By MARK CASHMAN

Things weren’t looking too flash for Gordon after the first 25 minutes of their big clash with Sydney Uni at home on Saturday.

The Highlanders had conceded three very dominant tries to Uni, their scrum was getting man handled, the Students’ lineout drive looked awesome and they were down 19-3.

But some of the lessons learnt from the loss to Northern Suburbs the week before came into play and Gordon clawed their way back into the contest and eventually won 34-24.

“Yeah it was by far our most satisfying and well-earnt win of the season,” Gordon coach Darren Coleman said in the wake of the game.

“After 25 minutes our scrum was getting demolished, their lineout drive almost indefensible and the little ball that we did get was being squandered early in the phase count with poor handling.

“It was quite bleak, the staff and I weren’t too sure how we would get out of it.

“Last week (v Norths) was the first time where we hadn’t led and we didn’t know how to come back.

“I’d like to think we learnt well from that and overcame a bit of adversity and pressure.”

Western Force prop Dom Hardman came into the game at the 30 minute mark and that stabilised the scrum to a certain extent and allowed the Highlanders to start to play.

Before that though a penalty try was followed up by rumbling efforts from Declan Moore and another Ratu Rotuiolia had given the visitors the edge.

But tries to Joey Walton and Mahe Vailanu got the Highlanders within reach and they really put the pedal to the metal with tries to Tautalatasi Tasi and a tiring one from Jack Dempsey gave them the lead.

Uni did apply some pressure late with a try to Henry Clunies-Ross but a pressure penalty goal from Rodney Iona got the home side out to the 10 point break and the final scoreline.

“Couldn’t be prouder and happier to be associated with this group,” Coleman added.

“There’s still some fight in Uni. With a scrum like that, they are not dead yet.”

Rod Iona’s goalkicking – six from six conversions and a 45 degree penalty goal from 45 metres out – was telling on a day of great rugby.

Sydney Uni coach Michael Hodge praised the calm of the Gordon side when they were down 19-3 and seemingly on the deck.

“They were calm and all credit to them that they were able to come back and win the game,” Hodge said.

“They played like the top team that they are and we just need to be better at the big moments.

“We came in with a game plan that would see us win that one but we just couldn’t get it done. We’ve got to regroup quickly and make sure that we make the top six and then it’s a whole new competition.”

GORDON 34 (Mahe Vailanu, Tautalatasi Tasi, Joey Walton, Jack Dempsey tries; Rodney Iona 4 conversions, 2 pen goals) d SYDNEY UNI 24 (Declan Moore, Ratu Rotuisolia, Henry Clunies-Ross tries, penalty try; Stu Dunbar conversion) at Chatswood Oval.

IMAGE: ANDREW QUINN / GORDON RUGBY