UoA go back-to-back to become 2025 SA Challenge champions!
Published Thu 04 Sep 2025
The University of Adelaide have successfully defended their SA Challenge trophy in 2025, going back-to-back as SA Challenge Champions!
The SA Challenge is an intervarsity sporting competition held annually between the University of Adelaide, UniSA and Flinders University, with events taking place most weeks during the first semester of studies across a range of sportsgrounds and courts. Only current, enrolled students of each university can compete, and it promotes fitness, fun and friendship.
117 students represented UoA across the three months, winning the first eight events. Competition was close, with some events tied on points and requiring countbacks to determine a winner, and others going to a golden point!
Congratulations to all students across each of the universities for their efforts, and we look forward to seeing what 2026 brings!
See sport-by-sport results below.
FINAL 2025 standings
1st PLACE
UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
24 points
2nd PLACE
UNISA
15 points
3rd PLACE
FLINDERS UNIVERSITY
14 points
EVENT 9: WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL, AUGUST 15
UniSA won the final event of SA Challenge over Flinders University, with the University of Adelaide not putting a team on the court. This inclusive event took place at Pridham Hall on the City West campus, and was the 6th consecutive victory for our cross-town rivals.
VIEW THE FULL ALBUM HERE (Courtesy of UniSA)
event 8: Badminton, May 30
An all University of Adelaide (UoA) showdown saw UoA retain the badminton shield from last year. The University of Adelaide dominated the court in the latest SA Challenge event, with both our teams reaching the final and battling it out in grand final match-up. This marks the eighth consecutive win in this year’s SA Challenge, officially surpassing last year’s total and solidifying our place at the top of the leaderboard with just one event to go.
event 7: Basketball, May 16
A double-header last week saw UoA take on Flinders and UniSA in Basketball. With six straight wins already secured, both our Men’s and Women’s teams hit the court with confidence and intensity. Their efforts paid off with UoA claiming back-to-back wins in both finals to take out the Basketball shield, marking an incredible seventh consecutive SA Challenge victory. The streak continues, and so does our reign at the top of the leaderboard. One more win will see UoA top last year's record.
event 6: Table Tennis, May 15
Table Tennis was up next, and the University of Adelaide (UoA) was ready to keep the momentum going. With five wins already under their belt for 2025, our squad stepped up and smashed it on the tables. After a series of strong performances, UoA came out on top once again, claiming the Table Tennis shield and extending their undefeated streak to six straight victories. The win further solidifies UoA’s dominant position at the top of the SA Challenge leaderboard with more shields still up for grabs.
event 5: Volleyball, May 9
Indoor Volleyball was the next event, with the University of Adelaide (UoA) eager to add another shield to the growing 2025 collection. After a strong win last year, both Men’s and Women’s teams were determined to keep the winning streak alive and retain the Volleyball shield. Both teams reached their respective finals and clinched victory, securing the Volleyball shield and extending UoA’s lead at the top of the SA Challenge leaderboard. The win marks the fifth-straight victory this SA Challenge.
event 4: Netball, May 2
Netball 5s was the next event in the SA Challenge schedule after a short mid-semester break. After coming third in the same event last year, the University of Adelaide (UoA) were looking to claim the shield and add to the growing collection for 2025. Entering two teams, the chances of winning another shield were strong. A contested final against UniSA saw UoA clinch the win (and the shield) and extend their lead at the top of the SA Challenge leaderboard.
event 3: Lacrosse, april 11
After a strong start to SA Challenge, the Univeristy of Adelaide (UoA) turned their focus to retaining the Lacrosse trophy for a sixth straight year. Thanks to overwhelming interest, UoA entered two teams against strong Flinders University and UniSA teams. After a highly contested round-robin stage, UoA's second team matched up with Flinders University in the grand final. A nail-biter saw UoA clinch the win 12-11, securing a sixth straight Lacrosse title and to remain top of the SA Challenge leaderboard.
event 2: Ultimate frisbee, april 4
After reclaiming the Tennis Shield, the University of Adelaide (UoA) continued its strong SA Challenge start with Ultimate Frisbee at Graduates Oval on April 4. A dominant display saw UoA defeat both UniSA and Flinders, securing a sixth consecutive title in the event. The final match between UniSA and Flinders was a nail-biter, going to a golden point, but UoA’s earlier wins locked in the shield. With a first placed finish in both events, UoA remain top of the SA Challenge leaderboard with one more event remaining before mid-semester break.
event 1: tennis, 28 march
The 2025 SA Challenge kicked off with Tennis at Millswood Tennis Centre on March 28. University of Adelaide (UoA) athletes dominated the competition, with Matt Pinyon defeating teammate Nick Davies in an all-UoA men’s final, and Manko Law securing third for a podium sweep. Mikaila Thomson placed third in the women’s round-robin draw. After all universities were tied on points, a countback saw UoA reclaim the Tennis Shield for a second consecutive year and saw UoA move to top spot of the 2025 SA Challenge competition.
