Bond University Rugby coach Mick Heenan has secured bragging rights over his old alma mater by orchestrating a thrilling three-point victory over the University of Queensland.
It was past players day at The Canal and a bumper crowd turned out to watch the Bull Sharks' Premier Men retain the Brailsford - Brown Cup before the Premier Women continued their undefeated start to the season with a bonus point win.
Bull Sharks v UQ at The Canal
Premier Men
Bull Sharks won 31-28.
Highlight::
There were a number of highlights – we scored two well executed tries from set lineout plays in the 1st half. One where Tyler Campbell sliced through and another which involved the whole backline and ended with Tim Fatiolofa backing up on the inside and scoring.
What made you happy:
We finally won a close one. We almost found a way to lose it when Jordan Lenac was yellow carded late in the game but we managed to hold on.
Bull Sharks Football:
When the game was on the line in the second half, Zeb Misios scored two tries after periods of sustained pressure involving the whole team. That won’t make the highlight reels but the tries meant we were able to grind out a win. Then when UQ had a chance to win it right on fulltime our two veterans, Jake Upfield and Tyler Campbell were the ones to hold up the Uni breakaway to end the game.
The work to do:
We still gave up too many soft chances for the opposition to score and Uni were good enough to take them.
Trademark Player:
Jack Winchester has been playing huge minutes for us every week in the front row and had another solid game. Rhian Stowers again had a wonderful game and also had to move from fullback to half back after Jordan Lenac’s yellow card and did a great job.
Premier Women
Bull Sharks won 38-5
Where it was won:
Definitely up front. As the old saying goes " the game is won or lost up front " and it was the case on the weekend with dominance at scrum time and in ball carry and defence from our forward pack.
What made you happy:
Despite having a depleted line up we still managed to play some quality footy and earn a bonus point win against a strong UQ side.
The work to do:
We must keep building, despite sitting top of the table with no loss thus far, we still have a lot of aspects we are unhappy with and will continue to improve on.
Trademark Player:
Zoe Hanna, I speak highly of Zoe and for good reason. She led the way yet again for her team with powerful carries, dominant defence, and a high work rate to match. Zoe has put together a very impressive first half of the season and I have no doubt she will continue to improve.
With Shannon Symon
Colts 1
Bull Sharks lost 26-20
Where it was lost:
UQ made better use of their opportunities. We fell asleep briefly and allowed them to score a couple of soft tries. Our individual tackling let us down also and allowed them go-forward ball. A bit of poor discipline was also costly, including a yellow card.
Highlight:
We fought back well in the last minute to chase a losing bonus point with a 4th try. So we walked away with 2 bonus points which was pleasing and keeps us in the hunt.
What made you happy:
Lineouts we pretty good for the most part. We started the game really well and played some great rugby to get a couple of early tries. Ollie James showed great pace in one of the tries, and Hunter Robinson finished well as he usually does.
Bull Sharks Footy:
The start of the game and lead up to our first try was excellent. If we can sustain that type of play throughout the game, we will break apart any team.
The work to do:
The scum has been disappointing after starting the season so well. It’s doesn’t help that Harry Bell has been out and we look forward to getting him back at some point to strengthen the front row.
Trademark Player:
Sam Howarth at scrum half was our captain. He front ups every week, tackles his heart out and plays to a high standard.
With Rico Gear