The first round was a whitewash with Uni running out convincing winners 24-7 and the Bundy players were keen to ensure it wasn’t another one-sided contest.

Spurred on by thoughts of that night’s club social function, the Highlanders muscled up but went down 8-7 in a low-scoring affair.

The feeling between the two teams was apparent from the warm-up when University were overheard discussing the Bundy forward pack and seemed concerned about the size difference.

They came up with a plan to try and wear down the Bundy big men but the Highlanders forward pack responded strongly.

On a high from last week’s big 13-0 win, Bundanoon started the match strongly and the apprehension regarding the Bundy forward pack seemed well founded.

The Highlanders dominated the scrum and mauls and put the students on the back peddle.

Some powerful hit-ups by the big three Ingmire, Patterson and Martin was causing further concern for University. The forward domination provided some good ball for the backs and centres Sam Burnham and Lee Thomas made some nice runs.

But Bundy failed to convert pressure into points when it mattered.

University slotted a penalty against the run of play to lead 3-0 at the break.

The second half was a real battle for territory as neither team was prepared to give an inch.

Uni made a rare break into Bundanoon’s half and scored to take their lead to 8-0.

The Highlanders refused to surrender and fought on bravely to the end.

The tenacity was rewarded when forward convert Pete Randazzo, the fastest second-rower in the competition, scored out wide on the siren to make it 8-7.

The player’s player points went to Pete Randazzo (three) Lee Thomas (two) and Richie Martin (one).

The game should send shock waves the Highlanders’ rivals. Reputations and table position means nothing to Bundy who are now out to cause havoc in the second round of the competition.

This Saturday’s game is against Shoalhaven at Nowra.