ERBY RUSHES PAST MUSTANGS

The Lions continued their 2007 campaign with another resounding victory, this time over the Wollongong Mustangs 68-12. In scoring 68 points, the University posted its highest ever total against the Mustangs, although it failed to better its biggest winning margin of 64 points set down in Wollongong in 2005.  The Lions were particularly strong on the ground, holding the Mustangs to minus 44 yards rushing and earning Lions paws for the front 7 of Ken Autterson, Troy Carrick, Chady Aoun, Simon Lewis, Colby Myers, Joe Lim and Keenan Mackett.  On the other side of the ball, the Lions rushed for 171 yards at 8.6 yards per carry and gave up no sacks, earning Lions paws for the offensive line of Andrew Matthews, Fady Aoun, David Thode, Dave Allen, James Gifford and Cameron Lawrence. 

But the most explosive player of the game was running back, Liam Erby. Revelling in the extra duties given to him in the absence of backfield partner, Matt Croasdaile, Erby carried the ball 11 times for 117 yards (10.6 per carry) and 5 touchdowns.  Once in the open field, Erby used his strength and aggressive running style to create havoc in the Mustang’s secondary. No one player could bring him down, and even a posse of Mustangs wasn’t guaranteed of stopping him.  In rushing for 5 touchdowns, Erby equalled a club record set by Nick Law twenty year ago in the opening game of the 1987 season against the Fairfield Argonauts.  Law was unstoppable that day, carrying the ball just 6 times for 5 rushing touchdowns of 17 yards, 15 yards, 50 yards, 11 yards and 15 yards and caught a 12 yard pass for a touchdown for good measure.  The feat had also been achieved twice by Salim Gundoganli, first against the Sutherland Seahawks in 1990 and then against UWS MacArthur in 1996 on a day he ran for 210 yards on 14 carries.  In kicking 6 PATs, Erby finished with 36 points for the afternoon and also tied with Nick Law and Salim Gundoganli for the club record for the number of points scored in a game.

The beginning of the game had all the hallmarks of last year’s shootout: Liam Erby rushed for a 15 yard touchdown on the Lions' second play from scrimmage, then the Mustangs answered with their own one play drive to score on a 56 yard pass play and then the Lions answered on their first play after the kick-off with a 36 yard touchdown pass to Brad Ryals. The defence clamped down after this however, and the Mustangs were held to a total of 12 points for the game, with their only other score coming after a special teams turnover deep within Lion’s territory.

The Lion’s defence showed some tremendous penetration ability, constantly getting into the backfield and harrying the Mustangs ball carrier. Defensive leaders of the Lions were Colby Myers, who recorded 14 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and a pass breakup. Nick Millar took an interception back for a touchdown, as well as breaking up another pass. Chris Snagg and David Bourke also took interceptions, while linebackers Joe Lim and Keenan Mackett were also very active behind the defensive line, rarely missing tackles.

Daniel Kelen again ran a very efficient offence, throwing for 2 touchdowns, and completing 10 passes for the day. His performance went further than the stats show however, as Danny was a strong leader, and executed his fakes with deft, allowing for the other members of the Lions to perform at the highest level. He personified all the skills and leadership abilities a quarterback has to display, especially when the ball wasn’t in his hands.

The game ended with two freshmen players recording their first touchdowns for the Lions.  Offensive lineman Andrew Simpson alertly dived on a loose ball in the endzone to record a rare touchdown on a fumble recovery, while Jeremy Paske continued his development at running back, scoring on a 4 yard rush to go with his 32 yards for the day.  A big part of the varsity's early season success has been the depth of its squad and the strong performances from its freshmen and emerging players.  The Lions will be looking to continue this success after the bye week-end in its third round encounter against the Sutherland Seahawks. 

Sydney Uni Lions 68 def. Wollongong Mustangs 12

22 September 2007

Briars Hockey Field, Concord

1Q SU:  Thode safety.                                   2:0

1Q SU:  Erby 15 yd TD run. Erby PAT failed              8:0

1Q MW:  Golledge 56 yd TD pass from Hunt.  PAT blocked  8:6

1Q SU:  Ryals 36 yd TD pass from Kelen. Erby PAT       15:6

1Q SU:  Millar 20 yd interception return. Erby PAT.    22:6

2Q SU:  Erby 3 yd TD run. Erby PAT                     29:6

2Q WM:  Evers 7 yd TD pass from McLennan. PAT blocked  29:12

2Q SU:  Erby 30 yd TD run. Erby PAT                    36:12

3Q SU:  Erby 29 yd TD run.  Erby PAT failed            42:12

3Q SU:  Ryals 6 yd TD pass from Kelen. Erby PAT        49:12

4Q SU:  Erby 13 yd TD run. Erby PAT                    56:12

4Q SU:  Simpson fumble recovery.  Erby PAT failed      62:12

4Q SU:  Paske 4 yd TD run. Erby PAT failed             68:12