Two-thirds of the way through the inaugural National Rugby Championship season, the Macquarie University North Harbour Rays are mid-table and fighting hard for a semi-final berth.

After two wins and two draws, the Rays notched up a 34-34 draw yesterday with a last-gasp penalty goal against the UWS Greater Sydney Rams.

Macquarie’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr Paul Schreier – who serves alongside CFO John Gorman and Deputy Chancellor Elizabeth Crouch on the Rays’ Board as part of the University’s commitment to the success of the venture – says while competition points have been extremely hard to come by, the sponsorship has been very worthwhile from the University’s perspective.

“For a relatively modest investment, and in a small but symbolic way, Macquarie University has been able to demonstrate its commitment to its local region,” he says. “Many of our students come from the North Shore, so it’s a way we can reach out to them, their high schools, families and communities around a shared goal of nurturing young talent.”

One highlight of the season so far was the selection of Rays player and Macquarie University student Michael Wells in the National Sevens Squad, while a lowlight was a lost bet with Charles Sturt University when the Rays lost 33-21 to the CSU NSW Country Eagles in Round 3.

Staff wishing to attend the Rays last home game of the year, against Brisbane City at Brookvale Oval on Thursday October 9 can purchase tickets for $10 and catch a free bus from the Macquarie University Sport & Aquatic Centre at 6pm (reserve a seat by emailing sportbookings@mq.edu.au) and returning to the University.