away match against Southern Districts rounding out the competition proper.
Shute Shield – Round 18
First Grade: Sydney University 76 (Jerry Yanuyanutawa 3, Nick Haydon 2, Nathan Trist 2, Ed Jenkins 2, Laurie Weeks, Tim Davidson, Nick Edwards tries; Dan P. Kelly 8 goals) d Penrith 0 at Weekender Sports Stadium, St Marys.
Second Grade: Sydney University 61 (Kai Ikeuchi 2, Harrison Brown 2, Scot Cameron, Matt Schwager, Jeremy Atkin, Cian McNaughton, Justin Bosilkovski tries; Jeremy Atkin 8 goals) d Penrith 7 (C Fione try; Brendan Craig goal).
Third Grade: Sydney University 100 (Darren Amituania 4, Tavita Tuiloa 2, Tom Harrington 2, Guy Rasmussen 2, Jono Owen, Nathan Sievert, Justin Bosilkovski, Ironi Tara, Scott Stumbles, Duncan Hardy tries; Dan C. Kelly 10 goals) d Penrith 5 (J. Iona try).
Fourth Grade: Sydney University 47 (Rye 2, John Morellato, Ellis Patrick, Andrew Battishall, Andrew Caterson, Trevor Walsh tries; Junior Tuitaria 5 goals) d Penrtih 10 (Faafetai Emelio, F. Pio tries).
Meldrum Cup – Division 6
Rockdale 43 d Sydney University 14.
Colts
First Grade: Sydney University won on forfeit.
Second Grade: Sydney University won on forfeit.
Third Grade: Sydney University 99 (16 tries) d Penrith 0.
