It was a dominant display from Western Sydney University Richmond (WSU) - formerly known as Hawkesbury Agricultural College (HAC) - as they participated in the nation's longest inter-collegiate rivalry on October 19.
WSU traveled down to Canberra early on Saturday morning, arriving at the Royal Military College Duntroon (RMC) shortly before 9am.
The students prepared for a big day of sport as they were to compete with RMC in seven sports.
Up first was netball and mixed soccer. The netball was where WSU's dominance began as they led from start to finish.
The mixed soccer saw some brilliant play from WSU that put them 1-0 up early, through a goal from Samara Wehmeyer. But a goal late form RMC tied it, with the match ending 1-1.
The day then ramped-up with four sports kicking off at noon. Mixed touch football, men's soccer, basketball and women's rugby sevens all went ahead with WSU managing to get the win in all four games.
The soccer saw an easy 4-0 win for WSU as Luka Stojanovic slotted three goals in the first half.
Basketball started off close with RMC building a small lead, but WSU fought their way back and finished with a solid 63-55 win.
Mixed touch also started off slow for WSU but again they were able to find their feet after a few minutes and finished with a 10-8 win.
The women's rugby sevens saw a great performance from the WSU girls who from the get-go came out all guns blazing.
They put a huge amount of pressure on RMC early and managed to cross in the just the second possession.
They put on three more tries and only conceded one. They came away with a 20-5 victory.
After a short break the HAC Rugby took to the field to face RMC Duntroon's First Grade for the traditional annual rugby match that has been going on for 97 years.
After some back and forth running rugby HAC managed to get themselves on the score board crossing for a brilliant counter attack from Tully MacPherson.
MacPherson broke the line and put a chip kick over the fullback's head, he won the foot race and toed it further ahead before collecting and diving over for the try.
The kick was converted by Kieran Hayman as he went four from four with the boot in the match.
HAC crossed once again before RMC hit back with a a try of their own, making it 14-7.
Hayman crossed in the left corner after some set piece and phase play from HAC led to open space, taking HAC's lead to 21-7.
RMC again replied with a try of their own barreling over the HAC defence, 21-14.
HAC came back down and slotted a penalty try hoping to secure the victory but RMC had other plans.
They came back with two very quick tries, including one in the corner on the buzzer. RMC came away with the win 24-26.
WSU were crowned the overall winners of the day having won five of the sports.
The staff at WSU were very impressed with how their students participated throughout the day.
WSU Campus Life Coordinator Larissa Baker said, "it's great to see us get up in so many sports. unfortunately we couldn't get the win in the rugby but I am so proud of how everyone played and supported each other."
Finn Coleman
I understand the importance of community news in highlighting stories that members of local communities care about - including events, businesses, sports and the people that make towns unique. Email me at finn.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0437 550 909
I understand the importance of community news in highlighting stories that members of local communities care about - including events, businesses, sports and the people that make towns unique. Email me at finn.coleman@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0437 550 909
