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2003 Results by Round |
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Uni Blues kick off season in style Sunday, 31 August 2003
The Uni Blues kicked off season 2003 in great style as they ran riot over a young Takapuna side. The game was played at May Road in Mt Roskill in near perfect conditions. The Blues started the best with great service into the forward line by Hudgson and Taverna, which resulted in 3 early goals to Froggatt. The Blues dropped off late in the first quarter but still managed a handy 5 goal lead at the first break. The 2nd term saw Takapuna fight back, but lack of direct goal kicking and pressure from first gamer Bronz, and veterans Pidgeon and Gilbert in the back line only kept them to 4 behinds. A verbal spray at the main break by coach Taverna soon had the Blues on the scoreboard again early in the 3rd quarter, with forwards Forsyth, Churcher, Burdeu and Goldsack all chipping in with goals. While the Blues were bagging goals at one end, Duggan and Hudson were providing plenty of run out of the back line which set up a solid platform for the quick men out wide with Sharp, Bredenbeck, Williams and Kallawk all getting plenty of the pill and using it wisely. Power worked hard in the ruck all day to give the Blues first use of the ball and will be a tower of strength for the club this year. Late goals to Valentine, Froggatt and Dowie sealed a solid win for the Blues in defence of their Premiership title. The Blues know they have plenty of areas to work on for next week as they look to continue their winning ways and stamp their authority on the league.
University 16.10 (106) def. Takapuna 2.8 (20)
Goals: Froggatt 5, Burdeu 2, Hudgson 2, Taverna, Dowie, Sharp, Churcher, Goldsack, Valentine, McColloch Uni Best: Bredenbeck, Sharp, Froggatt, Pidgeon, Taverna, Power
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Blues slug it out in the mud Sunday, 7 September 2003
The Uni Blues were made to work hard for their victory on the weekend, despite being more experienced and skillful against a young Waitakere side. The muddy conditions brought the Blues down to earth but still managed a comfortable win 15.25.115 to 0.2.2. The Blues started well with a couple of early goals but indirect kicking cost the Blues goals as they went into the first break. The midfield combination of Taverna, Kallawk and Hudgson worked in tandem again and provide plenty of ball for the forwards, but wayward kicking let them down. To their credit the young Magpies never gave up and had plenty of run in them, but lack of skill created many turnovers which the Blues took. The wingmen of Sharp and Williams worked great down the wings and Churcher provided himself well at Full forward, ending a good day with 3 goals. Hudson and Duggan where again rock solid in defence, with Pidgeon throwing himself into everything to keep the Magpies goal less for the game. Palmer had his first start for the season in the ruck and provided first use of the ball to the midfield, and Burdeu and Howe also found themselves in everything
University 15.25 (115) def. Waitakere 0.2 (2)
Uni Goals: Churcher 3, Hudgson 2, Burdeu 2, Froggatt, Kallawk, Forsyth, Dowie, Taverna, Sharp, Goldsack, Thomas Uni Best: Taverna, Hudson, Burdeu, Sharp, Hudgson, Howe
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Uni Blues strike form in solid victory Monday, 15 September 2003
The Uni Blues finally hit their straps on Sunday in an all round solid effort in the top of the table clash against Mt Roskill Saints. The Blues also had their kicking boots on as they ran out comfortable winners 19.11.125 to 6.10.46. The Blues coach could not have asked for a better start to the game with the Blues kicking 6 first quarter goals, and making up for last weeks points festival! Hero of the day Taungakava popped up everywhere to kick a couple of early goals, along with goals to Churcher and Froggatt. Heading into the wind in the second term the Blues never let up and kept extending their lead with another great display by the Blues midfield combination of Taverna, Burdeu, Kallawk and Hudgson. Hudson and Duggan once again provided plenty of run out of the back line which kept the Blues going forward all day and the most feared back line in the comp kept the Saints to just 6 goals for the game. At the main break the Blues recharged the batteries and kept the wheels rolling with Taungakava scoring another couple of great goals to nail it home. Late goals to Froggatt, Churcher and Hudson sealed a solid win for the Blues which puts them on top of the Auckland AFL ladder as the only unbeaten team.
University 19.11 (125) def. Mt Roskill 6.10 (46)
Uni Goals: Taungakava 5, Froggatt 3, Churcher 3, Taverna 2,Hudgson, Dowie, Sharp, Kallawk, Crowe, Hudson Uni Best: Taungakava, Hudson, Duggan, Hudgson, Kallawk
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Wet day gives Tigers the Blues Monday, 22 September 2003 The Uni Blues played their first home game for the
season but it wasn't the conditions they were looking for. If was one of
the worst days in the history of the club with overnight rain turning the
oval into a bath. The Blues stuck to the game plan and after a solid team
effort ended up with a comfortable win over the North Shore Tigers 14.8.92
to 0.1.1. It wasn't pretty footy but very affective in the wet conditions.
Is was a day for the little blokes with Pidgeon, Crowe and Blyth all
having solid games and all getting on the score sheet. The midfield once
aging provided plenty of ball for the forward line with best on ground
Palmer doing great work in the ruck. Burdeu and Hudgson never stopped
running with Burdeu popping up in the forward line for 3 great goals. The
Blues back line once again stood firm with Gilbert and Pidgeon shutting out
the Tigers. The old head of Goldsack kept the goals coming and ended with
3 for the day in a solid effort in trying conditions. The Blues will be
looking forward to the break to recharge the batteries as they know the
season is far from over and still have some tough games ahead of
them. University 14.8 (92) def. Mt Roskill 0.1 (1)
Uni Best: Palmer, Pidgeon, Crowe, Burdeu, Hudgson,
Goldsack
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Uni Blues continue winning run Monday, 6 October 2003
The Uni Blues have stamped their mark on the Auckland league in season 2003 after another solid victory against 2nd place Manurewa Raiders. The game was once again played in wet and windy conditions at Colin Maiden Park but the Blues handled the conditions better. Once again the back line of Pidgeon, Brons and Gilbert stood tall and only allowed 1 goal through in the game while the midfield of Taverna, Hudgson, Burdeu and Kallawk provided plenty of run and ball for the forward line. The 1st quarter was a tough ride for the Blues and despite having the breeze could only manage a single goal. The Blues always play better into the wind and showed their class with Froggatt bagging a brace and Hudgson, Burdeu and Taverna also making the scorecard. Palmer again dominated the ruck and gave first use of the ball to the midfield while the half forward line of Forsyth, Taungakava and Crowe kept the ball going forward. McGuiness, Henty and Hunter played well when coming off the bench for their first senior games of the year.
University 12.15 (87) def. Manurewa 1.1 (7)
Uni Best: Hudgson, Brons, Burdeu, Pidgeon, Palmer Uni Goals: Hudgson 3, Burdeu 2, Froggatt 2, Taverna 2, Crowe, Taungakava, Power
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Blues blitz Eagles in 1st quarter romp Monday, 12 October 2003
The Uni Blues hit the ground running on Sunday and banged on 8 goals in the opening term as they swept aside a young Takapuna Eagles team. The Blues and Eagles were the only two clubs to play this weekend as the weather played a big part overnight and closed other grounds. In near perfect conditions the Blues wasted no time in showing the Eagles why they are the best in the comp and piled on goal after goal in the first quarter and kept them scoreless down the other end. The midfielders again dominated the park and kept the ball going forward all day. Hudgson, Burdeu, Taverna and Palmer will be a real force come finals time and continue to play great footy. The Eagles came back strong in the 2nd term and matched the Blues around the ground. They got more ball which they finally converted into points. The Blues got back into the rhythm of the game in the 3rd term with the half forward line dominating and snuffing out any comeback the Eagles had. Two quick goals to Taungakava soon had the Blues extending their lead but the young Eagles kept coming. The back line as always stood tall as Pidgeon and Brons kept up their good form and BOG Hudson had a field day on the wing and got more touches than the Eagles combined! The last quarter was another good one for the Blues as they looked to close the game out and put some more goals on the board. The Blues need to put together 4 complete quarters next week as they fine tune their game in the lead up to the finals.
University 17.12 (114) def. Takapuna 6.6 (42)
Uni Best: Hudson, Pidgeon, Hudgson, Burdeu, Taverna Goals: Froggatt 3, Burdeu 3, Hudgson 2, Taverna 2, Taungakava 2, Crowe 2, Hudson, Palmer, Bredenbeck, Kallawk
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Blues belt Magpies in 2nd half blitz Monday, 20 October 2003
In near perfect conditions the Uni Blues finally turned it on in the second half and showed the rest of the league why they are top of the table and unbeaten in 2003. In free flowing footy which went from end to end the Blues started slowly in the first half and didn't show the fans much to get excited about. After stern words by the Blues coaching staff at halftime the second half was some of the best footy seen all year by the Uni side. Froggatt made a welcome return to the scorers card and bagged 8 goals in the 2nd half and Kallawk also had his radar on as he slotted 5. Midfielders Hudgson, Burdeu, Taverna continue to cause problems for the opposition and the back line of Pidgeon, Brons and Duggan keep the ball out of the danger area. The forwards came to life in the 2nd spell and turned it on in the premiership quarter. Hudson keeps up his good form on the wing and was well supported by Williams and Sharpy as the fast men got the better of the young Waitakere chargers. The Blues will want 4 solid quarters in their next game against Roskill and look forward to their weekend off to recharge the batteries.
University 23.17 (155) def. Takapuna 2.4 (16)
Uni Best: Forsyth, Froggatt, Pidgeon, Kallawk, Taverna Goals: Froggatt 8, Kallawk 5, Hudgson 2, Taverna 2, Taungakava 2, Goldsack, Hudson, Burdeu, Forsyth
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Uni Blues wrap up both Minor Premierships Monday, 10 November 2003
The University Rules Football Club has secured both minor premierships for 2003 after both grades won their games on the weekend against Mt Roskill. The seniors struggled against a young and fast Saints team who were eager to get their season back on track. The Blues, for the first time this season found themselves behind at every quarter and only kicked away in the final term to secure victory. The Blues couldn't get in the game all day and made some basic errors in defence and attack. Wrong options by Uni kept the Saints on top all day but the Blues know they got out of jail on this one. Power dominated the ruck and deservedly got best on ground. Burdeu and Hudgson again had fine games in the middle and kept the ball going forward and Baxter, playing his first senior game for the year linked up well and kicked two great goals to open his account. The experienced back line of Pidgeon and Duggan snuffed out the Saints attack and kept the Blues in it along with Hunter in the final term. The Blues know they have another tough game next week and will be without key players Hunt and Hudgson. They will however have Taverna back in the middle to steady the ship. In the reserves the Blues had another solid win and kept their unbeaten record going. The reserves will look to remain unbeaten as they prepare for a shot at the flag. Brett kicked two goals with Mahi-Taniora best on ground.
University 8.9 (57) def. Mt Roskill 5.8 (38)
Uni Best: Power, Burdeu, Pidgeon, Hudgson, Duggan Goals: Froggatt 3, Baxter 2, Gartenshore, Power, Hudson
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Blues show ticker to overcome Tigers Monday, 17 November 2003
The Uni Blues had a great physical hit out just two weeks before finals with a solid 3 goal win against North Shore. In a bruising encounter at Colin Maiden Park, the Blues kept to their game plan and made the better options to remain unbeaten on top of the AAFL ladder. The Blues had 5 key players out for this game but the depth of the club was there to see by all as reserve players stood up to the mark and delivered a telling blow to the Tigers. The Blues started the best by kicking 4 goals in the 1st term to one, with Kallawk getting a double. The Blues back line was again tested for the second week running but Pidgeon, Gartenshore, Hunter, Forsythe and Valentine all stood tall and put their hand up for a finals spot. Palmer dominated the rucks with BOG Hunter providing great support. Williams and Sharp stepped up a notch on the wings with plenty of run and got the better of their opponents. Taverna and Burdeu kept the ball going forward and Taungakava provided good options up forward. The Tigers fought back in the second half but not enough to win over the Blues as they head for another final series. It was a hard fought victory that the Blues needed and deserved, and with only one more round to go will look at keeping the winning record going. In the reserve grade the Blues also had a physical match but had to much skill and experience and ran out winners 8.6.54 to 1.2.8. Monaghan kicked 2 goals with Toussaint best on ground. The club welcomed back long time club champion Chris Wyllie (1990-98) who has returned from overseas and hasn't lost his old touch.
University 8.7 (55) def. North Shore 5.5 (35)
Uni Best: Hunter, Williams, Pidgeon, Forsyth, Sharp, Goals: Kallawk 2, Churcher, Hudson, Sharp, Taverna, Henty, Taungakava
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Blues
ready for Premiership Honours
The Uni Blues stepped up another notch on the weekend and blasted Manurewa off the park by 17 goals. The Blues also managed to put 4 complete quarters together which will have please coach Taverna leading into the finals series. With the reserves winning by default the Blues fielded a young team who had plenty of run in them. John, Shannan, Keegan and Monogram all played their first senior games of the season and really had a red hot go. The forward was dominated by Churcher and Froggatt, who rotated the leads well and had the ever crafty Goldsack in great support. After a week off, Froggatt was back in the groove and bagged another 7 goals to secure the Uni Blues Golden Boot Award. Williams, Burdeu, Sharp and Hunter always had the ball moving forward and the delivery to the forward line was of the highest standard. With 9 goal scorers the Blues showed they are a real champion team. Duggan and Pidgeon once again ran a tight ship at the back and linked up well with Hunt, Kallawk and Hudson on the flanks. Big Taungakava and Forsyth provided big targets up front with McColloch pulling everything out of his bag of tricks to pick up the La Porchetta voucher. The Blues have hit good form leading into the finals and Coach Taverna will doubt be asking his players for a huge effort over the next 3 weeks. The Club would also like to farewell big Jim Hunter who played his last game for the club on the weekend. Jim is off to USA to take a new role with his work. Also 2002 Premiership Club Captain Andy "Skip" Nooy has just left to head back to Victoria, again with his job. The University Club wishes both these players all the best in their new endeavors.
University
18.9 (117) def.
Uni
Best: Duggan, Froggatt, Hudson, McColloch, Sharp
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Blues tough it out to make AAFL 2003 Senior Grand Final Monday, 25 November 2003
The University Blues copped everything on the weekend, including the kitchen sink but held on to win over a physical Tigers team to advance through to this years AAFL Grand Final. In wet and windy conditions at Mountford Park the Blues hit the ground running and with the aid of a stiff wind soon racked up 4 early goals in the first term, with Kallawk, Hudgson, Forsyth and Froggatt all finding the mark. It was the Tigers of old as they resorted back their old tricks of cheap shots, fighting and late hits but it was the Blues who were being rewarded by the umpires. In the second term the Tigers managed to get back into the game using the wind to their advantage but great goals to Palmer and Forsyth into the wind kept the Blues ahead going into the main break. The 3rd term was tight battle with the Blues midfielders of Taverna, Burdeu, Crowe and Hudgson starting to get the better of the Tigers and the wings of Sharp and Hudson finding more room out wide. Kallawk continued to dominate around the ground with Thomas providing great leads. Duggan, Valentine, Pidgeon and Hunt stood up at the back and competed well in trying conditions. The 4th quarter was going to be tough for the Blues into the wind as they watched the Tigers kick two quick goals which closed the gap. Bredenbeck and Palmer still had plenty of run in their legs, and the fresh legs of Palaret and McCulloch helped the situation. Quick thinking and quick hands by Churcher near the end gave Froggatt his second goal which shut out any thoughts of a Tigers comeback. Injuries to Sharp were the only major concern for the Blues as they now enjoy a week off in preparation for the Final. The Blues have now played in the last 6 out of 7 Grand Finals, winning the last 3 out of 4 Premiership Flags. The Blues are hoping to go back-to-back in 2003, as they did in 1999 & 2000.
University 9.5 (59) def. North Shore 7.6 (48)
Uni Best: Forsyth, Sharp, Kallawk, Hudgson, Hudson Goals: Forsyth 3, Froggatt 2, Kallawk, Hudgson, Sharp, Palmer |