University prop reaches milestone

University prop Angus Williams (right) watches his side play Kansai Universities at Logan Park...
University prop Angus Williams (right) watches his side play Kansai Universities at Logan Park earlier this week. Beside him is team-mate Ricky Jackson.PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
Let's say Angus Williams has packed down for an average of 15 scrums a game.

That means the University tighthead has amassed 1500 scrums since his senior debut in 2013.

For those of you quick at maths, yes, the 25-year-old frontrower has indeed played 100 games.

Williams reached the impressive milestone last weekend.

It was not a particularly memorable game for University. It produced a bumbling display out wide to lose 27-20 against Kaikorai at Logan Park.

"Obviously we didn't get the result we wanted but it was a good occasion and a nice milestone to bring up," Williams said.

He was presented with a large photo to "chuck on the wall" and an engraved tankard - full of beer of course.

That will have helped eased the pain of defeat. And the scrum went nicely despite the loss.

Williams teamed up with Callum Hardie again. They have played a lot of games together over the years, including the 2015 and 2018 final. Both good memories but 2015 was extra special. They had a star-studded team featuring players like Fletcher Smith, Dillon Hunt and Josh Dickson and dispatched Taieri 31-15 to win the title.

Last season University had to share the spoils with Harbour. The teams were left locked 30-30 after 100 minutes of rugby.

Williams has made one appearance for Otago. He came off the bench for the match against Canterbury last year.

Playing more rugby at that level remains a goal. But for now the durable prop, who hails from the seaside town of Whitianga, is hopeful his side can reach the club final again.

University has made a poor start to the campaign. The team has strung together consecutive losses. But slow starts are part of the club's genetic make-up.

"In 2015 we had a similar sort of start. We were a bit shaky to begin with but then things started to come right towards the end of the season.

"I think we qualified fourth that year and still won. With a team like ours anything can happen, eh."

University has a bye this weekend. Its next assignment is against Zingari-Richmond at Montecillo.

"It has not been the start we wanted but we have a strong belief we can do something special this year. We've just got to keep building."

Zingari-Richmond had a surprise 24-21 win against Dunedin in the opening round. Former University centre Shae Tucker was at the helm for that win and shapes as a key player when his side hosts the unbeaten Harbour tomorrow.

Taieri will be hoping to open its account against Alhambra-Union at Peter Johnstone Park.

Green Island is fresh from a bye and its home match with Kaikorai will be a good yardstick by which to judge its progress.

But the match of the round is arguably at Bathgate Park. Competition frontrunners Southern will play Dunedin.

 

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