Picture: Stephen Tremain
By Jordan Hughes
The Bull Sharks have bounced back in the perfect way with a commanding 40-0 win over the Sunnybank Dragons in Round 11.
After a disappointing loss two weeks ago at the hands of Easts, Bond were fresh after the bye and it showed in the five tries to nil drubbing of the Dragons.
HOW IT UNFOLDED:
The game started slowly for both sides in the wet conditions with the only points in the first half coming after Bond’s scrum decimated Sunnybank with the Bull Sharks being awarded a penalty try.
Bond had all the possession in the first half but unfortunately could not execute more points, going into half-time leading 7-0.
After a spirited rev up from head coach Grant Anderson, the Bull Sharks came out a completely different team with flyhalf Tyler Campbell slicing through and running 30 metres to score three minutes into the second half.
The Bull Sharks found their rhythm scoring two more tries in quick succession with both Max Dowd and Abele Atunaisa crossing for the home side.
Bond were leading 26-0 heading into the final 20 minutes and were down to 14 men following a red card to winger Atunaisa for consistent deliberate knockdowns.
It was Tyler Campbell who stepped up to score his second try from a brilliant team-play, going 70 metres down the field to ground the ball, after chasing a pinpoint kick from Dowd.
Fullback Jayden Ngamanu rounded out the game, scoring the Bull Sharks fifth and final try after some solid link up play with back-rower Devon Henson.
WHO’S HOT:
After not playing flyhalf in more than four years, Tyler Campbell stepped into the 10-jersey filling the void of the departed Dan Lancaster and the injured Hayden Sargeant. He did not disappoint.
The 25-year-old scored two tries and directed the team around with plenty of confidence, especially in his kicking game in the rain.
The inclusion of Queensland Reds star Angus Blyth was pivotal, as he expertly linked up with his brother Wilson in the second row, making a big difference at lineout time.
IN OTHER GAMES:
There were stellar performances across the grades with all teams going undefeated, Bond's Premier women held onto a 17-all draw to end super Saturday.
Colts One delivered an important performance to maintain their position in the top three. Flanker Carson Patu was again unstoppable in the 21-0 win, scoring a try and looking a threat every time he touched the ball.
Second grade also secured a 21-5 win, cementing their place in the top three on the ladder. Winger Hamish Roberts had a big performance scoring a try and was strong off the boot contributing 12 points to Bond’s victory.
Adam Gauder celebrated his 100th game in style, leading third grade to a 45-0 win in which he scored two tries and a conversion to mark a memorable day for the centurion.
TALKING POINT:
After conceding 47 points at the hands of the Tigers just two weeks ago, defence had been the primary focus for the senior Bull Sharks men, with the home side aiming up to keep Sunnybank to nil for the entire match.
This was a key theme for all sides with the Bond’s six teams only conceding a combined 22 points for the entire day.
WHAT IT MEANS:
With Brothers going down to Wests and Bond securing the bonus point win, the Bull Sharks have risen to third on the Hospital Cup ladder with 31 points, only two points behind second place University of Queensland.
Bond are not playing next week due to the competition bye. When they return they will face 2021 grand finalists, GPS at Yoku Road.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Flyhalf Tyler Campbell spoke about how pleased he was with his side’s ability to keep the pressure on for the full 80 minutes.
“It was a pretty good performance,” Campbell said.
“We dominated possession in the first half but couldn’t come away with points so to come out in the second half and score four consecutive tries was great. I thought we were really good with ball in hand”.
The Bull Sharks really levelled up in defence with the Dragons throwing plenty of attacking options at them.
“Our A zone defence was really strong, and we were able to defend their maul really well with the influence of Angus Blyth linking up with Jake Upfield and Wilson Blyth. We were able to correct our lineout which was an area we struggled with against the Tigers.” Said Campbell
Full Results:
First Grade- W 40-0
Premier Women – D 17-17
Second Grade – W 21-5
Third Grade – W 45-0
Colts One – W 21-0
Colts Two – W 67-0