Match Report vs.Sydney Uni- by Sam Ryan

Southern Districts have lost top place of the Shute Shield ladder after suffering their first defeat of the season to Sydney University on Saturday. In a rematch of last year’s grand final, the Students defence was devastating in the 18-13 victory. A late try to Rebels winger Alex Gibbons gave the home side hope of a late victory, however University were clinical in the closing stages, holding on for a five point victory. Whilst disappointed with his side’s first loss, coach Cam Blades said there was plenty to take out of the performance. “You are never happy to lose, that’s for sure. But we showed today that we can stay in matches, even when things don’t go our way.” “We are looking to improve our overall performance, and there were a number of people there today that said that match was getting closer to a Super 15 quality, so that’s a real positive for us,” Blades said. Both sides failed to execute in attack in the early stages, as it became evident that defence would be the key to victory. The Rebels forwards struggled to gain momentum and were repeatedly held short of the advantage line. A penalty goal each got the scoreboard ticking, before a university driving maul crippled the Rebels defence and Sam Talakai dived over to give his side a 10 – 3 lead. Things only got worse for the Rebels with centre Apo Latunipulu limping off with a knee injury minutes later. The Rebels looked to have no answers to the crippling University defence, with halfback Grayson Hart repeatedly on the back foot. However they managed to gain some territory late in the half, and brilliant quick hands from Luke Smart put Gibbons away for his first try of the afternoon. Despite looking the better side, University went to the break ahead by just two points. Saifolio missed a chance to grab the lead early in the second half when he hit the upright from a penalty attempt. The Rebels were made to pay when University made their way down the field and extended the lead to five with a Byron Hodge goal. The University defence was relentless, with the Rebels expansive attacking style was non existent. The visitors dominated the breakdown contest and were able to extend their lead soon after when Greg Jeloudev scored a long range try against the run of play. Momentum was with the Students however this turned quickly when Captain Tim Davidson was sent to the sin bin. Gibbons late try gave the Rebels fans hope, but the Students proved too good, handing the Rebels their first defeat of the year. In a losing side, Blades praised for Gibbons and Grayson Hart for their performances. “Grayson was fantastic. It’s pretty tough when your forwards aren’t letting you get on the front foot, but he managed the game brilliantly and was one of our best.” “It was one of Gibbo’s (Gibbons) better games i thought. He had plenty of work to do for that last try and made it look quite easy.” He admitted other sides may use Universities tactics as a blueprint to facing the Rebels. “Sides will definitely look at that as a way to face us. But we will keep improving every week. The Rebels will need to bounce back when they take on seventh placed Randwick at Coogee Oval on Saturday.