The Sydney Uni NEAFL team competed in the inaugural Chancellor’s Cup match on Saturday the 29th of August against the University of Western Sydney Giants. The game was not only an important match given the context of the season with both clubs in finals contention; it was also a match which would establish a long running rivalry between the two University sides.
Held at Blacktown International Sports Park, the game was played in front of a monster crowd, who had assembled ahead of the GWS Giants AFL game. Sydney Uni started off slowly, allowing the home side to escape to an 18 point lead at quarter time. Both teams were kicking accurately in the first term; however Sydney Uni were deprived of opportunities in front of goal.
Sydney Uni surged ahead in the second quarter, scoring six goals and seven behinds to take the lead at the half by 17 points. Nicholas Winmar and Jacob Derickx both slotted three goals each for Sydney University, while Tom Barton contributed greatly across the field.
The lead was extended by three quarter time, with Sydney Uni ahead by 24 points. They came out eventual winners with a strong fourth quarter winning 16.13 – 109 to 10. 16 – 76. This was a brilliant upset by Sydney University who were up against the first ranked UWS Giants. The Giants had not lost a game since round one of the NEAFL season, boasting a 16 -1 record.
After recording the win, Sydney Uni slotted into third position on the ladder. They are looking sharp ahead of the finals series having beaten every team in the top six. They have continued to cause upsets this season as demonstrated by their huge win earlier in the season against the NT Thunder, who hadn’t been beaten at home in three years.
Sydney University will now play Southport in the first elimination final on Saturday the 5th of September at 1:30pm at Blacktown International Park.
