World Footy News

Whilst the slow approach of the European summer brings the start of the footy season for most European and North American leagues, the University year is coming to the end. Among the growing crop of college footy clubs outside Australia, the University of Birmingham Sharks have completed the first season in their history, recording 4 wins out of 5 matches.

Thanks to Tim Smith for this report.

After being formed in October 2009, the Sharks played their first match in January 2010 versus a select side from WARFL, previously reported on WFN in Birmingham Uni win on debut over WARFL Devils. After a nervy first 5 minutes, the team set the tone for the season with a fine dominant win.

The following week, Portsmouth Pirates made the journey up to Birmingham. This was a much closer affair; Portsmouth took the early lead with 3 goals in the first 3 minutes. The Sharks players weren't used to the physical nature of the strong Portsmouth side, but showed just how far they had come as they won the second quarter comfortably and went on to close the match 86-60, much thanks to a storming performance by best and fairest for the season, Sean Walton.

A long road trip to Chichester University followed, where UoB suffered their only defeat of the season. A poor kicking display by the visitors and a lesson taught to them in rucking by opposition captain Martyn Hinchey resulted in a 102-75 defeat. Just two weeks later though, the Sharks made amends in a fantastic end-to-end match against Birmingham Bears. The derby, which was the first aussie rules match between two sides from the city of Birmingham, finished 144-101 to the University.

After an Easter break, UoB wrapped up their season by visiting Wolverhampton Wolverines in their first ever match, which ended 126-58 to the Sharks. With the exam season now started and the subsequent long summer vacation, the team will not now be playing any more matches until the next academic year which starts at the end of September.

Over the season, it was clear to see the improvement in the squad - with no Aussies and only one player who had any experience it was down to commitment and dedication that created a strong and competitive team. Going into next year, the squad will lose both ruckmen Robert Woodward and Sean Walton as well as reliable full-back Joe Watkins, however with the anticipated new influx of freshers with the new academic year, the future looks bright for the University of Birmingham Sharks.

Results 2010:-

30th January - UoB Sharks 14.20 (104) d WARFL Red Devils 5.15 (45)

6th February - UoB Sharks 11.20 (86) d Portsmouth Pirates 8.12 (60)

27th February - Chichester University Cougars 13.24 (102) d UoB Sharks 9.21 (75)

13th March - UoB Sharks 21.19 (145) d Birmingham Bears 15.11 (101)

1st May - Wolverhampton Wolverines 7.16 (58) def by UoB Sharks 18.18 (126)

Best & Fairest for season: Sean Walton
Runners-up: Joe Watkins, Chris Britton, Dan Di-Lieto

Top goalscorers:
Dan Di-Lieto - 18
Sean Walton - 13
Tim Smith - 10