The Round 16 NEAFL match between Sydney University and Canberra on Saturday ended after one half due to unforeseen circumstances, relating to the condition of the playing surface at Henson Park.
A sizable hole opened up at halftime of the game. Officiating umpires reported the hazard immediately, and action was taken by SUANFC to resolve the issue so that play could resume asap.
Despite the hole being filled up, it wasn’t completed within the 30 minute period permitted for stoppages in play and as a result the NEAFL match was abandoned. Although this circumstance was completely out of the control of SUANFC, with Henson Park being owned and operated by the Inner West Council, SUANFC would like to apologize to the Canberra Demons Organisation and spectators who were negatively impacted by this outcome.
SUANFC is relieved no players or spectators were injured after the hole opened up in the centre of the ground and have engaged with the Council, NEAFL and all appropriate stakeholders to ensure any issues with the Henson Park playing surface are resolved as quickly as possible.
Henson Park has successfully hosted 3 of SUANFC’s 7 home games this season, and was also used for the Sydney Swans intra-club match in the preseason. The SUANFC NEAFL squad trains at Henson Park each Wednesday night.
Following the abandonment of the NEAFL match on Saturday, a Sydney AFL Division 2 and Premier Division game took place with no complaints.