Sydney University have shown once again why they’re kings of the Shute Shield by claiming a 26-19 grand final victory over Gordon at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Students claimed their 33rd Shute Shield title in heart-stopping fashion thanks to a late try from Mitch Ryan with four minutes remaining.
Sydney University celebrate winning the 2022 Shute Shield grand final.Credit:Karen Watson
After trailing 11-7 at the break, University adapted to the conditions better than their opponents to clinch a third first-grade premiership from four seasons.
Since 2001, Sydney Uni has won 12 Shute Shield titles. No team has come close to emulating their feats since the turn of the century.
“It feels unreal,” said Sydney University captain Ben McCalman, who scored a crucial second-half try. “2022 has been the tightest year of Shute Shield I’ve ever played in. To come and play the hardest game of the year against Gordon at Leichhardt Oval and get a win was really, really rewarding.
“It feels amazing. I feel like this has been building since 2021 and we had our season cut short last year. It feels like it was an 18-month operation and we’ve got the choccies finally.”
Reigning premiers Gordon, who broke a 22-year drought for their title in 2020 – there was no final last year – levelled scores at 19-19 with seven minutes remaining thanks to a penalty goal from former Western Force playmaker Jack McGregor.
But the blue and golds lifted when it mattered most courtesy of Ryan, who dived over the line in the 76th minute and celebrated accordingly.
Students winger Angus Bell – not the Wallaby, although he was in attendance – booted the ball onto the Leichhardt Oval hill and over the Sydney Uni faithful to seal the narrow victory.
The match marked Sydney University’s 17th Shute Shield grand final appearance from the last 22 seasons where a winner was decided.
It was also the first time Gordon and University had faced each other in a Shute Shield final since 1972.
2022 Shute Shield premiers Sydney University.Credit:Karen Watson
“It’s pretty unbelievable,” said Sydney Uni coach Sean Hedger. “How much it means to the boys, that’s what makes me happy.
“I thought we were in a good position at half-time. You can never be too confident. We thought we could exert some pressure in the second half.
“The forwards were always going to determine who won the game. The backs determined by how much. They’ve got a few days [of celebrations] planned and they deserve it.”
Although Gordon winger Ben Pollack bagged a couple of five-pointers, the try of the afternoon came from Sydney Uni prop Charlie Hancock to get his side back in front after the break.
After getting the ball about five metres out, Hancock marched forward like a man possessed. With a subtle sidestep and brute strength, Hancock dived over under the sticks to the delight of teammates nearby.
There was no shortage of anticipation for the match given last year’s Shute Shield final was abandoned due to COVID-19.
Those who cast their mind back to the 2020 final will remember that 15 minutes into the match, between Gordon and Eastwood, officials had to stop the game for five minutes because fans weren’t abiding by COVID-19 distance restrictions on the hill at Leichhardt.
With not a mask in sight, Sydney University’s army of fans swarmed the turf after full-time to get a moment with a first grade team who have been ultra-consistent this year.
“We train hard and we don’t overcomplicate things,” McCalman said. “We just have a culture of working really hard off the field so that when tough pressure moments come in grand finals, we’re built to stand up.
“It’ll be back at the pub to watch the Wallabies tonight and reflect on what has been an incredible season.”
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
