The Bond University first grade side has made the perfect start to their 2023 campaign defeating the Wests Bulldogs 32-17 in a comprehensive performance at Toowong.
How it unfolded:
Going into the match as clear underdogs didn’t worry the men from the Gold Coast with Rhian Stowers showing his speed down the left edge as he opened the scoring after just one minute of play.
The Bulldogs got their first try in the 30th minute but the Bull Sharks quickly struck back. Winger Hamish Roberts split the defence open before finding a barnstorming Levi Samuela on the outside who ran the final 15m to score and give Bond a 17-5 lead at the break.
A passionate half time speech from coach Grant Anderson continued the momentum with Bond scoring two tries in 7 minutes through Tyler Campbell and Kitione Taliga, which took the lead to 29-5.
Wests got two late tries to bridge the gap after Bond went down to 13 men, but it was all about the Bull Sharks showing their class in the 15-point win.
What they said:
Playmaker Tyler Campbell was overjoyed with the result and the effort put in by the squad.
“I’m just super-proud of this group, we had about 8-10 players unavailable for selection this week and that just shows the culture and depth we now have at this club,” he said.
“To front up here and put in a performance like that against the defending premiers is awesome. We wanted to just keep that scoreboard pressure on and play the territory game which I thought we executed well.”
The premier women continued their rich run of form with a 29-17 win featuring wingers Dianne Waight and Charlize Ratu on the scoresheet. Experienced Bull Shark Caity Costello, making her return to Bond colours in 2023, also played superbly at outside centre.
Up next:
The Bull Sharks will play their first home game of the season on Saturday against the East Tigers.
Full Results:
First grade: W 32-17
Premier Women: W 29-17
Colts one: W 21-15
Second grade: D 19-19
Third grade: L 29-22
Colts two: L 44-20
