Bond clinches Bunter Bowl in a thriller

Bond University have gone back-to-back in beating 2021 grand finalists GPS 23-14 in the club’s first outing at The Canal this season.  

The Bull Sharks started slowly, conceding an early try before powerful front rower Helaman Samuela crashed over after a breakout run from flyhalf Hayden Sargeant.

Both sides pride themselves on their set piece with the battle of the scrum playing a big part in the match in which Bond stood up, with recruit Rhys Sheriff showing all his experience.

On the stroke of halftime, Sargeant kicked a 30m penalty goal to take Bond into halftime leading 10-7.

During the week, coach Grant Anderson stressed the importance of staying in the fight and ‘lasting the 12 rounds’.

The home side delivered on the message in matching the Gallopers’ physicality across the park with some strong defence from number 8 Nixon Taramai.

At halftime, scrumhalf Liam Dillon spoke about the key areas to improve for the second half.

“I think we were playing with the ball too much in our own half. If we can play at the right end of the field and then play off the back of that we should give ourselves the best opportunity for points,’’ he said.

Bond continued the pressure after the break with Sargeant kicking two further penalties early in the second half.

After conceding a late try to GPS, Bond finished with a flourish.

A perfectly weighted kick by Spencer Jeans found Joey Fittock in space where the classy winger was able to gather possession and storm over in the corner to seal a strong victory in front of a vocal home crowd.

The Bunter Bowl is contested each time the holder plays at home with each club given the opportunity to contest for the cup once in a season.

The Bull Sharks will take on the West Bulldogs next week at Toowong before playing Souths Magpies at home on May 28.

Final scores:

First grade:  W 23-14

Premier Women’s:  L 32-19

Second Grade:  L 26-22

Third Grade:  W 17-15

Colts One:  W  22-10

Colts Two:  W 17-5