HUNTER Wildfires coach Scott Coleman admits it was a sombre trip back from Mudgee on Saturday night after his team were beaten 33-14 by Sydney University in their round-four Shute Shield Clash at Glen Willow Stadium.
"It was pretty quiet," Coleman said. "We didn't have much to celebrate."
The two teams hit the road to Mudgee as part of University's pathways-partnership with Central West Rugby Union.
Coleman was expecting a tough game against the Students, who were second on the ladder, and they didn't disappoint.
The Wildfires competed hard to trail 21-14 at half-time but Uni finished strongly to post a five-tries-to-two victory.
Outside centre Nafi Tuitavake and reserve back William Feeney scored tries for Hunter, while fly-half Connor Winchester kicked both conversions.
"We just made too many mistakes and they preyed on them," Coleman said.
"They're a well-drilled side and they were very clinical, as they always are."
Coleman said he would "have a look" at his selection options before Newcastle's next game, against West Harbour at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. One change might be forced upon him after winger Penikolo Latu suffered a corked thigh and needed to be replaced.
The loss left the Widlfires ninth on the points table, after one win from their first four games. They will need to bounce back promptly or risk falling off the pace.
"West Harbour beat Southern Districts [on Saturday], so we know we can't take them lightly," Coleman said. "The competition is so close this season that anyone can beat anyone."
