Men’s 1st Grade Match Report – COL Cup Memorial Round Ag College, May 2025

Lachlan Day produced a masterful individual performance, contributing 19 points in a commanding 39-12 victory against Ag College during the COL Cup Memorial Round that showcased the Waratahs’ growing maturity and tactical discipline away from home.

Day’s Complete Performance

The versatile playmaker was simply outstanding, crossing for a try and converting his own score in the 80th minute to cap off a perfect day with the boot. Day’s accuracy proved the difference, successfully converting four of five attempts while adding two crucial penalty goals that kept the scoreboard ticking over throughout the contest.

Clinical Finishing Seals Victory

The Waratahs demonstrated their attacking prowess with tries to Sam Carwardine, Thomas Blanch (28th minute), Harry Hayes (39th minute), Liam Rowntree (59th minute), and Day’s late effort. The variety of scorers highlighted the depth of attacking options available to the coaching staff.

Strong Foundation Built Early

After an early exchange of tries, the Waratahs took control through Blanch’s well-taken score in the 28th minute, converted by Day to establish a platform. Day’s penalty goals in the 36th and 42nd minutes extended the advantage and demonstrated the tactical kicking game that proved so effective.

Hayes Provides Spark

Harry Hayes’ try just before halftime gave the Waratahs valuable momentum heading into the break. Despite Day missing the conversion attempt, the five-pointer ensured the visitors carried a healthy lead into the second half.

Second Half Control

The Waratahs managed the second period expertly, with Rowntree’s 59th-minute try effectively putting the result beyond doubt. Day’s conversion and subsequent penalty goal maintained the pressure before his own try provided the perfect individual finale.

Discipline Costs Home Side

The home team’s cause wasn’t helped by Tasman Kuhn’s yellow card for intentional infringement in the 8th minute. Playing with 14 men during a crucial early period allowed the Waratahs to establish territorial dominance and build pressure that eventually told on the scoreboard.

Tactical Substitution Pays Off

Coach’s decision to replace Joshua Gray with Timoci Vatubuli proved astute, providing fresh legs and maintaining the Waratahs’ intensity throughout the contest.

Home Side Shows Fight

Despite the defeat, the home team demonstrated character with tries to Jack Seis and Thomas Heilman, while Josh Elworthy managed one conversion from three attempts. However, their kicking game couldn’t match Day’s precision when points were at a premium.

Road Warriors

This comprehensive victory in the COL Cup Memorial Round demonstrates the Waratahs’ evolution into genuine contenders. The ability to control a match away from home, particularly through smart tactical kicking and clinical finishing, suggests this side has the temperament for the big occasions whilst honouring the memorial significance of the round.

Final Score

Waratahs 39 – Home Team 12

Scoring Summary

Waratahs Tries: Sam Carwardine, Thomas Blanch, Harry Hayes, Liam Rowntree, Lachlan Day Waratahs Conversions: Lachlan Day (4/5) Waratahs Penalty Goals: Lachlan Day (2/2)

Home Team Tries: Jack Seis, Thomas Heilman, Sam Carwardine Home Team Conversions: Josh Elworthy (1/3)

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The Waratahs return home next weekend looking to maintain this excellent form. Get down to support your side as they continue their impressive season.