Macquarie University Australian Football Club hosted the inaugural University Challenge Cup on Saturday 5th March at University Oval in North Ryde. In total 240 players were in attendance with each of Sydney University, University of New South Wales, UTS and hosts Macquarie each providing two teams into the competition.
The competition was an all day event with the lower divisions playing in the morning and the senior divisions in the afternoon. Similar to the first round of the AFL’s preseason competition, the group matches consisted of 18 minute halves while the Grand Finals were played as 4 x 15 minute quarters.
UNSW were the standout performers for the day taking out the finals in both divisions and were presented with the perpetual trophies by Macquarie University Club President Luke Gemmill. Macquarie University were runners-up in the lower division while UTS finished second in the senior division.
Gemmill described the day as a huge success. “We are extremely excited about this kind of competition becoming a regular part of the Sydney AFL preseason”. Gemmill added, “It gives each club and their coaches the ability to play a number of players in different positions over the course of the day, and creates a new platform to showcase the prominent University rivalries”.
Warriors head coach, Lindsay Bassani, also gave the competition great praise. “As a new coach, the round-robin-style matches really allowed me to get a good gauge on the talent we have across the board. I was impressed with the depth shown by all clubs, and the commitment the boys showed as the day progressed”.
And while the men’s teams fought hard at University Oval, the Macquarie University Women’s team participated in an AFL Sevens Tournament at the Sydney Showgrounds. Women’s Captain, Kim Woldhuis, described the Sevens Tournament as a great day which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Woldhuis added, “It was great to play a practice game before the season starts. It gave a lot of the new girls to the game a great experience and chance to put their skills to the test”.
Last Modified on 14/03/2011 12:23
