After a tough start to the season, despite the challenge of having several players missing due to representative commitments, the Breakers were determined to break their losing streak at home in front of their loyal fans.
Breakers star centre Tareta- Junior Siakisini was missing due to his rep commitments for the Combined Country team. Rory Arnold was released from his duties as a shadow player for the Country squad and flew back in the morning from Newcastle to play against GPS.
In the first half the Breakers didn’t get off on their usual strong start and in the eighth minute GPS put first points on the board with a penalty. GPS took advantage of some loose defence and scored a converted try in the right corner.
GPS had all the momentum and were able to capitalise on the disorganised Breakers forward pack to push through the middle and score their second converted try. This was followed up by a successful 45 metre penalty kick in the 21st minute. GPS kept coming in waves and a well-constructed backline movement led to an unconverted try in the corner to lead 25-0.
With GPS player in the sin bin due to a deliberate knock on, the Breakers took advantage with lock Rory Arnold crossing over for a try right on half time. Luke Evans successfully converted and GPS went into the half time break with a 25-7 lead.
The Breakers came out firing in the second half and despite the rain, played powerful running rugby, led to Martin Collins scoring a converted try in the opening minutes. The Breakers seemed to be on a roll, but an unfortunate charge down from a clearing kick led to a try by GPS, which was converted.
In the 15th minute of the second half, Luke Evans scored a runaway intercept try under the post, converting his own try to narrow the score line 32-21 to GPS.
With some powerful defence and hard running, the Breakers confidence grew and with all the momentum their way, Martin Collins was able to score his second try, which was converted by Evans.
With 10 minutes to go and one try the difference, the supporters were up on their feet roaring and cheering, hoping for a well-earned win.Â
The Breakers threw everything at GPS and in the dying seconds of the game, Rory Arnold barged over the line to score the match winner over GPS, with Evans kicking the conversion made for a 35-32 win.
The elation and raw emotion on the faces of the exhausted players, coaching staff, and supporters at fulltime, showed how much this victory meant to the Club.
Bond University Breakers captain Luke Evans said they needed to grind the game out, especially when the rain came.
“The rain made handling more difficult and scoring points more difficult, but it probably turned the style of the game in our favour a little bit. At the 20 minute mark and onwards everyone was pretty much outstanding and that’s the way you have to be to knock over these top sides.’’Â
Breakers Head Coach Rob Nowlan said if they played to their potential they would have beaten many sides by now in this competition.
“This was a win that we really needed. We have been close this season; it is terrific that the boys were able to convert in front of a home crowd. The boys really dug deep and believed in their own ability.
“They are getting the hang of it now and I thought Cas Walding and Marty Collins were outstanding and Stacey Hosking, played his usual strong game,” he said.
The Breakers Premier Colts also celebrated a win at the weekend 31-0. While the first grade team played a tough match going down 49-8 to GPS.
The Breakers will travel to Brisbane this Saturday, June 15 for the second University Derby match against University of Queensland. They will then have a bye, before they are back at Bond University for the Heritage Round on Saturday June 29 against Sunnybank.