Rugby: University A shuts Alhambra-Union out of the game

Fullback Willie Mushet contributed 27points as University A ran rampant over Alhambra-Union at theUniversity Oval.

Mushet scored the first of University's eight tries and kicked 10 goals from 10 attempts as the students rebounded emphatically from their big loss to Southern the previous week.

University A scored four tries in each half and was clinical in the first spell as it shut Alhambra-Union out of the game. The game loosened up in the second spell but the students were always in control.

Alhambra-Union was plucky throughout but, without the guidance and direction of the unavailable Peter Breen at first five-eighth, it seldom threatened the University A defence.

The students were too mobile in the forwards and too slick in the backs, who capitalised on the work of their pack to score all but one of the tries.

Locks Josh Dickson and Sione Teu were both outstanding, in set play and around the field, where they both split the defence with penetrating runs.

Sam Sturgess was a tigerish, livewire hooker and Dale Jarden led by example from the openside flank and continued his fine form.

Nick Annear set his backs away with quick service from halfback and his dangerous running yielded him two tries. Harry Corkill set up play well at second five-eighth and Matt Faddes, Sam McLachlan and Mushet were expert finishers.

It was a gruelling day for Alhambra-Union, which competed spiritedly but which was outplayed. The backs were given no latitude by the University A defence and the forwards struggled against quicker opposition.

Graham Cashmore was solid from No 8 and Tiaki Cameron scored a good try from a forward rumble but the highlights for Alhambra-Union were few.

University A 62 ( Matt Faddes 2, Sam McLachlan 2, Nick Annear 2, Dale Jarden, Willie Mushet tries; Mushet 8 con, 2 pen)
Alhambra-Union 8 (Tiaki Cameron try; Noah Cooper pen)
Halftime: University A 34-3.

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