Sydney University seals finals berth with hard-fought victory over Redland

Sydney University is finals-bound after earning a 19-point win against Redland in a high-scoring affair at Scottsdale Park on Saturday.

Not only did the Students seal a spot in the top six with the 16.13 (109) to 13.12 (90) victory, but they jumped to fourth on the ladder after a dramatic start to Round 20 saw Sydney and Aspley lose.

Sydney Uni was made to work, however, by a plucky Bombers outfit with nothing to lose on their home deck, who kicked five goals to two in the first term for the early ascendency.

Star forward Matt Hammelmann was on song early with three majors in the opening term as the Students struggled to combat the Bomber son attack.

They turned it around in the second with a superb nine goal term propelling the visitors to a 26-point lead at the main break.

But Redland weren’t done with yet, staying in the contest during the third where they cut the margin to just seven after less than 10 minutes.

Sydney University steadied for the remainder of the quarter, and effectively sealed the contest when the margin blew out to 31 points approaching time on in the last.

Veteran Lewis Stevenson was simply dominant for the Students to be a key instigator in the win, finishing with 37 disposals, 10 inside 50s, six rebound 50s and three goals in a match-winning display.

He was ably supported by young midfield star Jake Bartholomaeus, who collected 34 disposals, 11 clearances, five inside 50s and a classy goal after he roved a pack and snapped from the pocket.

Redland midfielder Damian Steven battled hard all day to be his side’s best player with 33 disposals and five clearances, whilst Hammelmann finished with a bag of five goals.

Sydney University takes on defending premier Southport next week in a blockbuster pre-finals battle at Fankhauser Reserve.

Redland finishes its 2019 season at home when it takes on Canberra.

Redland Bombers v Sydney University at Scottsdale Park

SYDNEY UNI 2.3 11.6 14.8 16.13 (109)
REDLAND 5.2 7.4 11.8 13.12 (90)

GOALS – Sydney Uni: H Morrison 3 L Stevenson 3 T Banuelos 2 T Davies 2 N Foster J Hiscox M Krochmal J Bartholomaeus W Sierakowski J Stern. Redland: M Hammelmann 5 S Ryan 2 C Spence M Thomson J Kennealy C Malone C Cameron J Currie.
BEST – Sydney Uni: L Stevenson J Bartholomaeus T Barton T Banuelos H Morrison S Tagliabue. Redland: D Steven M Stallard L O’Sullivan B Reville M Hammelmann P Carse.

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