Sure, we would all like to be basking in the Gold Coast sun, eating vegan food sprinkled with petals, and lounging by the pool with Cody Simpson and Sophie Monk. But, contrary to your social media feed, not everyone is on the Gold Coast for UniSport Nationals.
#TeamUNSW has been keeping the home fires burning back in Sydney with the start of summer sport season.
Cricket
Nothing signals the start of Australian summer like cricket season. Over the holidays extended family drape themselves on an assortment of hastily assembled camping chairs in the living room, cool down with Paddle Pops in the heat of the day, and scrutinise the TV screen as national heroes with their zinc warpaint take to the pitch to the roar of a crowd who have donned some truly creative outfits.
We acknowledge that all of the cricket action invariably happens when you take a bathroom break, so here at UNSW Sport we are committed to bringing you all the news from the UNSW Cricket Club season. There will be no metaphorical bathroom breaks here.
If you ventured down to David Phillips South on the weekend, you would have witnessed a tough contest between the home side and Hawkesbury Cricket Club. First and Second Grade took home the win, and all other grades showed heart but couldn’t match their opponents this time round.
Matthew Gilkes guided the First Grade side home with an inspiring 166 off 115 balls. Hawkesbury set a target of 265 at thanks to wickets from Josh Bennett (4/59) and Declan White (3/65). Special mentions Will Wolter (46*), and Jack Attenborough’s debut 30.
The Second Grade had a opening stand between Ash (76) and Bandit (65) to set 265 at Owen Earle. Half centuries to Anshul (92), Fionn (63) and Duggal (55), helped their grades to viable targets, while Jake Greenberg’s 4/45 almost got Fourth Grade over the line. Matthew Gilkes also debuted for the NSW Cricket Team who defeated WA by 77 runs in the Marsh Cup.
Full results:
First Grade UNSW 2/265 defeated Hawkesbury 9/264
Second Grade UNSW 5/242 defeated Hawkesbury 5/236
Third Grade UNSW 190 lost to Hawkesbury 209
Fourth Grade UNSW 7/195 lost to Hawkesbury 7/197
Fifth Grade UNSW 210 lost to Hawkesbury 4/215
Metro Cup UNSW 203 lost to Hawkesbury 5/204
Gridiron
Round six saw the Raiders go two from two. The Colts recorded their first win of the season defeating the Mustangs 32-14, and the men's team won 42-6 to position themselves third on the ladder. The women's team had a bye and attended the GNSW women's day. The players will return after the long weekend to face the UTS Gators at Neptune Park. Raiders favourite Luca Brundu commented “It's gator hunting season”. Admit it, you read that in the voice of someone from Swamp People.
Full results:
Men’s GNSW League
UNSW defeated Wollongong Mustangs 42-6
Women’s GNSW League
BYE
Colts
UNSW defeated Wollongong Mustangs 32-14
Touch Football
I can’t believe we are already two months into the Vawdon Cup season either. It seems the enthusiasm of the UNSW Bullets is such a cosmic force that the earth is spinning faster on its axis. The Women’s Division 1 team tamed the Balmain Tigers and recorded UNSW’s sole victory in a challenging round 8. The Men’s Premier team will be disappointed with a narrow loss to the Manly Sea Eagles but will come back stronger against the Easts Roosters in round 9.
Full Results:
Men’s Premier League lost to Manly Sea Eagles 5-6
Women’s Div 1 defeated Balmain Tigers 5-3
Mens Div 2 lost to Manly Sea Eagles 8-3
Women’s Div 2 lost to Balmain Tigers 0-5
Men’s Division 4 lost to Appin Warriors 5-12
Surfing
Rarely is it encouraged to blow off class to go surfing, and one UNSW athlete seized the opportunity to represent #TeamUNSW at the UniSport Nationals Surfing held at Curl Curl on the Northern Beaches. Congratulations to Harmon Kassulke on placing third in the Men’s Shortboard and being a semi-finalist in the Men’s longboard. A seasoned professional beach bum of the surfing scene, Harmon told UNSW Sport; “It seemed to me like participation was more important than winning, and there were surfers from all over the country. I don’t think I have ever competed in such a well-run and professional event that was at the same time so fun and laid back.”
Remember this is only a taste of UniSport Nationals, as inspiring stories from the main Gold Coast event will soon grace your screens.