Hot on the heels of their second, back-to-back, silver-medal finish to arch-rival UQ in Sydney, Bond University is looking to go one better this time, in the third round of the Women’s Aon Uni Sevens Series this weekend.
Head Coach Ben Gollings is anticipating another bloody battle for gold between the two top seeds this weekend (16 & 17 September) at the University of Queensland in St Lucia, Brisbane.
“Heading into round two, we asked the team for more consistent performances, and that’s exactly what we got,” Gollings said.
“The team performed really well in last weekend’s final, with UQ only snatching victory from us after the final siren had sounded.”
Bond had led 17-15 into the final minutes of the match, but a try scored by UQ after the siren saw them steal the gold medal from Bond’s grasp and finish ahead 22-17.
“This shows the incredible closeness of the competition this series and as we’ve also witnessed - due to the very nature of sevens - until the game is over, it’s anyone’s match,” Gollings said.
“None of the teams are used to playing tournaments two weekends in a row, which is bound to put everyone under the pump.
“This weekend presents a huge mental and physical challenge, backing up on last weekend, and it will be very interesting to see how all the players respond.”
Gollings has made a few minor changes to the starting line-up for Bond University for Round 3, not wishing to stray too far from from the team’s successful form to date.
“It’s been fantastic to see Jess Elliston and Trinity Mamoe play so consistently and it was great to have Millie Boyle back in the team last weekend,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Millie shine as Captain this weekend and also to have Emily Bass - who has recovered from glandular fever earlier this year – back in form, excited and raring to go.”
Bond University’s 12-woman squad for Round Three comprises:
Millie Boyle (Captain)
| Jess Elliston
|
Katie Heffernan
| Claire Boles
|
Portia Bourke
| Bailey Marshall
|
Stacey Flood
| Brooke Walker
|
Charlotte Caslick
| Trinity Mamoe
|
Emily Bass | Steph Rutherford/Sophie Holyman (TBC) |
Bond University will take on Griffith, University of New England and the University of Canberra in the pool games in Brisbane this weekend.
Matches kick off at 9.20am (AEST) on Saturday 16 September with every match to be streamed LIVE through www.rugby.com.au and free entry at the ground.
2017 Aon Women’s University Sevens Series Draw
Round 3, Saturday 16 September-Sunday 17 September, University of Queensland Fields, Brisbane
Round 4, Friday 29 September-Saturday 30 September, Bond University Rugby Field, Gold Coast