Sydney University defend Australian Club Championship
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Saturday, 17 May 2008
NSWRU Media Unit
Sydney University has defended the Australian Club Championship with a convincing 24-0 victory over Sunnybank at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.
Winning skipper ... Tim Davidson
Winning skipper ... Tim Davidson
Australian Club Champs ... Sydney University
Australian Club Champs ... Sydney University
Daniel Halangahu controlling the game
Daniel Halangahu controlling the game
Big defence ... Uni keeps a clean sheet
Big defence ... Uni keeps a clean sheet
24 nil ... Sydney Uni too strong for Sunnybank
24 nil ... Sydney Uni too strong for Sunnybank
An opportunity for Sunybank ... but Uni close the gap
An opportunity for Sunybank ... but Uni close the gap
After beating West Brisbane 36-5 in last year's encounter, the Students went into this match defending the trophy and on the back of an undefeated start to the Tooheys New Shute Shield in the opening seven rounds.
Fielding Super 14 squad members Alfi Mafi, Daniel Halangahu and Leo Afeaki, the Students started the match as hot favourites, however a number of Queensland Reds squad members strengthened the Brisbane premiers line-up and ensured the match would be a tough hit-out.
After a torrential downpour prior to kick-off the match was played in wet conditions and it was Uni who handled the conditions best from the outset.
Three first half tries to Lachlan Mitchell, Daniel Halangahu and Jono Jenkins saw the Students head to the break with a 17-0 lead.
While Sunnybank had their chances in the second forty, University held on strongly and added one more try to their tally to raise the trophy for the second straight year.
Due to playing in the Australian Club Championship, Sydney University's round eight Tooheys New Shute Shield clash with Eastwood has been deferred to Saturday, 7 June. However despite having a match in hand they still sit atop the competition table.
Sydney University 24 (Lachlan Mitchell, Daniel Halangahu, Jono Jenkins, Nathan Charles tries; Daniel Halangahu 2 cons) d Sunnybank 0 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. Half-time: Sydney University 17-0.