Around the grounds: Phipps bags hat-trick for Sydney Uni

Mon, Apr 9, 2018, 3:50 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Nick Phipps bagged a hat-trick for Sydney Uni. Photo: AJF Photography
Nick Phipps bagged a hat-trick for Sydney Uni. Photo: AJF Photography

Nick Phipps made an impact for Sydney Uni in his return from injury, bagging a hat-trick in a 36-12 win over Parramatta.

The match was Phipps’ first since the Wallabies’ Spring Tour last season, having suffered a preseason calf strain.

He was far from the only Waratah in the side, with Matt Sandell, Tolu Latu and Brad Wilkin in the starting side.

Randwick dominated Gordon in their season opener at Coogee Oval, with a six-try-to-two defeat.

Malcolm Turnbull was on hand to toss the coin at Easts. Photo: JB PhotographyWaratahs back Andrew Kellaway was at fullback for the Wicks, with former Wallabies hooker Adam Freier crossing late, after returning from the Hong Kong Tens just 24 hours earlier.

Waratahs youngster Shambeckler Vui started at tighthead for Souths as they flogged Penrith at Forshaw Park.

Centre Irae Simone was in action for Norths, while new hooker JP Sauni came off the bench as the Shoremen got the better of the Rats.

Former Aussie Sevens and Rebels player Pama Fou made his Sydney club rugby return for Eastwood, after being released by Melbourne, playing in the centres in a loss to Manly.

Keen observers may also have noticed Scott Sio’s brother, Patrick, in the Eastwood colours, at no. 8, after moving back to Australia from France.

Mack Mason scored a try, finishing with 10 of Easts' 15 points as they edged out West Harbour by three points, playing alongside young NSW lock Ryan McCauley and prop Cody Walker.

RESULTS

Easts 15 - West Harbour 12

Eastwood 13 - Manly 32

Norths 27 - Warringah 18

Randwick 48 - Gordon 5

Souths 62 - Penrith 7

Sydney Uni 36 - Parramatta 12

QUEENSLAND PREMIER RUGBY

Tate McDermott in action for UQ. Photo: Maroondam ImagesQuade Cooper was a standout for Souths as they edged out Easts by eight points, leading the side as captain and as its playmaker.

Reds and Easts hooker Andrew Ready bagged a double for the visitors, in the match.

Rookie lock Angus Blyth started for Bond in a five-point loss to GPS.

Moses Sorovi and Lachlan Maranta started for Wests, at halfback and fullback, respectively, in a tight defeat at the hands of Sunnybank.

Reds rookie Harry Hoopert was at loosehead for Brothers in a win over Uni, a side that included lock Harry Hockings, backrower Angus Scott-Young and and halfback Tate McDermott.

RESULTS

GPS 36 - Bond 31

Wests 19 - Sunnybank 22

Souths 39 - Easts 31

Brothers 24 - UQ 19 

JOHN I DENT CUP

Easts won their first match since 2015, with a victory over Uni-Norths Owls, making the most of their post-match celebration.

Brumbies prop Mees Erasmus notched a try for Easts on their way to the 22-20 victory.

The Royals came out on top in the grand final rematch against Tuggeranong, beating the hosts 22-21, with a host of Brumbies including Vikings halfback Ryan Lonergan, centre Jordan Jackson-Hope,  lock Darcy Swain and Royals winger Lausii Taliauli.

Queanbeyan edged out Gungahlin, featuring Mack Hansen at 10, in a one-point thriller to round out the John I Dent Cup.

RESULTS

Easts 22 - Uni-Norths Owls 20

Queanbeyan 39 - Gungahlin 38

Vikings 31 - Royals 32

RUGBYWA PREMIER GRADE

Palmyra went down  to Wests Scarborough in Pindan Premier Grade. Photo: Gordon PettigrewThere were some lopsided results in the opening round of a new-look Pindan Premier Grade, with no Force-contracted players featuring in the action.

RESULTS

Palmyra 6 - Wests Scarborough 23

Coastal Cavaliers 0 - Associates 53

Southern Lions 25 - Cottesloe 55

Wanneroo Districts 34 - Kalamunda 20

Perth Bayswater 7 -  Joondalup 20

ARKs 7 - UWA 15

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