While University hooker Tom Horton was deservedly named man of the match,Phipps’ quick service and calm head helped swings things the way of the Students against a Warringah side searching for answers in their own half.
Fresh off the disappointment of missing out on selection in Australia’s World Cup squad,Phipps was ecstatic after full-time as he was swamped by dozens of University supporters proudly wearing gold and celebrating the club’s 10th Shute Shield title in 15 years.
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After last year’s 45-12 thumping of Warringah at North Sydney Oval,Saturday’s remarkable comeback was the Students’ first back-to-back premierships since 2013.
“I’m lost for words a bit … it was bloody awesome out there,” Phipps said. “We had the game plan,we just needed to stick to it and be stubborn about it. It was about coming on and calming it down and making sure we stuck to our systems. Once we did that we started to string some phases and put some pressure on and in that last 15 we were lucky enough to get away with it.
“It’s so special and more so than last year because it’s probably my last game in Australia. I’ve really enjoyed being back where it all started and very lucky to be welcomed back with open arms. Everyone has changed from 10 years ago but the culture hasn’t."
Warringah couldn’t have asked for a better first half and managed to stun the minor premiers by keeping them scoreless going into the break.