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Sydney University second-rower Byron Hodge landed five penalty goals and two conversions in wet and windy conditions to guide the Students to a 29-15 win over Randwick in their Shute Shield encounter at University No.1 Oval on Saturday night.

Playing in slippery, water-logged conditions, both sides opted to shoot for any points on offer. And with the hosts holding territorial advantage, Hodge slotted three first half penalties to Randwick five-eighth David Horwitz’s one to give University a 9-3 lead at the break.

Keeping mistakes to a minimum and maintaining possession for long periods saw University slowly gain an edge in the early stages of the second half. This resulted in more ball movement and backline thrusts, with wingers Mark O’Dare and Henry Clunies-Ross having plenty of involvement.

The first try of the match came in the 55th minute when University dominated a scrum five metres from Randwick’s line and Clunies-Ross entered the fray at pace from the left flank on an angled run to the posts. Hodge’s conversion took the score to 16-3.

Another dominant scrum in the same position resulted in number eight Mitchell Whiteley controlling the ball at the back to score next to the posts. Hodge’s conversion and two more penalty goals took the score to 29-3 with 15 minutes remaining.

The Wicks maintained their composure and tenacity and were rewarded with two tries. Halfback Mitch Short scored the first after he won the race to the line chasing a ball that had been toed through off a dropped University pass, and prop Latu Talakai collected the other by finishing off a strong pick-and-drive raid in the Students’ line.

Sydney University are now 7th on the Shute Shield ladder on 19 points, with a game up their sleeve. Defending premiers Eastwood still head proceedings on 33 points, with Manly (27), Randwick (25), Southern Districts (24), Northern Suburbs (20 and Warringah (20) making up the top six.

Eastwood also head the Club Championship on 1163 points, with Randwick (1064) and Sydney University (945) in hot pursuit. With all University lower grade and Colts matches postponed on Saturday because of the weather and state of the grounds, some valuable Club Championship points are being held in reserve.

The action shifts to T.G. Milner Field this Saturday when Eastwood host University in Round 8 matches.

 

Scoreboard

Sydney Premier Grade competition – Round 7

First Grade: Sydney University 29 (Mitchell Whiteley, Henry Clunies-Ross tries; Byron Hodge 2 goals, 5 pen goals) d Randwick 15 (Latu Talakai, Mitch Short tries; David Horwitz goal, pen goal) at Sydney University No.1 Oval on Saturday.

Second Grade: Sydney University v Randwick postponed due to weather and ground conditions.

Third Grade: Sydney University v Randwick postponed due to weather and ground conditions.

Fourth Grade: Sydney University v Randwick postponed due to weather and ground conditions.

Colts

First Grade: Sydney University v Randwick postponed due to weather and ground conditions.

Second Grade: Sydney University v Randwick postponed due to weather and ground conditions.

Third Grade: Sydney University v Randwick postponed due to weather and ground conditions.

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