Round 18 clash cut short following nasty injury

By Grace Knight  

The Bull Sharks seniors and reserves took on Carrara on Saturday in their final match before the QFA Division Two South finals begin this weekend.  

In wet and wild conditions, the senior men’s game was abandoned after a Carrara player suffered a ‘clean leg break’ following a heavy collision in the early stages of the opening quarter.  

The player snapped both his tibia and fibula, and because the injury happened before half time, the points were split between the two clubs. 

“Due the ambulance arriving more than 30 minutes later, the game was called off, as per the QAFL rule book and the game was concluded as a draw,” explained senior coach John Chenhall.

In a nail-biting finish, the Bull Sharks reserves suffered a tough loss earlier in the day with the difference a mere three points, 46-43. 

HOW IT UNFOLDED  

The Bull Sharks reserves played an excellent game of football against their cross-city rivals, in what is always a tough feat on Carrara’s home turf.  

The first half of the game saw the Bull Sharks trailing by four goals and it looked as though their hopes were fading.  

However, as the rain picked up so did Bond’s spirits as the University players strongly fought their way back into the match.  

The Bull Sharks ferocious attack saw them come from four goals down to within three points of Carrara, a testament to their character and determination.  

In the dying stages of the final quarter, the Bull Sharks had opportunities to take the win, however, some unfortunate mistakes ultimately cost them the game.  

WHO’S HOT 

Full forward Nick Walker worked enthusiastically around the ball and was a key player in turning the game around.  

Half forward Hamish Hoober proved a tough player, taking some strong tackles, and half back Brad Paech was another standout player, with his effort in the backline halting Carrara’s colossal lead.  

WHAT IT MEANS 

The seniors’ draw did not have an impact on Bond’s position on the ladder, they finished the regular season in third place.  

They will next head to the border to battle second placed Coolangatta in the first week of finals, while minor premiers Carrara have the week off. 

The Bull Sharks reserves will take on Carrara again, where they will be desperate for redemption following Saturday’s tight loss.  

The winner of that match will go up against ladder leaders the Burleigh Bombers in a play-off decider to gain direct admission to the grand final.  

WHAT THEY SAID 

Head Coach Adam Pearson is pleased with how the reserves are performing as they head into finals.  

“The boys have shown a lot of determination over the past few weeks and we’re not too far away from beating teams like Carrara,” he said.  

“Obviously, it hurts losing that game by such a small margin, but it’s fuelling our fire and we’re still very upbeat heading into finals.” 

Pearson holds faith in his players’ abilities after a season of challenging work, which should serve them well.  

“We know our team bond is strong and we have a really good belief that we can win games like that, so we’re pretty confident,” he said.  

“We’ve really developed a bit of a hard edge to our game over the last few weeks that will serve us going into finals.” 

RESULTS  

QFA Division 2 South Seniors  

Men's seniors: 

Bond Bull Sharks v Carrara Saints - Match abandoned due to injury  

Men's reserves: 

Bond Bull Sharks 6.7.46 Carrara Saints 6.10.46