sport
College sports roundup: Darwin collegiate teams post mixed results as season heats up
Local university sides see wins and losses in a busy week of competition across multiple codes.
How we reported this
The Darwin University Sharks rugby league side notched a hard-fought 24-18 victory over the Alice Springs Pioneers on Saturday at Marrara Oval, improving their record to five wins and two losses this season. The Sharks dominated the first half, scoring three unanswered tries before withstanding a second-half rally from the visitors.
Netball success and soccer struggles
Darwin Institute of Technology's netball team continued its strong run, defeating Palmerston College 52-47 at the Darwin Netball Centre on Friday night. The win keeps the DIT squad in second place on the ladder, two points behind league leaders Casuarina University.
The men's soccer team from Northern Territory University suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Katherine United on Sunday at Larrakia Park. The loss drops the university side to fourth place in the NT Collegiate Premier League standings, with three matches remaining in the regular season.
Looking ahead
Next week's schedule features the Sharks traveling to face the Tennant Creek Bulls on Saturday, while the DIT netballers host Katherine College in a crucial top-of-the-table clash. Results over the coming fortnight will likely determine which teams advance to the NT Collegiate Championships, set to begin in late August.
Local athletic programs are also preparing for the annual NT University Games, scheduled for September at Marrara Sporting Complex. Organizers expect more than 500 student-athletes from across the territory to compete in events ranging from track and field to basketball and volleyball.