The Bond University Premier women have secured back-to-back premierships defeating the Sunnybank Dragons 15-12 in a nail-biting finish at Ballymore stadium.
How it unfolded.
The Grand Final clash began at high intensity with bruising hits and strong phase play as Bond dominated possession.
The Bull Sharks converted the momentum into first points when centre Melanie Wilks danced her way through the defensive line. Moments later Wilks kicked a penalty goal making the score 10-0.
The remainder of the first half was dictated by defence with Bond taking the 10-point lead into the half-time break.
In front of a vocal crowd, the Bull Sharks had their chances but couldn’t score.
Sunnybank scored their first try in the final 10 minutes through their powerful forward pack, making it a three-point game.
The Bull Sharks stayed in the fight and defended through numerous phases to deny Sunnybank the crucial score.
With the game on the line and only three minutes to play, John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship holder Zoe Hanna produced the play that would ultimately seal the result for Bond.
The number 8 burst out of the defensive line and snatched the ball from the Sunnybank offence. The intercepted ball then spun through the hands of Wilks and out to replacement winger Amahli Hala who streaked away down the right edge, leaving three Dragons defenders in her wake to score the premiership-winning try.
The Dragons scored a late consolation try but Bond University defeated Sunnybank 15-12, claiming back-to-back Queensland Premier premierships.
Hanna was awarded player of the match.
What they said:
Inspirational captain Elisha Godsiff was overjoyed with the fight the Bull Sharks showed in the win.
“That was something pretty special. It was such a hard-fought game of pure physicality and speed,” she said.
“We knew they were going to lift again and it was just on us to shut them down through the middle which we did well”.
Head coach Lawrence Faifua has been the backbone of this team and someone the squad loves playing for.
“He has had a massive impact on all of us and makes everyone feel like family in this group,” Godsiff said.
The Bull Sharks created history by becoming the first Bond University team to achieve back-to-back titles.
“It is such a massive achievement and something we are very proud of. We fight for each other on the field and we were able to deliver when it mattered most,” she said.
Full time score
Bond 15 – Sunnybank 12
Tries: Melanie Wilks, Amahli Hala
Conversions: Wilks 1/2
Penalty goal: Wilks 1/1