Redemption for Sydney Uni as they complete perfect Jack Scott Cup season

Sun, Aug 25, 2024, 10:40 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Uni celebrate taking out the Jack Scott Cup title. Photo: @kailaniltaa/IG
Uni celebrate taking out the Jack Scott Cup title. Photo: @kailaniltaa/IG

Sydney Uni have completed their perfect season with a 45-24 win over Manly to take out the Jack Scott Cup.

Debutant Waratahs flanker Ruby Anderson shone in an all-star Uni pack as they survived a spirited Manly outfit that continued to push them all the way.

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Uni came into the match unbeaten as they looked to claim the title that eluded them in 2023 in front of a strong Uni crowd.

However, Manly came out firing as flanker Seneti Kilisimani spun over in the third minute to silence the crowd.

This only fired up Uni’s Wallaroo-lathered pack as they dominated territory in the opening quarter.

Waratahs captain Piper Duck provided the response from close, followed by fellow capped Wallaroo Jemima McCalman.

Duck would depart shortly afterwards after coming off second best from a tackle in a concerning moment for Jo Yapp as they prepare to head to Europe for pre-WXV Tests, spotted on the sidelines post-match with ice on her ankle.

An intercept from Elenoa Namua had Manly back on the attack but Uni rallied as Grace Freeman dived over the break, with fellow number ten Manua Moleka yellow carded for one too many penalties in the build-up.

It gave the hosts a 21-7 lead into the break, with Kilisimani’s second firing up Manly after the break.

Freeman was there for a response, chipping over the Manly defence for centre Georgia Rivers to dive over under the posts.

Player of the Match Anderson crossed with just under half an hour to go to delight the Uni faithful, with two quick tries giving Manly hope late.

In the end, the class of the Students proved the difference when Freeman put McCalman through a hole for her second with just over 15 minutes to go.

Kate Berry sealed the win with a try in the corner late as Uni closed out the win.

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