Sydney University have won the Division 1 premiership after a thrilling one point victory over Pennant Hills.
The Students led going into the last quarter and just held on to run out 8.5 to 7.10 victors.
It wasn’t the ideal start to a grand final with the scoreboard dying just before the first bounce resulting in no scoreboard being used for over three quarters.
It was a tight, hard fought contest in the first quarter. One goal to either side kept it close with the Demons going into the quarter time huddle with a one point advantage. The second quarter started and was a bit more open with both sides kicking multiple goals with the Blues wrestling the advantage back as they went into the main break with a 5 point lead.
Starting hot in the third quarter, the Blues managed to kick four goals before the Demons clawed back two of their own, going into the final huddle trailing by 15 points. The Demons threw everything at the Students in the last for the chance to lift the premiership and kicked the first two goals of the quarter to bring the margin back to one point with six minutes remaining. But there would be no score for the rest of the match as the Blues were crowned premiers.
It’s the Blues’ third premiership in a row under coach Adam Clark after they were promoted into Division 1 this season after back to back Division 2 flags in 2013 and 2014.
Chris Kendrick was terrific in the forward line, kicking crucial third quarter goals and was awarded the best on ground medal. Michael Higgins, Sam Ryan and William Pearce were also outstanding through the midfield and wings. For the Demons, Adam Smith and Tim Scoular were strong in the defensive 50 while Ted Widmer was also outstanding in the ruck.
Pennant Hills Demons 1.3-9 3.4-22 5.6-36 7.10-52
Sydney University 1.2-8 4.3-27 8.3-51 8.5-53
PENNANT HILLS DEMONS
Goal Kickers: S. Zikman 3, T. Abbott, A. Brawn, R. Watts, J. Clarke
Best Players: A. Smith, T. Scoular, T. Widmer, T. Abbott, S. Zikman, L. Vile
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY
Goal Kickers: C. Kendrick 2, G. Burch, M. Carey, A. Holmes, N. Dale, A. MacPherson, C. Browne
Best Players: S. Ryan, M. Higgins, W. Pearse, D. Vincent, A. Hawkins, C. Kendrick