Around the Grounds: 3-4 October

AFL

Just the one game for UNSW-ES Bulldogs this weekend, with the Men's Premier Division and Men's Under 19s already sealing their places in their respectives grand finals for next weekend. So it was the Men's Premier Division Reserves who took centre stage on the weekend at Henson Park, aiming for a third grand final berth for the club. It was a tight game to start, with the Bulldogs going into the first quarter break up by just two points, then falling behind to be down by six at the main break. They maintained that six point margin in the third quarter, before powering ahead in the final term, scoring two goals and five behinds and restricting Pennant Hills to just one behind to take the the win by 10 points. Thomas Chichester led the scoring for the Bulldogs, with three goals for the match, while Jackson Tikkeros bagged two. The team now go into the grand final against the North Shore Bombers next weekend, who they lost to by 14 points last weekend, but they learnt a lot from that game and will be raring to go for the big game.

Full results

Men's Premier Division Reserves: UNSW-ES Bulldogs defeated Pennant Hills Demons 8.18 (66) to 8.8 (56)

MEN'S CRICKET

A huge boost to the UNSW Cricket Club (or the Bees as they are affectionately known) with the addition of first class players Matthew Gilkes and Chris Tremain to their ranks for the second round of the first grade competition. At the halfway point of their two day game, they are in a commanding position against Wests, after a brilliant batting innings at David Phillips South on the weekend. Despite the early wicket of Jack Attenborough, UNSW were able to regroup through Gilkes and Suffan Hassan, who combined for an incredible 288 run partnership before Gilkes was dismissed for 200 from 203 balls. Hassan made his century before losing his wicket, scoring a sensational 111. UNSW declared at 4/368 after 90 overs, keen to start bowling and knock over a couple of wickets before the end of day one. Unfortunately they weren't able to get a wicket, but were able to restrict Wests to just four runs from four overs and will come out hard at them on the second and final day of play this weekend.

Full results
First Grade: UNSW 4/369 (declared), Western Suburbs 0/4 after Day 1
Second Grade: Western Suburbs 8/314 after Day 1

FOOTBALL (SOCCER)

A tough game for UNSW in their Men's NPL 4 semi final, going down to Nepean FC. It was a tight first half and there was some confidence among the team at half-time having only conceded one goal. Unfortunately they weren't able to get on the board in the second half and conceded another goal to lose the game and end their season. They will take plenty of positives out of a strong season however and will be working extra hard over the summer break to stamp their dominance on the competition and gain promotion in 2021.

Full results
Men's NPL 4: UNSW lost to Nepean FC 0-2