Sydney Uni suffered their first taste of defeat this season after struggling to contain an impressive Sydney Swans. In slippery conditions, the Swans got off the mark kicking six unanswered goals in their 16.17 (113) – 6.10 (46) victory over the Students to take over top spot on the ladder.
The Swans dominated play from the opening siren, holding Sydney Uni to just one point in the first quarter. They reaped the benefits of cleaner use of the ball and piled on the pressure at both ends of the field, heading into quarter time leading the students 36-1.
Sydney Uni looked to have returned from the first break inspired, showing some really positive signs in the second term. They controlled possession and were getting good looks, kicking four goals and dragging the margin back to an attainable 13 points at half time.
However with 18 listed players, the experienced Swans showed poise in the second half, controlling the tempo and limiting the typically powerful Sydney Uni offence to an unusually low 15 second half points.
“The Swans are a well drilled side and adapted to the wet conditions a lot better than we did. They were a lot cleaner with their hands.” Sydney Uni Assistant Coach Lloyd Perris said.
In their best ever start to a NEAFL season, the Students will be looking to learn from the Round 8 loss and regain focus heading into this weeks clash against Canberra.
“They taught us a bit of a lesson about sustained pressure and intensity. We weren’t able to match that for long periods of the game and it was reflected on the scoreboard. I guess it’s a good lesson to learn at this stage of the year.” Perris added.
They will, however, be without a few key players this weekend.
Sydney Uni’s mounting injury toll worsened with Jonathan Williams sidelined early in the contest with a wrist injury. Jordan Law also hobbled off the field in the first quarter with an ankle injury leaving the Students with restricted interchange rotations for the last three quarters of the match. They join Matt Rawlinson, Jack Dimery and Alistair Gillespie who were on the sidelines for the Sydney Swans match and remain in doubt for this weekend, due to injury.
In another blow for Sydney Uni, they will also be without in form midfielder Zac O’Brien after he was placed on report during the match.
Next Up
The Students look to bounce back against the Canberra Demons this Saturday 27th May. Kick-off is at midday at Blacktown International Sportspark.
Click here for the livestream: http://neafl.com.au/live-streaming/
SYDNEY UNI: 0.1 4.7 4.8 6.10 (46)
SYDNEY SWANS: 5.6 6.10 11.16 16.17 (113)
Goal Kickers
Sydney Uni: X. Richards 3, T. Barrett 2, Z. O’Brien
Sydney: S. Fisher 3, J. Rose 2, R. Fox 2, J. Brown, S. Edwards, A. Aliir, D. Cameron, O. Florent, T. Leonardis, L. Maze, B. Jack, J. Laidler
Best
Sydney Uni: X. Richards, Z. O’Brien, R. Hebron, A. Day, T. Barrett, D. Baron-Hay
Sydney: S. Fisher, J. Rose, R. Fox, A. Aliir, D. Robinson, T. Leonardis