Historic win for Southport as they prove too good for Sydney Uni

Southport Sharks have registered a classy away victory over Sydney University by 42 points at Blacktown today to maintain its undefeated start to 2019.

The contest was close early, but it was the Sharks who had all the answers to win 14.15 (99) to 8.9 (57), in what was the club’s first ever victory at the venue.

The first quarter was a tough contest with only a goal in the match for a majority of the opening term,  before Southport kicked three goals in the last five minutes to take a 27-point lead at quarter time.

For Sydney University that five-minute period would ultimately cost them. As they matched Southport for a majority of the game at the contest and around the ground but were unable to bridge the three goal buffer Southport set.

Both sides were left to cover late absences with Sydney University losing ruckmen Sam Tagliabue late whilst Southport lost dynamic forward Mitch Johnson before first bounce as well.

For Southport it was their big names who again produced on the day, with Andrew Boston and Matt Shaw finding 32 and 31 disposals respectively.

Both Lee Dale and Jamison Shea kicked three goals in the match to compliment the performance from Southport’s midfielders.

For Sydney University, Adam Gulden was prolific in a losing outfit finishing with 28 disposals, whilst Lewis Stevenson finished with 24 disposals which included seven inside 50s.

The competition’s leading goalkicker Tristan Davies was kept to only two goals by the Sharks, on reflection Southport coach Stephen Daniel was confident in his teams defensive rotations shutting down Davies as opposed to sending a match-up to the definitive forward.

Daniel was quick to dismiss Southport’s unbeaten start to the year, saying if his team prepares correctly the results will follow.

“We felt against Canberra our preparation was poor, today and this week I thought we were much better,” Daniel told neafl.com.au.

Sydney University will begin planning for their matchup with the Swans next week at Henson Park. Whilst Southport will return home to Faunkauser Reserve to take on the NT Thunder.

NEAFL ROUND 5

Sydney University v Southport at Blacktown International Sportspark

SOUTHPORT 5.6 8.8 11.10 14.15 (99)
SYDNEY UNI 1.3 3.5 7.7 8.9 (57)

GOALS – Southport: L Dale 3 J Shea 3 J Hall 2 K Sheers T Fields M Manteit J O’Shea D Mutu M Shaw. Sydney Uni: T Davies 2 H Morrison A Gulden J Hiscox S Fong E Cole B Stewart.
BEST – Southport: B Murdoch M Shaw A Boston L Dale J Taylor D Mutu. Sydney Uni: A Gulden D Cordell S Barkley T Barton T Redden L Stevenson.

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