Tuesday, September 1, 2020
In Australian rugby, University have maintained top spot on the Sunshine Coast Rugby Union A grade ladder with a 22 points to 10 win over Maroochydore at Cotton Tree, Australia on Saturday.
- 1
- 2
- 3
Maroochydore played much of the first half in their attacking half. They went into the break down by only two points – 12 points to 10. (Image: Patrick Gillett)
University would score a couple of tries out wide. (Image: Patrick Gillett)
“We turned up here knowing we’d be in for a battle”, University coach Brad Tronc said. “They pushed [reigning premiers] Caloundra and they pushed Noosa. We knew the were looking for a scalp. To Maroochydore’s credit, they’ve made some big improvements since last season. I think as the season goes on they’ll keep getting better and better, as well.”
The game was a hard, physical match according to Maroochydore assistant coach Ben Radmall. “It was pretty set piece dominated there for the last twenty minutes”, Radmall said. “[It was] a pretty physical game out there this afternoon. It was a good hit out. We’re sore after that one.”
University were able to pull away in the second half despite an off day in front of goal.
“The two guys that set [Uni’s final try] up were an 18 year old half back and an 18 year old five eighth,” Tronc said.
Radmall conceded that his side needed to work on some things. “We had our opportunities in the 22 in that last twenty minutes”, he said. “Just some management, couple of set pieces let us down. We couldn’t execute there and they exited pretty well. They slowed the game down pretty well in that last ten minutes to dance up the field and then score a try at the end there.”