Sydney Uni have stormed to a club-record six straight wins to start their season, with an impressive 87 point win over the Southport Sharks. The visiting team had no answers for the league leaders, as Sydney Uni dismantled the Sharks 18.22 (130) – 5.13 (43) in a completely one sided contest.
The Students dominated play from the opening siren. The home side kicked 5 majors in the first quarter to lead 34-10 at the first break. They continued to extend their lead substantially at every break. To add to the Sharks woes, the Students didn’t let up and piled on 39 fourth quarter points, to produce their most complete performance to date.
Sydney Uni coach Tom Morrison has placed great emphasis in recent weeks on sustaining effort throughout entire matches and playing a team brand of football. He was pleased with his team’s ability to do this in Round 7 saying, “It’s by far our best performance of the year. It’s the first time that we have played four consistent quarters of football as a team.”
Scoring was again not an issue for Sydney Uni, who have tallied 100 points or more in every contest this season. However, the most impressive aspect of their game was defence. Sydney Uni maintained relentless defensive pressure across the park in all four quarters, which resulted in Southport’s lack of opportunities and inaccuracy in front of goal.
“Our team defence was the foundation of our play and this was consistent throughout the contest and across the 23 players. The group went to another level on Saturday, it was a mature performance and one they should be very proud of,” Morrison added.
Led by their inside midfield group, “Stevenson, Williams, O’Brien, Young and McFadden were ruthless around stoppages, ground contests and in defensive transition.”
“Our skill execution let us down at times but you couldn’t fault the team first approach by the group. Our backline continued to perform well as a unit and our wings gave us great value in both offence and defence this week.”
“Sam Tagliabue and Ned Reinhard were terrific in the ruck while the forward line continually created options from their work ethic on defence and their running patterns in offence.”
Sitting atop the ladder, Sydney Uni will have a chance to build on their impressive form as they come up against a tough Sydney Swans outfit. Coach Morrison is looking forward to the challenge his team faces.
“This Friday will be the greatest test for the group as we face an in form, well coached and talented Swans team. We have a resilient, competitive group who will look forward to testing themselves against the Swans on Friday evening at Henson Park.”
Next Up
In a top of the table clash, Sydney University host the Sydney Swans at Henson Park in Round 8. Kick-off is at 7pm on Friday 19th May.
To watch the livestream click here: http://neafl.com.au/live-streaming/
SYDNEY UNI: 5.4 9.7 13.13 18.22 (130)
SOUTHPORT: 1.4 3.6 4.10 5.13 (43)
GOALS
Sydney University: X. Richards 3, T. Barrett 3, J. Hiscox 2, N. Reinhard 2, N. Cooper, Z. O’Brien, C. McFadden, W. Taylor, D. Bonney, J. Derickx, J. Williams, L. Stevenson
Southport: R. Clements 2, B. Chadwick, H. Shepheard, J. Anthony
BEST
Sydney University: Z. O’Brien, J. Hiscox, J. Williams, N. Reinhard, X. Richards
Southport: R. Clements, B. Egan, J. Anthony, J. Keras, W. Hancock