The University of Adelaide hosted seven universities in the inaugural tournament of the 2022 series on 8-9 October 2022 at Warnpangga (Park 10).
Bond University (BOND) were strong from the outset and finished their tournament undefeated with seven wins across the weekend. Faythe Manera was a strong presence for the only Queensland team in the competition.
As the rounds progressed throughout the tournament there were some unexpected match results, making it hard to predict the progression of teams through to the final rounds on day two.
The University of Canberra showed resilience in all of their matches but were unable to secure a win finishing in 7th, with Brooke Gilroy (Diploma of Nursing) a standout for the team from the ACT.
The host side Adelaide Uni Roma’s faced The University of Newcastle (UON) for 5th and 6th, with the teams going to a golden point finish after tying at 12 all at full-time. The support of the home crowd no doubt helped the Roma’s to break through the strong UON defence scoring a try in the golden point period to seal 5th spot.
The University of Sydney (USYD) went up against The University of Melbourne (MELB) in the penultimate match of the tournament and both teams vying for the third spot on the ladder. In another close contest with scores locked at 12-12 at half-time, MELB crossed the line in the dying seconds, converting the try and sealing victory 19-17.
The gold final was a battle between BOND and The University of Western Australia (UWA Maali). Maali were a show of strength in the first half and in a repeat of the previous final, half-time had the teams tied with the scores level at 5-5. Nicole Ledington (Bachelor of Education student) was a tough competitor for the west coast team, but ultimately the 2021 champions BOND overcame Maali with a 20-5 win to take out the tournament.
With points for the series being awarded to each team according to their final positions at the end of each tournament there are plenty of opportunities for teams to move up the ladder.
Series points (after tournament 1):
Bond University - 20 points
The University of Western Australia - 18 points
The University of Melbourne - 16 points
The University of Sydney - 14 points
Adelaide University Roma's - 12 points
The University of Newcastle - 10 points
University of Canberra - 8 points
Tournament Two will see the teams in action again in Newcastle from 15-16 October 2022 with every game streamed live on UniSportTV!
About UniSport UniSport Australia (UniSport) is the peak body for university sport in Australia. 43 universities are members of UniSport, representing a population of over one million students. UniSport’s ambition is to become an integral partner to Australian universities and to deliver an outstanding student experience at our national intervarsity competitions.
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