Shute Shield: Attwater’s boot restores Rats’ pride while Tuala sinks Two Blues’ upset hopes
By Matt Findlay; Photo: Karen Watson
Warringah extended their margin at the top of the Shute Shield table with a sensational, pride-restoring 22-21 victory over Sydney University at Rat Park on Saturday afternoon, thanks largely to a Harley Attwater homing missile in the dying stages.
The Rats trailed the students 21-19 at the break after a swings and roundabouts first half and that scoreline didn’t change until Attwater landed his 45-metre penalty attempt nine minutes out from the full-time whistle.
There was a strong, constant breeze at Rat Park and when the 71st minute opportunity arose Warringah coach Mark Gerrard urged his side to plug the corner from the sideline, Rats’ skipper Maclean Jones instead opting to give Attwater a chance from long range.
It wasn’t an unfounded decision by any means, Attwater’s boot is explosive and on field he’d assured his skipper he’d land the go-ahead goal if called upon, which he promptly did to edge the Rats ahead.
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