Missing regular starters Troy Ingrey, Corey Ahling, Tom Whymark, James O’Connor and Cameron Madden, Bowral raced to a 27-15 lead before a late University try reduced the margin.

The Blacks’ third win in a row has them in seventh on the Illawarra District Rugby second grade ladder and they face off against sixth placed Shoalhaven in Nowra this week.

Hooker Ben Lewis opened the scoring for Bowral after only five minutes with some determined and structured forward play.

But Uni hit back two minutes later to level the game at 5-5.

Following some scrappy defence, the Blacks allowed Uni over again to give them a 10-5 lead. But in the 16th minute Chris Newman crossed the tryline under the posts to level the score. Jake Moore converted to make it 12-10.

Just before halftime, Bowral’s backs got in on the action. Following yet again another burst of structured forward power, the backline showed what they are capable of with lightning fast passing and straight running resulting in fullback Jack Gates extending the lead to 17-10.

Uni had a player sin-binned after the break and the Blacks took advantage and scored again to make it 22-10.

The Blacks then fell asleep for a period and Uni capitalised, scoring a try to reduce the margin to only seven points.

But the try sparked Bowral into action and Dan Gates crossed after a rampaging run to make it 27-15.

Uni scored a consolation try to make it 27-20.

Bowral coach Val Tyson said it was the first time all year he had been anxious for the fulltime whistle.

“Our opposition was a good second grade team, with several experienced grade players on board and fighting back,” Tyson said.

“It was great to see many old Bowral players, life members and supporters, on the balcony and on the sideline, obviously enjoying the running rugby display put on by our team.”

Tyson said he would have a few selection headaches this week, but it was a problem he was happy to have.

He said he was happy with his team’s forward play, particularly their ability to keep a maul running.

“Mauling is a beautifull team skill in rugby and our team does it well,” he said.

“At least two of our tries, maybe three, were as a result of good, rolling mauls.”

o In other club news, the 22nd international businessmen’s luncheon is on Friday July 10 at Bowral Rugby Club.

There are only 85 seats available and they are selling fast. Tickets can be bought from Brafel Menswear in Bong Bong Street or on the club’s website.