Around the Grounds: 16-18 August

RUGBY 
In the Blunt Cup, the UNSW third grade narrowly went down to Hunters Hill by two points as the underdogs came agonisingly close to a win.

The UNSW second grade team was next to take centre stage. Let me set the scene. It’s 1.45 on a clear August afternoon, the atmosphere is electric and the sun is shining over David Phillips. UNSW have possession. After a smooth offload from Max Maddison and a careful pass into the gap, UNSW no.12 Peter Brown scored what has been dubbed the try of the year after dancing around seven Linfieldians to execute a perfectly placed chip and chase. The opposition were left in the dust, head in hands, while Pete sealed the deal after expertly countering one last awkward bounce. If you weren’t lucky enough to witness the feat last weekend, do yourself a favour a watch the video snippet on UNSW Rugby Club Facebook page with the sound up. I dare you not to sit there grinning at your screen like an idiot. Woooaaahhh!

Moments like these just go to show that the level of rugby on display in suburban subbies division two matches makes for hart-pounding action and features impressive skills. They also go to show why we never see Pete and Superman in the same room together. 

UNSW will face Forest on Saturday in the grand final qualifier at Concord Oval. If these previous rounds are anything to go by, #TeamUNSW fans are in for a treat.

Full Results
Stockdale Cup defeated Lindfield 27-21
Blunt Cup lost to Hunters Hill 24-6

AFL
The finals are upon us! Both the men’s and women’s Premier Division teams recorded wins in the last preliminary rounds and will take a break next week before semi finals. The men’s opponents will be decided this weekend and the women will face off against Sydney Uni.

But there are dedicated athletes behind all the finals hullabaloo. In all levels of sport, one meets a kaleidoscopic array of characters. This week in an Around the Grounds special, this sports reporter has taken it upon herself to create a five player all-star team of those Bulldogs who reached career milestones last week. 

First up, leading from the front but able to back up in defence, Anna Pellen was recently named Sydney women’s Round 17 Rising Star. The Bulldogs coaching team can be quoted saying; “don’t define Anna by her stature. She plays tall, is a hard ball get player and somehow always manages to land on her feet. She positioned herself well and played a defensive and attacking role perfectly.” GOANNA! Classic.

For the second draft into my dream team I am choosing Blake Griffiths who played his 50th game on the weekend. Blake is smart, quick and a goal-kicking machine. He is a young player rearing to go in his first year of open competition. 

I just can’t go past Jack McKinlay and his superb kick. He has plenty of premier grade experience but is happy lending his skills to the third grade this season. Last weekend he has reached his 150th game, welcome to the all-stars Jack.

Now I need someone rock solid in defence, that’s where Darren ‘Ant’ Osland features in the line up. I need someone dependable and committed. Team members are quick to commend Ant on his commitment to training and his positive attitude. Congratulations on your 150th game Ant!

For the final addition, much-loved UNSW student Caitya ‘Shakes’ Shakespeare is a hypothetical shoo-in. She started playing football four years ago and reached the 50 game milestone on the weekend. With her desire to learn and doggedness in pursuit that motivates those around her, Shakes is one of those players who is a coach’s dream. 

Full Results
Men’s Premier Division defeated Camden 18.7 (115) to 6.10 (46)
Women’s Premier Division defeated Southern Power 8.3 (51) to 4.5 (29)
Men’s Premier Reserves defeated Camden 14.14 (98) to 2.4 (18)
Women’s Division 2 lost to South West Sydney 1.3 (9) to 7.9 (51)
Men’s Division 2 defeated Camden 6.12 (48) to 4.5 (29)
Men’s Division 3 defeated Randwick City 12.12. (84) to 1.1 (7)
U19s Division 1 defeated Camden 22.10 (142) to 2.5 (17)

NETBALL
Round 13 saw a tight match between the Sies and UNSW Blacks, and exciting wins for Orcas and UNSW White who came back after defeats from these same opponents earlier this year. As our UNSW netball teams face familiar rivals once again at this later stage in the season it is brilliant to see a marked improvement, testament to the athletes' continuing effort and determination.

Full Results
A1: UNSW Sies defeated UNSW Blacks 38-37
B2: UNSW Blues tied with Mascot 35-35
B2: UNSW Orcas defeated Marrickville 33-28
C3: UNSW Mobies lost to Marrickville 36-39
C5: UNSW White defeated Saints Blue 23-19
Inter 3: UNSW Dolphins defeated Randwick Rugby 5 

HOCKEY
It was semi final week in the SEHA women’s competition and though both teams recorded losses, the #Whalies have once again proven to be purveyors of UNSW culture as the teams were shown great support from the entire club no matter the outcome.

In the men’s premier league UNSW did not give their Glebe opponents an inch, recording three wins and a tie across all divisions. Stay tuned for more stirring performances in the finals.

Full Results
Women’s Metropolitan League
UNSW 1 lost to WD 1 6-2
UNSW 2 defeated WD 2 3-0
UNSW 3 defeated Glebe 2-0
Sydney East Hockey Association Women’s Competition
UNSW 2 lost to Dolphins 0-3
UNSW 3 Black lost to Sutherland 0-1
Men’s Premier League
UNSW PL1 defeated Glebe 4-1
UNSW PL2 defeated Glebe 3-1
UNSW PL3 tied with Glebe 1-1
UNSW PL4 defeated Glebe 3-0
Men’s Sydney League
UNSW SL1 lost to Manly 5-3
UNSW SL3 lost to NWS/Baulkham Hills 5-3
UNSW SL4 lost to NWS/Baulkham Hills 2-1

CHEERLEADING
If you are like me and your dance battle knowledge is limited to Step Up, you may not have been aware that UNSW Cheer and Dance Society achieved brilliant results across all categories at the All Star Dance Battle staged at NIDA last weekend. In the words of keen engineering student and dedicated cheerleader Brittney Monk; “So proud! Bring on state.”

Full Results
1st Uni Dance Royalty
1st Premier Hip Hop
2nd Premier Contemporary
1st Premier Pom
2nd Premier Jazz
3rd Open Hip Hop
5th Open Jazz

ROWING
For any Australian, no food induces such vivid Proustian reverie as that of the Bunnings sausage. This Friday August 23rd, UNSW Rowing Club will be selling these delicacies at Ashfield Bunnings. Forget that DIY project you have left unfinished and ‘temporarily’ solved with duct tape, go and support a local sporting team on the road to UniSport Nationals. Philanthropy never tasted so good.