Uni Snatch Final Spot From Vikings

A last second Takunda Chimwaza try has propelled University into next week’s Preliminary Final against Bowral. With Vikings holding a six point advantage and time up, Chimwaza powered over to score and with a Charles Curry conversion from in front  University snatched a 22 – 21 victory. In what was a tight, typical finals match in which the lead changed seven times, each side scored three tries but it was the students who made more of their limited opportunities in an evenly contested match.

Both sides were affected by injury and unavailability as Uni continues to struggle to manage a huge injury toll at the club and Vikings were missing key backline players and also with Captain Joel Diggins unavailable overseas. In the first twenty minutes of the match both sides set about testing each others defense with neither side able to strike a telling blow.

In a bazar twist first points came to The Bulls through a Charles Curry penalty goal after Vikings were awarded a penalty in midfield. Referee Andrew Strode reversed the penalty after some verbal comments were made by Vikings players. Curry stepped up kicked a long range goal with the assistance of the strong south easterly wind. Uni took the lead 3 – 0 after fifteen minutes in what proved to be a significant factor in the student’s eventual win.

Play moved from end to end with the defense of both sides proving more than capable. Each side withstood long periods of sustained attack on their line before a try came to each side in the final fifteen minutes of the half. The first came to Vikings Flanker Thomas Claridge who took full advantage of one of Halfback Tom Sawdens darting runs close to the Uni line. Claridge scored inside the Posts after the Sawden run fell a meter short. Sawden converted and Vilings were in front for the first time at 7 – 3.

Paul Tuala crossed for Uni after the students had peppered the Blueys line for a long period. Tuala strolled over the line in an innocuous fashion from close range with two defenders giving little resistance. Curry converted and the students were back in front at 10 – 8.