The Sydney University Cubs knocked the West Sydney Trojans out of the playoffs 12 months ago. Since then, a lot of veteran players moved on from the Trojans and a new group of young rookies came on board. As a result the 2014 season started slow for the Trojans as the new players learnt a new sport. During the season, the Cubs and Trojans played twice and the Cubs won both times. The Trojans improved as the season went on and started to hit their best late in the season. Now, the stage was set for a playoff rematch at 5 Sports with a perfect night for football and two teams fighting for a chance to have a shot at the Seahawks for the GNSW Colts State Championship.
The Cubs won the toss and deferred, so Trojans had first chance with the ball. Trojans quickly got into the redzone but the Cubs held them to a 4th and goal from the 1. Jason Ielua was not to be denied and banged it in against some tough defence. Extra point good, 7-0.
The Cubs were putting together a nice drive deep into Trojans’ territory but a tipped pass was snatched out of the air by Adam Goddard and returned just shy of mid-field. Trojans take over. Jason Ielua was able to score from 22 yards out with a key block by Mario Romero. Extra point blocked 13-0.
Trojans defence has been a strong backbone for the team all year and they proved this again preventing the Cubs from getting a first down. Trojans take over at the Cubs 40 after a bad Cubs’ punt and Jason Ielua didn’t waste time, taking a simple run up the middle all the way for the score. Two point no good, 19-0.
The Cubs got another drive going down to a 1st and goal. But the Trojans defence put the clamps on and held for 4 downs with some great plays from Jarrad Clarke, Jamie Goddard and Chris Cochbain. Trojans take over at their own 2 yard line. Two plays later and they are at mid-field with plays by Michael Head and then Jarrad Clarke. Next, the two combined together for a long pass to put another touchdown on the board for the Trojans. Two point attempt no good taking the score to 25-0. The half ended on the two play. The challenge now for the Trojans is to maintain focus on the game and to play for the win in the second half rather than celebrate too early.
Cubs started with the ball. A potentially big pass play for the Cubs was broken up by a brilliant play by Jamie Goddard but Jamie could only stop so much and the next play the Cubs complete a big pass play up their sideline to the Trojans 19 yard line. Some good swarming defence from the Trojans slowed down the drive but the Cubs still managed to score to get their first points. Nathan Reeves breaks up the two point play. 25-6.
Trojans were not to be out done and came back with a drive of their own on a short field due to a short kick attempt by the Cubs that went out of bounds. Jarrad Clarke hauled in a long pass up the sideline to take the score to 31-6. On the ensuing drive, the Cubs tested Jamie Goddard again on a long pass and this time he did more than break the play up but instead grabbed himself an interception. The Cubs forced the Trojans to punt for the first time. They needed this to have any chance to get back in this game. The Cubs did what they needed to, and got the ball in the endzone off a convincing drive. Score now 31-14.
The Trojans needed to get a drive going to put a halt to this potential comeback. And the Trojans’s offence did, this time striking from mid-field by a Jason Ielua scamper. Score now 37-14 which was the final score.
This win puts the Trojans in the playoffs for the first time since 2005 where they faced none other than the Sutherland Seahawks. That season the Trojans were undefeated for the season but lost to the Seahawks by 1 point in the championship game. I am sure there are many fans out there that hope that the underdog wins again this time. The Trojans have their work cut out for them though to beat the Seahawks who have been a cut above the rest for the season. Game will be at 5 Sports with a 6pm kickoff on the 7th of June.
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