Round 10 was the Students’ toughest to date, with 4 out of 5 sides suffering losses, while the Reds, Golds, and Plats were all sidelined due to the weather.
U19 Colts: Sydney AFL U19s Division 1
The Colts traveled west to Camden on Saturday, looking to bounce back from tough losses against Pennant Hills and St George.
Camden got the jump on the Colts in the first quarter, kicking 3 goals to 1 to lead by 14 points at quarter time.
Once again, the Colts could only manage 1 goal for the second quarter in a row. In heavy rain, early goals were vital, and it was Camden who kicked 3 in the second quarter.
The Colts came out after halftime needing to apply scoreboard pressure, but it was Camden who once again took charge, booting 3 goals while keeping the Students scoreless in the third quarter, as they took a 46-point lead into the final quarter.
Despite the game being out of reach, the Colts rallied, outscoring Camden in the final quarter, kicking 2 goals to 1, reducing the final margin to 41 points.
Yarlalu Thomas and Jack Fox were once again among the best players for the Colts, while Gareth Maples and Henry Lamshed were also named in the best.
Final Score: Camden 10.6 66 def. Sydney University 4.1 25.
1st Grade Seniors: NEAFL
For the first time in the Club’s history, the Students travelled to Queensland to face the in-form Redland at Tidbold Park.
In monsoonal conditions, the Students forfeited an early lead as Redland booted 4 goals straight to the Students’ 2 behinds in the first quarter.
Despite their inaccuracy (3 goals, 5 behinds), the Students reduced the margin to just 5 points at halftime following a stellar defensive effort to keep Redland to just the 1 goal for the quarter.
The Students continued to rue missed opportunities, kicking 1.4 in the third quarter, while Redland once again kicked straight with 2.1, as they stretched their lead to just 8 points with 1 quarter to play.
Redland won the game with their straight kicking in front of goal, kicking 4.1 in the final quarter, while the Students could only manage a wayward 1.3.
Matt Rawlinson was best afield for the Students, accumulating 29 disposals and 9 clearances, while Jake Derickx kicked 2 majors of his own.
Final Score: Redland 11.2 68 def. Sydney University 5.14 44.
3rd Grade Blues: Sydney AFL Division 1
After cementing their spot in the top 4 last week, the Blues faced off with lower-placed Pennant Hills on Saturday.
The first quarter was hotly contested, with both sides notching 2 goals each, but it was the Blues who took a 2 point lead into the first break.
The Demons took control in the second quarter, holding the Blues scoreless while managing 2 goals of their own.
The Blues hit the scoreboard in the third quarter, kicking 1.2, but it was the Demons once again, kicking 2 goals to increase their lead to 16 points at the final break.
Suffering just their 3 third loss of 2016, the Blues were once again held scoreless as the Demons kicked 4 goals to win by 40 points on a wet Saturday afternoon.
Ryan Kennedy was named best on ground after battling in the ruck all day, while Brendon Clendenning and Ronan Geraghty were also named among the best.
Final Score: Pennant Hills 10.3 63 def. Sydney University 3.5 23.
Sydney University Bombers (Women’s)
The Bombers enjoyed the only SUANFC win of Round 10, following their 2 goal victory over second-placed UNSW.
The Bombers got off to a flying start, kicking 3 goals to 1 in the first quarter.
Both teams managed just the 1 goal in the second quarter, before playing out a goalless second half, with credit going to both sides’ back 6.
Meredith Gray booted 2 goals, while Lara Creber, Rachael Stack, Alice Wood and Sera Kaukiono were named in the best for the undefeated Bombers.
Final Score: Sydney University 4.4 28 def. UNSW 2.4 16.
2nd Grade Reserves: Sydney AFL Premier Division
After a recent turn in form, the Prems visited Pennant Hills for the first time in 2016, looking to win their first consecutive games of the season.
The first quarter was a heavily contested battle, with Pennant Hills enjoying an early 2 goal lead after kicking 3 goals to 1 in the first quarter.
The second quarter saw neither team register a score as uncontested possessions were nowhere to be seen.
Pennant Hills stretched their lead to 22 points after kicking the only major of the third quarter.
The goals finally came in the final quarter, as the Demons ran away with the 4 points, kicking 3 goals to 1.
The Prems now sit 5th and 2 games out of finals football, while the Demons moved up to 6th place.
Allister Clarke and Spencer Krochmal were named in the best for the second week running, while captain Tom Elkington, Jacob Swarts and ruckman Aron Everett were also gallant in defeat.
Final Score: Pennant Hills 7.5 47 def. Sydney University 2.4 16.
With the June Long Weekend taking place this weekend, just the NEAFL side will take part in Rd 11, as they clash with Gold Coast at Henson Park on Saturday.
Up the Students!