Words by Paul Cook - Images by Paul Seiser

Eastern Suburbs v Gordon

Colin Caird Shield Champions - Eastern Suburbs - www.seiserphotography.comEastern Suburbs finally broke the club’s Premiership drought by outgunning a valiant Gordon side 32-29 to take the Colin Caird Shield back to Woollahra. The final score flattered the Highlanders somewhat as the Beasts put them to the sword after the break following an even first half, building up a 32-15 lead before Gordon crossed with two late tries to restore some pride. It was a magnificent achievement by Easts considering they only finished 4th on the ladder after the regular season, adding the scalp of 2nd placed Gordon to last week’s upset over minor premiers Sydney University.

The game started at a frenetic pace with both sides looking to move the ball wide and attack at every opportunity. Two penalties were converted in the first five minutes, Easts’ Warwick Percival cancelling out the opener from Gordon’s Donny Nepia before the Highlanders crossed for the first 5 pointer of the match. A good line and some ineffective tackling saw Luke Duncan break through and give Nepia the easy extras and Gordon a 10-3 lead.

Dan Robinson - Gordon - www.seiserphotography.comThat was how it stayed for the next 15 minutes before the Beast’s scored slightly against the run of play to draw level. A great bust from fly-half Sam Windsor found the flying Joe Azar with an overlap and a run to the line with Percival adding the 2pts. However, their joy was to be short-lived, as only 2 minutes later an attempted clearing kick from inside their own twenty-two went awry and as the ball sat up, flying Gordon winger Greg Wade showed extraordinary awareness and handling skills to scoop up the errant kick and dive for the line, restoring his side’s lead in the process. The angle proved too much for Nepia and it was a 5pt ball game with just under 10 minutes to go before the break.

Sam Windsor - Easts - www.seiserphotography.comIronically, the try seemed to spur Easts onto greater efforts as their more structured game started to give them control with Gordon playing somewhat off-the-cuff but always looking dangerous from the counter-attack. Just as the siren sounded, the parity between the teams across the 1st half was reflected in the scoreboard as the Highlanders switched off and with their defence napping, the Beast’s took advantage to streak down the left flank with Ben Hopkins eventually crossing in the corner. The angle was too much for Percival this time round and they went to the sheds after an entertaining 35 minutes all tied up at 15-15.

Whatever was said by ex-Waratah backrower and now Eastern Suburbs coach Steve Talbot at half-time to his charges, certainly had the right effect as they came out in the 2nd half and took charge of the game, scoring an unanswered 17pts in the next 25 minutes. Joe Azar – who was having a terrific match – got the ball rolling after 42 minutes with another great break and a perfect offload giving winger James Rowles a run to the line. Percival executed an exemplorary conversion from out wide to open up a 7pt gap.

Three minutes later and a dust-up near the touchline gave Percival a shot from 40 metres but into a swirling breeze. Not many people in the ground would have backed him but not only did his mammoth kick have the legs to reach the posts, it cleared the in-goal area as well. 25-15

With the game now being played for the most part inside the Gordon twenty-two, the Highlanders simply couldn’t get enough ball in hand to make any inroads into an increasingly confident Easts team and with an hour showing on the clock, their position worsened. Sam Windsor – another standout performer on the day – made a break off the back of a scrum, put in a textbook step off the right foot and gassed it to the posts. Percival added the extras and the boys in red, white and blue had at least one hand on the trophy.

With 7 minutes left, Gordon finally seemed to grasp the brevity of the situation, threw off the shackles and played with the attacking verve and dynamism seen throughout the grades at Chatswood Oval this season. Unfortunately, it was to be too little, too late.

Awarded a penalty, skipper Nepia opted for a kick to touch and his forwards vilified his decision with an impressive example of the catch and drive before hooker Dustin McGregor stretched for the line. Nepia hardly had time to think before knocking over the conversion and sprinting back for the restart and even with a 10pt advantage still in their grasp, you could sense a few corks hovering over prematurely opened bottles for the Easts’ supporters.

Matt McGann - Easts - www.seiserphotography.comA nervous closing period of play ensued with Easts seemingly content to hold what they had and Gordon chancing their arm to pull off a miracle. If the rolling maul they got going in the 67th minute had proceeded with the same success as the previous attempt, things would have been very interesting indeed but when it was disrupted 10 metres short of the line, they were too flat in attack to make any impression.

The siren finally sounded with the Highlanders on the attack once more and with Easts’ players minds evidently already on the post-match celebrations, Gordon broke through for what amounted to no more than a consolation try for Josh Whittaker. It was an unusual sight watching the jubilant scenes behind the posts from a team that had just conceded a try compared to the deflation and disappointment now surrounding Nepia as he somehow kept his concentration to convert the kick.

A thrilling curtain raiser to the main event had finished four tries apiece but Easts had done more than enough in the opening 25 minutes of that 2nd half to rightfully claim victory and instigate a night of celebration to remember for both the team and the club’s long suffering supporters.

Eastern Suburbs coach Steve Talbot:

“The boys have put in a lot of work during the year and been fantastic. We’ve been on a bit of a roll the last month or so and this is a huge effort. The club hasn’t had a Premiership for a while now so this is great. The win against Manly (Qualifying Final) was a huge one for us, the boys really dug deep and then to knock over Uni last week was terrific. We’ve had a few eligibility issues, we lost three of our good players so the boys really came together and put in a team effort.”

Gordon lock Jared Barry:

“We stuck it until the end but we just didn’t have it in us and we didn’t have enough passion. We probably played the game in the sheds and Easts blew us off the field with their long kicks and we just didn’t have it on the day. We thought if we came out and played how we did last week against Randwick where we scored 24pts in the first ten minutes we’d be a good chance but we just couldn’t do it today.”

Eastern Suburbs captain Nathan Lowe:

“It’s unbelievable, it’s been a long time between drinks so we’re really going to savour this one. It didn’t start the way we wanted but we really came home in the second half and field position was key – we just kept it down their end and forced errors. I’m sure we’re in for a big couple of days and we’ll have more than a few drinks out of that cup.”

All interviews by Sean Maloney

Eastern Suburbs 32 (Joe Azar, Ben Hopkins, James Rowles, Sam Windsor tries; Warwick Percival 3 cons, 2 pens) d Gordon 29 (Luke Duncan, Greg Wade, Dustin McGregor, Josh Whittaker tries; Donny Nepia 3 cons, pen) at Sydney Football Stadium. Referee: James Leckie. HT: 15-15.

Eastern Suburbs: 1. Rhys Ward, 2. Daniel Aaron, 3. Adam Hill; 4. Matt McGann, 5. Ed Slater; 6. Ben Hopkins, 7. Will Brock, 8. Alex Munro; 9. James Burroughs, 10. Sam Windsor; 11. Warwick Percival, 12. Nathan Lowe [c], 13. Joe Azar, 14. James Rowles; 15. Lloyd Jones.

Gordon: 1. Tobias Gukibau, 2. Dustin McGregor, 3. Lamarn Ma’a; 4. Mark Johnson, 5. Jared Barry; 6. Vili Napa’a, 7. Lex Fairley, 8. Chris Alcock; 9. Dan Robinson, 10. Donny Nepia; 11. Greg Wade, 12. Luke Duncan, 13. Josh Whittaker, 14. Lachie Mitchell; 15. Joe Metuisela.

 

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www.seiserphotography.com - Andrew SmithThis is our season review. We look back on the year and the grand final series with Ken Catchpole Medallist Andrew Smith from Norths.

There will be more shows to come over the summer but not every week, more like every three or four weeks.

We'll still have plenty of news coming through the site so make sure you keep popping in.

Cheers from the team at clubrugby.com.au.

Northern Suburbs centre Andrew Smith has claimed the 2009 Ken Catchpole Medal as the most outstanding player of the Tooheys New Shute Shield, the accolade announced at tonight’s NSW Rugby Awards at the Citigate Central Sydney.

www.seiserphotography.com - Andrew Smith

Referees award votes on a 3-2-1 basis after each first grade game, with Smith polling votes in 15 matches despite the Shoremen registering just eight victories in 2009.
 
Smith finished the season on 33 votes, eleven clear of runner-up Daniel Halangahu (22) who finished the year on the charge. Having missed the opening half of the competition due to Super 14 commitments with the HSBC Waratahs, Sydney University flyhalf Halangahu polled his first votes in round nine, going on to record seven man of the match performances, the same number as Smith.
 
Dave Harvey (Gordon), who was a co-winner of the 2008 Catchpole Medal with Scott Fardy (Warringah) finished third on 20 votes ahead of Sydney University flanker Pat McCutcheon (19) and Eastwood skipper Hugh Perrett (18).
 
Perrett’s fellow Eastwood backrower Lachlan McCaffrey became the inaugural winner of the Tooheys New Shute Shield Rookie of the Year Award. McCaffrey won the award ahead of Warringah lock Hugh Pyle and Sydney University prop Pat Ryan.
 
In awards voted by the Tooheys New Shute Shield first grade coaches, Phil Blake (Manly) won the David Brockhoff Medal for Coach of the Year while Steve Walsh won the Dick Byres Medal for Mazda Referee of the Year.
 
Blake earned the win on the back of a stellar start to the year by the Marlins who led the competition into the second half of the season, while New Zealander Walsh’s return in the Tooheys New Shute Shield has kick-started his refereeing career.
 
Australian Under 20s captain Damien Fitzpatrick picked up the Chris Whitaker Aspiring Waratah Award for HSBC Junior Waratah of the Year, while 2009 NSW debutant Ben Mowen capped an impressive season by earning the Waratah Medal for on-and-off-field excellence.
 
KEN CATCHPOLE MEDAL - Tooheys New Shute Shield Player of the Year

33 Andrew Smith (Northern Suburbs)
22 Daniel Halangahu (Sydney University)
20 Dave Harvey (Gordon)
19 Pat McCutcheon (Sydney University)
18 Hugh Perrett (Eastwood)
17 Adam D’Arcy (Manly)
16 Ben Batger (Eastwood)
16 Beau Robinson (Warringah)
15 Sam Harris (Warringah)
15 Sitiveni Mafi (Parramatta)
15 Brett Sheehan (Warringah)

TOOHEYS NEW SHUTE SHIELD ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Lachlan McCaffrey (Eastwood)

DAVID BROCKHOFF MEDAL - Tooheys New Shute Shield Coach of the Year

Phil Blake (Manly)

DICK BYRES MEDAL - Tooheys New Shute Shield Referee of the Year

Steve Walsh

WARATAH MEDAL - HSBC Waratahs On-and-Off-Field Excellence

Ben Mowen (Randwick)

CHRIS WHITAKER ASPIRING WARATAH AWARD - HSBC Junior Waratah of the Year

Damien Fitzpatrick (Eastwood)

WILL TANNER AWARD - NSW Country Player of the Year

Mike Te Moana (Armidale/New England)

KENTWELL MEDAL - NSW Suburban Player of the Year

Aaron Loxley (Campbelltown Harlequins)

ROVA MEDIA WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Rebecca Trethowan (NSW Country)

SPIRIT OF RUGBY AWARD - NSW Rugby Volunteer of the Year

Jenny Middlemiss (Barraba/Central Northern Rugby Union)

SCHWEPPES NSW JUNIOR PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

Sydney – Baden Donegal (Warringah)

NSW Country – Alex Gibbon (Wollongbar-Alstonville)

SCHWEPPES NSW SCHOOLS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Jacob Woodhouse (The Scots College)

Words by Paul Cook - Images by Paul Seiser

Gordon v Sydney University

www.seiserphotography.com - Gordon Third Grade Champions Gordon have made it back to back wins in 3rd Grade by seeing off Sydney University in a tense low-scoring affair at the SFS. In stark contrast to the open and free-flowing 4th Grade final that preceded it, defence was the name of the game in this match as both sides failed to unlock the door to the tryline. That’s not to say it was any less absorbing however, as a game packed with colossal hits and ferocity at the breakdown turned into a war of attrition that was tight on the scoreboard for the full 60 minutes.
 
It was Gordon that started on the front foot, applying plenty of pressure at the contest, earning them plenty of ball with which to attack the channels. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that the Students outside centre, Dave Burnett, is usually found in the backrow and the Highlanders tried to punish this possible weakness early with their aggressive attack giving them a distinct advantage on the penalty count.
 
However, two shots at goal from skipper and fullback Dan Nieass failed to find their target and Uni – who had barely made it into the opposition twenty-two – somehow still found themselves level on the scoreboard after 20 minutes. They also had an increasingly relevant wind behind them so they would have hoped to use that to press home an advantage before the turnaround but it was their opponents that continued to look the more likely.
 
www.seiserphotography.com - Hayden BushellThe deadlock was finally broken 5 minutes before the interval and it was no surprise that it was the boot of Nieass that did the damage. Another infringement from the Students gave him a relatively straightforward kick, albeit into the breeze and he struck the ball home third time lucky to give the Highlanders the smallest of leads when the half-time siren sounded.
 
The first 10 minutes of the 2nd half were as brutal, if not more so, than we’d seen before the break. Gordon’s impressive scrambling defence was limiting the Students’ options out wide and they resorted to playing for field position and a chance to get their rolling maul going. This tactic started to reap some rewards as they pushed close to the line on a couple of occasions before earning a penalty about 35 metres out.
 
Backing themselves – and we shouldn’t bemoan any side that adopts a positive, attacking mindset - they kicked to touch but in the context of the game and the paucity of gilt edged opportunities, spurning a shot at goal was a surprise. It didn’t pay off as they turned over possession from the ensuing line-out and their profligacy was punished a few minutes later when Nieass stroked a second penalty home to increase the lead to 6-0.
 
www.seiserphotography.com - Beau WilsonThe fullback was having a good game, creating pressure and asking questions with a varied selection of kicks throughout the half. His opposite number, Hayden Bushell, also came into the match later on, returning serve with his own position finders but neither player could find a way to break through the other side’s stubborn resistance.
 
A key decision with 15 minutes to go threatened to change the outlook of the game when referee Callan O’Neill issued a contentious yellow card to Gordon no.8 Brian Perry for a late tackle. On second viewing, a penalty certainly seemed to be a sufficient enough punishment. Bushell gleefully accepted the 3pt gift and momentum seemed to switch to the Students.
 
They persisted with their effective maul but with a one man advantage, were also able to create more space out wide. It was probably this period of play that won the game for the Highlanders as their dogged defence kept out a Uni side that could sniff blood. However, the Students didn’t help themselves with poor ball retention, too much sideways play and not enough straight running.
 
With 3 minutes left on the clock, it looked to be game over when a high-shot from an increasingly frustrated Uni gave Nieass another sight of the posts. Perhaps sensing the importance of the kick a bit too much, he hooked it wide of the uprights leaving the Students with just enough time to steal their thunder.
 
Thankfully for Nieass, his team mates’ bloody minded refusal to concede a 5 pointer remained true to the end and as the siren sounded, it was Gordon who had edged it 6-3 to take the JR Henderson Shield back to Chatswood for the second year in a row.
 
Gordon coach Mark Fargas:
“It’s a great reward for the guys who’ve tried really hard all year. I think we had to really focus, Uni are a very good side and we knew where we wanted to attack them and we just wanted to get it there. It didn’t quite work out that way but in the end we toughed it out.”
 
Gordon captain Dan Nieass:
“In Grand Final’s, a win’s a win and 6 points are as good as 20 – we’ll take that. We were pretty disappointed to only be up by three at half-time, it should have been twelve. We had plenty of opportunities and just didn’t take advantage. You’ve got to muscle up in the forwards against Uni, take their space away and hope they fall apart so 6-3 is a good score against them.”
 
Sydney University flanker Dan Lewinski:
“It just wasn’t to be today. Gordon played very well and they simply played us right out of the game. We’ve had a few tough contests with them during the year and well done to them, they knew our gameplan and we just couldn’t get into the match today. Hindsight is a great thing and we did push a few passes out there but it was probably more down to the way Gordon approached the game, they really put pressure on us and we felt like we had to do something at every play which is difficult to do in a grand final.”
 
Sydney University scrum-half Simon Mieklejohn:
“It was disappointing, I think we saved our best for last week but Gordon really dominated through their kicking game today and we found it hard to get a roll on. We wanted to run with it and take it to them a bit because that’s what their tactic seemed to be but it didn’t work out and they simply outplayed us off the boot.”
 
Gordon prop James Atwill aka ‘the Gordon Jesus’:
“That was bloody hard work from start to finish but we made it in the end and I’m happy for the boys and you can’t do better than that. We tried to take them on through the centre because we knew Uni would try to use their wingers so we drew them in and got it wide ourselves. There was a lot of team work, especially in the rucks and mauls and I think that’s where we won it.”
 
On his ‘Jesus’ impersonation:
“I was on the wrong end of a losing bet. I came back from a stint overseas where some mates bet me $800 to keep the hair uncut until the end of this year - the beard is my own creation!”
 
All interviews by Sean Maloney and Mark Cashman
 
Gordon 6 (Dan Nieass 2 pens) d Sydney University 3 (Hayden Bushell pen) at Sydney Football Stadium. Referee: Callan O’Neill. HT:  Gordon 6-0
 
Gordon: 1.James Atwill, 2. Blake Williams, 3. Michael Schmidt; 4. Pierre Durrand, 5. Andrew McCarthy; 6. Mark Williams, 7. Jayden Nisbett, 8. Brian Perry; 9. Sikuti Vunipola, 10. Pete Smith; 11. Tim Bowen, 12. Kimon Tellidas, 13. Beau Wilson, 14. Andrew Niles; 15. Dan Nieass.

Sydney University: 1. Alastair King, 2. Tom Coolican, 3. Duncan Hardy; 4. Michael Woodward, 5. Dane Cole-Clarke; 6. Josh Ellice-Flint, 7. Dan Lewinski, 8. Sam Hosking [c]; 9. Simon Mieklejohn, 10. Josh Dillon; 11. Matthew Stewart, 12. James McMahon, 13. Dave Burnett, 14. Tim Broomham; 15. Hayden Bushell.
 

Words by Paul Cook - Images by Paul Seiser

Randwick v West Harbour

www.seiserphotography.com - Fourth Grade Champions RandwickThe Henderson Cup will remain at Coogee as Randwick’s triumphant 4th grade side – who’ve only lost one match in the last 2 years – finally saw off the brave resistance of a fired up West Harbour to retain the trophy for the second year in a row. They certainly didn’t have it all their own way as the Pirates put up a terrific performance and led until 2 minutes from time before the Galloping Greens came home with a wet sail to snatch it by a point.

It was to be an emotional occasion with both sides having experienced tragedy in different circumstances in the last couple of years and both desperate to honour their ex-team mates with a victory. Tom Carr-Boyd and Adam Allcroft had been a part of this successful Randwick side before both passed away in separate tragic circumstances whilst West Harbour were playing for their ex-captain, Mark Tonga, who suffered a severe spinal injury at training and is now confined to a wheelchair.

Mark was actually at the game and his presence in the dressing rooms prior to kick-off certainly spurred on his friends as the Pirates put up a stirring 1st half effort to go in at half-time with a commanding 19-8 lead. Randwick had actually opened the scoring after five minutes when their giant centre Iosua Leasusu burst through to cross for an unconverted try but for the next 25 minutes it was pretty much all Wests.

They controlled field position and forced a lot of turnovers through their aggression at the breakdown and it was only a matter of time before scrum-half Luke Schafer went over in the corner. Dale Lindsay kicked the Wicks ahead again through a penalty before a rolling maul saw backrower Mana Vi across the white line, Schafer added the extras and the Pirates led 12-8.

That looked like being the end of the scoring in the first 30 minutes but Wests blew the game wide open with their third try after the siren. Winger Taani Kaliti profiting from an ill advised grubber within their own half from the Wicks to kick ahead and touch down giving Schafer an easy kick in the process.

www.seiserphotography.com - Sean Little passing for the PiratesRandwick coach Danny Grant – himself a former 1st grader and club captain - ripped into his troops at half-time with the emphasis on improving their ball retention and his side came out looking to redeem themselves in the second stanza. With Wests still content to throw the ball around and chance their arm, it was the Wicks greater discipline that started to pay dividends as the half wore on.

A stalemate on the scoreboard was finally broken when a couple of pick and drives 5 metres out from the Pirates line eventually saw bustling prop Maraki Toa smash through the defence and stretch for the line. Lindsay’s conversion gave us a 5pt ball game with a little more than 5 minutes to play.

The Pirates were visibly wilting in the mid-morning sun and were possibly paying the price for their high-octane start. Randwick had all the ball and continually forced handling errors from their opponents who were trying desperately to hold onto their advantage but with a mere 2 minutes left, their hearts were broken by the crucial score.

www.sesierphotography.com - Iosua Leasusa scores for RandwickA quick bust up the left wing and some good support play saw lock Tim Satiu go over to give the Wicks the lead much to the delight of his team mates who started to prematurely celebrate their come from behind victory. However, there were still to be some heart stopping moments as Lindsay’s conversion attempt fell off the tee and was snaffled by some rampaging Pirates before he could reset the ball. Possession was moved downfield and as the siren sounded, there was still a chance of a famous victory but the Wests’ forwards just didn’t have the legs left to maintain the rage. They gave away a penalty at the next breakdown that was unceremoniously booted into the grandstand and Randwick had pulled off the greatest of comebacks to reclaim their throne from a valiant opponent and honour their fallen comrades in the process.

A tearful try-scorer, Iosua Leasusu, summed up the brevity of the occasion for his side. “It means a lot to the club and for the guys we’ve lost over the last couple of years, this is dedicated to them.”

Darren O’Shea – Randwick prop:

“I can’t really describe it. All the boys just worked so hard for it and to leave it to the last minute was a bit worrying for the crowd and for us but when you get this feeling – there’s nothing better. We always knew they were going to come out strong and they’re a team that’s big on motivation. They get a try, they love it, they keep going so it was very important for us to try and stop that momentum. In the end we knew our fitness was going to hold us in good stead and it did. I’m not sure where we’ll be celebrating, I don’t plan on remembering too much!”

Steve Page – West Harbour fullback:

“It’s shattering because we played such a great 1st half but then we just couldn’t keep the ball.  It came down to the last minute and Randwick have only lost one game in sixty so to take them that close it shows how good we’ve played all year. It’s unfortunate but the boys did their very best and we just fell short on the day.

“We’ve got some talent that could really move up the grades but there’s a core group here who’ve played together all year and I really hope that everyone stays at the club and sticks together because there’s such a great culture at West Harbour. It’s just a great place to be around and I think that showed out on the field in the way that everyone works for each other.”

Danny Grant – Randwick coach:

“The game had everything. It had patience, it had skill, it had creativity and some really hard stuff for us to nut out in terms of organization but it’s just unbelievable how the boys got themselves back to win by the 1pt. They (West Harbour) had a really good run into this game while we obviously didn’t and our preparation was short. They traditionally have a bigger set of blokes and the way they work off the fringes of the ruck was going to be instrumental today. We all focused on that and trying to stop their momentum, shut that down as soon as we could and get it out wide.”

“The guys responded well, particularly in the 2nd half after we’d identified some key areas. They all come together and really pick up on it and it’s just fabulous to see a team do that - it’s quite unique to be honest with you. Our run this year has been with a lot of sadness and as a club we’ve suffered quite a lot losing a number of mates. We haven’t really focused on that but we’ve kept it at the back of our mind and used that throughout the whole year as a goal. This is what we wanted to achieve and we’ve done that and I’m so proud of the boys.”

All interviews by Sean Maloney

Randwick 20 (Iosua Leasusa, Maraki Toa, Tim Satiu tries; Dale Lindsay con, pen) d West Harbour 19 (Luke Schafer, Mana Vi, Taani Kaliti tries; Luke Schafer 2 cons) at Sydney Football Stadium. Referee: Guy Grinham. HT: West Harbour 19-8.

Randwick: 1. Sam Lolo, 2. Jeff Ivory, 3. Maraki Toa; 4. Dave Armstrong, 5. Tim Satiu; 6. Ewan Wylie, 7. Gareth Williams, 8. Tom Jenkins; 9. Ricky Dumigan [c], 10. Dale Lindsay; 11. Andrew Paine, 12. Iosua Leasusu, 13. Finau Makamaka, 14. Andrew Wing Kee; 15. Marty Kiernan.

West Harbour: 1. George Fifita, 2. Clint Borle, 3. Sim Tooala; 4. Luke Stewart, 5. Sean Little; 6. Terry Langi [c], 7. Luke Phillips, 8. Mana Vi; 9. Luke Schafer, 10. Se Yeon Lee; 11. Taani Kaliti, 12. John Lemoto, 13. Fatani Finefeuiaki, 14. Vesi Tokakaulevu; 15. Steve Page.
 

www.seiserphotography.com - Uni celebrates again

Sydney University scored three tries to two to add to their impressive trophy cabinet and claim the Tooheys New Shute Shield with a five-point victory over Randwick. In a great day of Rugby at the Sydney Football Stadium, it was the biggest margin of the day as Eastern Suburbs (2nd Grade), Gordon (3rd Grade) and Randwick (4th Grade) all claimed narrow victories.

Tooheys New Shute Shield Grand Final (1st Grade)

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY V RANDWICK

Sydney University have claimed their fifth straight premiership after defeating Randwick 24-19 in the Tooheys New Shute Shield Grand Final at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Tom Carter was named Mirvac Man of the Match after causing havoc in the midfield in both attack and defence, forming a lethal combination with Perth-bound centre Mitch Inman who scored the decisive try of the match.

Grand Final Week’s worst kept secret was revealed shortly before kick-off with Adam Freier’s inclusion at openside flanker for Randwick, lining up directly against HSBC Waratahs teammate Phil Waugh.

A break by Carter in the fourth minute set up the first scoring chance for Sydney University however Nathan Charles knocked the ball on over the line from the ensuing phase.

The Students didn’t have to wait much longer to bother the scorers, Charles eventually touching down in the eighth minute following a good break by his Australian Under 20s teammate Peter Betham. Halangahu converted from 15m in from the left touchline for a 7-0 lead.

A turning point came in the 25th minute when Freier left the field clutching a hamstring, and Randwick were forced into uncontested scrums when a mouth cut to Atonio Halangahu saw him enter the blood bin.

Marshall Milroy got Randwick on the board via two penalties, before Nick Edwards shot down the left side to take the Uni lead back out to eight.

Randwick finally turned territory into points when Bernie Orbell broke the line before getting a perfect ball between defenders to send Drew Mitchell over in the corner. Milroy missed the conversion leaving Uni with a 14-11 advantage at half-time.

The Galloping Greens hit the lead early into the second half when Francis Fainifo put Milroy over in the right corner, however Uni hit straight back with Mitch Inman scoring a great centres try after ploughing through the defence.

Halangahu’s conversion restored a five-point lead, and he extended that in the 53rd minute with a well-timed drop goal to open up a 24-16 break.

Milroy closed the margin to within a try with his third penalty of the game, but despite repeated opportunities in the University quarter, the Wicks couldn’t break the defending premiers’ line sending the Shute Shield back to campus.

Other injury concerns saw HSBC Waratahs prop Sekope Kepu leave the field during the second half with an ankle injury, while NSW skipper Phil Waugh also came off in the closing stages.

The victory marks Sydney University’s fifth straight premiership, following on from yesterday’s win in the top two grades of Colts. The Students also won the 2009 Gregor George Cup (Club Championship), ES Marks Shield (First Grade Minor Premiers), Sir Roden Cutler Shield (Home Game Champions – 11 defences) and the Eric Spilsted Memorial Shield (Colts Club Championship).Sydney University 24 (Nathan Charles, Nick Edwards, Mitch Inman tries; Daniel Halangahu 2 cons, drop) d Randwick 19 (Drew Mitchell, Marshall Milroy tries; Marshall Milroy 3 pens) at Sydney Football Stadium. Referee: Stuart Dickinson. HT: Sydney University 14-11

Colin Caird Shield Grand Final (2nd Grade)

EASTERN SUBURBS V GORDON

Eastern Suburbs scored an upset victory over minor premiers Sydney University to qualify for the Colin Caird Shield Grand Final and went on with the job to claim the title with a 32-29 victory over Gordon.

Each side scored four tries, however Easts had established their winning break well before the final margin ended at just three points.

The game took on a typically combative Grand Final feel in the opening half, however a surge of points to both teams in the final ten minutes saw the sides locked at 15-all at half-time.

Eastern Suburbs then put the foot down, scoring the next two tries through James Rowles and Sam Windsor to establish a 32-15 lead.

Gordon scored a try with ten minutes to go to keep their hopes alive, however the Beasts were able to control enough possession so not even a consolation try in the dying stages could deny an Easts premiership.

Eastern Suburbs 32 (Joe Azar, Ben Hopkins, James Rowles, Sam Windsor tries; Warwick Percival 3 cons, 2 pens) d Gordon 29 (Luke Duncan, Greg Wade, Dustin McGregor, Josh Whittaker tries; Donny Nepia 3 cons, pen) at Sydney Football Stadium. Referee: James Leckie. HT: 15-all.

JR Henderson Shield Grand Final (3rd Grade)

GORDON V SYDNEY UNIVERSITY

Gordon has turned the 2009 minor premiership into Grand Final victory with a 6-3 result over Sydney University to claim the JR Henderson Shield for the second straight year.

Defence and tactical kicking dominated the clash with any attacking opportunities snuffed out well by both teams.

Dan Nieass kicked two from five penalty goals for the Highlanders, while Hayden Bushell scored the only points for the Students.

Gordon 6 (Dan Nieass 2 pens) d Sydney University 3 (Hayden Bushell pen) at Sydney Football Stadium. Referee: Callan O’Neill. HT:  Gordon 6-0

JR Henderson Cup Grand Final (4th Grade)

RANDWICK V WEST HARBOUR

Randwick scored a try in the second last minute of play to claim the 2009 Henderson Cup in a one-point thriller against West Harbour.

After the defending champions and minor premiers crossed early through giant centre Iosua Leasusu, West Harbour hit back with three tries to take a 19-8 lead into the break.

Midway through the second half Randwick scored their second try to get within four points of the lead, however it took until the 59th minute for the crucial score to come when Tim Satiu ploughed over in the left corner.

Randwick 20 (Iosua Leasusa, Maraki Toa, Tim Satiu tries; Dale Lindsay con, pen) d West Harbour 19 (Luke Schafer, Mana Vi, Taani Kaliti tries; Luke Schafer 2 cons) at Sydney Football Stadium. Referee: Guy Grinham. HT: West Harbour 19-8. 

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Stephen Hoiles (www.seiserphotography.com)Daniel Halangahu (www.seiserphotography.com)

This is it ... the Grand Final Special.

Sydney University against Randwick, the two best teams in the Shute Shield competition.

Today we speak with Stephen Hoiles from the Galloping Greens and Daniel Halangahu from the Students.

What a clash we have before us and we have two of the most influential players from the game.

Not only do we review the Shute Shield we look back at the Qld Grand Final won by Brothers over Souths.

Morgan Turinui called the match last weekend for Brisbane community television and this weekend he'll be involved in our B.G.F.C.

So for the final word on the pinnacle of Australian club rugby download the definitive podcast clubrugby.com.au now!

Sydney Football Stadium
 
Tooheys New Shute Shield Grand Final (1st Grade)

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY V RANDWICK (ABC TV Game, 3:10pm)

Sydney University: 1. Jerry Yanuyanutawa, 2. Nathan Charles, 3. Pat Ryan; 4. Dave Dennis, 5. Ben McCalman, 6. Pat McCutcheon, 7. Phil Waugh, 8. Tim Davidson [c]; 9. Scott Stumbles, 10. Daniel Halangahu; 11. Nick Edwards, 12. Tom Carter, 13. Mitch Inman, 14. Peter Betham; 15. Jacob Taylor.
Reserves: 16. Jono Owen, 17. Ben Roberts, 18. Dean Mumm, 19. Jono Jenkins, 20. Luke Burgess, 21. Dan Kelly, 22. Rob O’Reilly, 23. Scott Cameron.

Randwick: 1. Sekope Kepu, 2. Atonio Halangahu [c], 3. Lotu Taukeiaho; 4. Tim Maxwell, 5. Mark Chisholm; 6. Henry Vanderglas, 7. Seilala Lam, 8. Stephen Hoiles; 9. Patrick Phibbs, 10. Tim Walsh; 11. Drew Mitchell, 12. Shaun Foley, 13. Bernie Orbell, 14. Francis Fainifo; 15. Marshall Milroy.
Reserves: 16. Daniel Spencer, 17. Nick Cummins, 18. Steve Brennan, 19. Dave Vizer, 20. Josh Valentine, 21. Ratu Nasiganiyavi, 22. Adam Freier, 23. Manning Doughty.

Referee: Stuart Dickinson

Colin Caird Shield Grand Final (2nd Grade)

EASTERN SUBURBS V GORDON (1:20pm)

Eastern Suburbs: 1. Rhys Ward, 2. Daniel Aaron, 3. Adam Hill; 4. Matt McGann, 5. Ed Slater; 6. Ben Hopkins, 7. Will Brock, 8. Alex Munro; 9. James Burroughs, 10. Sam Windsor; 11. Warwick Percival, 12. Nathan Lowe [c], 13. Joe Azar, 14. James Rowles; 15. Lloyd Jones.

Gordon: 1. Tobias Gukibau, 2. Dustin McGregor, 3. Lamarn Ma’a; 4. Mark Johnson, 5. Jared Barry; 6. Vili Napa’a, 7. Lex Fairley, 8. Chris Alcock; 9. Dan Robinson, 10. Donny Nepia; 11. Greg Wade, 12. Luke Duncan, 13. Josh Whittaker, 14. Lachie Mitchell; 15. Joe Metuisela.

Referee: James Leckie
 
JR Henderson Shield Grand Final (3rd Grade)

GORDON V SYDNEY UNIVERSITY (11:40am)

Gordon: 1.James Atwill, 2. Blake Williams, 3. Michael Schmidt; 4. Pierre Durrand, 5. Andrew McCarthy; 6. Mark Williams, 7. Jayden Nisbett, 8. Brian Perry; 9. Sikuti Vunipola, 10. Pete Smith; 11. Tim Bowen, 12. Kimon Tellidas, 13. Beau Wilson, 14. Andrew Niles; 15. Dan Nieass.

Sydney University: 1. Alastair King, 2. Tom Coolican, 3. Duncan Hardy; 4. Michael Woodward, 5. Dane Cole-Clarke; 6. Josh Ellice-Flint, 7. Dan Lewinski, 8. Sam Hosking [c]; 9. Simon Mieklejohn, 10. Josh Dillon; 11. Matthew Stewart, 12. James McMahon, 13. Dave Burnett, 14. Tim Broomham; 15. Hayden Bushell.

Referee: Callan O’Neill
 
JR Henderson Cup Grand Final (4th Grade)

RANDWICK V WEST HARBOUR (10:00am)

Randwick: 1. Sam Lolo, 2. Jeff Ivory, 3. Maraki Toa; 4. Dave Armstrong, 5. Tim Satiu; 6. Ewan Wylie, 7. Gareth Williams, 8. Tom Jenkins; 9. Rocy Dumigan, 10. Dale Lindsay; 11. Andrew Paine, 12. Iosua Leasusu, 13. Finau Makamaka, 14. Andrew Wing Kee; 15. Marty Kiernan.

West Harbour: 1. George Fifita, 2. Clint Borle, 3. Sim Tooala; 4. Luke Stewart, 5. Sean Little; 6. Terry Langi [c], 7. Luke Phillips, 8. Mana Vi; 9. Luke Schafer, 10. Se Yeon Lee; 11. Taani Kaliti, 12. John Lemoto, 13. Fatani Finefeuiaki, 14. Vesi Tokakaulevu; 15. Steve Page.

Referee: Guy Grinham
 
NSW PREMIERSHIP COLTS GRAND FINAL DAY

Saturday 26 September 2009

Concord Oval

W.McMahon Memorial Trophy Grand Final (Colts I)

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY V SOUTHERN DISTRICTS (3:00pm)

Sydney University: 1. George Quigley, 2. Sam Roberson, 3. Clay Brodie; 4. Adam Campbell, 5. Tom Boidin; 6. Jordan Brown, 7. Michael Widdup, 8. Henry Little; 9. Nick Phipps, 10. Bernard Foley; 11. Chris Chapman, 12. Jack Marples, 13. Chris Jarvis, 14. Alex Rokobaro; 15. Clinton Sills.

Southern Districts: 1. Micah Watene, 2. Luke Noakes, 3. Viliami Ma’Umalanga; 4. Alister Parsons, 5. Daniel Johnston; 6. Luke Smart, 7. Callum Reilly, 8. Cameron Adams; 9. De Wet Roos, 10. Blake Davies; 11. Iosua Autagavia, 12. Sean Doyle, 13. Rob Horne, 14. Luke Jarvie; 15. Jordan McGregor.

Referee: Daniel Cheever

Shell Trophy Grand Final (Colts II)

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY V EASTERN SUBURBS (1:15pm)

Sydney University: 1. Tom Wallace, 2. Alex Siviour, 3. Rick Schumacher; 4. Phoenix Battye, 5. Will Drabble; 6. Oliver Gresham, 7. Chris Dan, 8. Geordie McSuella [c]; 9. James Helliwell, 10. Angus Sinclair; 11. Tom Coupland, 12. Tom English, 13. Tom Mathers, 14. Stephen Coudanaris; 15. Jack Freeman.

Eastern Suburbs: 1. Peterus Schoeman, 2. Patrick Fitzsimons, 3. Nick Papanikolau; 4. Lachlan Piggott, 5. Digby Colley; 6. James West, 7. Owen Lunney, 8. Joshua Cohen; 9. Dimitri Calligeros, 10. Blake Boulton; 11. Nicholas Molnar, 12. Josh Haigh [c], 13. Janek Savage, 14. Sam Devlin; 15. Jeremy Raftos.

Referee: Kevin Twomey
 
Colts III Grand Final

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY V GORDON (11:50am)

Sydney University: 1. Gerhard Assman, 2. Alex Barber, 3. Rhys Brodie; 4. Kurt Larson, 5. Toby Meagher; 6. Hugh Kanaar, 7. Trent Dyer, 8. Ifea Paea; 9. James Corcoran [c], 10. Doug Chadwick; 11. Willie du Plessis, 12. James Swan, 13. Jack Hammond, 14. Tom Knauer; 15. Adam Fitzpatrick.

Gordon: 1.David Forbes, 2. Gareth Walker, 3. Michael Balk; 4. Dave Fenton, 5. Callum Wishart; 6. Tom Gregg, 7. Tom Johnston, 8. David Telfer; 9. Rohan Pixley, 10. Chris Cottee; 11. Joe Katia, 12. Michael Dempsey, 13. Joseph Rarasea, 14. Adrian Botha; 15. Andrew Stannard.

Referee: Alex Richards