They did their homework, studied hard and now they’ve aced their first exam.
Bond Bull Sharks' student-only Elite Premier League Open netball team kicked off their debut EPL campaign with a comprehensive win over Northern Gold Coast at Runaway Bay Indoor Sports Centre last Friday.
The Bull Sharks leapt out of the blocks early with a dominant 16-5 opening quarter and never let up, eventually running out comfortable 65-22 winners.
Co-coach (and Masters of Occupational Therapy student) Jessica Eyres was delighted with the team’s first competitive hit-out.
“The energy and spirit everyone has brought to our pre-season training sessions was there for all to see during the game,” she said.
“Everyone was getting around each other and enjoying themselves. We’re a close group courtesy of club netball and a few UniSport campaigns, and I think that familiarity really helps us.”
Midcourter and co-captain Asha Lowe, a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science student, was outstanding.
“Asha is a natural leader and she was so consistent across the full game,” Eyres said.
“She gives 110 percent which is no mean feat when you’re wearing the centre bib for pretty much the whole time. I reckon she’ll be a pretty dominant player for us this year.”
Circle defender and doctor-to-be Mignon du Plessis, and law and actuarial science student, Cameron Dalton, also performed strongly.
"Mini (Mignon) is so tenacious down back,” Eyres said.
“She’s always hunting ball and giving absolutely everything. And Cami (Dalton) is such an amazing athlete. Her physicality and hustle at WD forces a lot of turnovers and she’s absolutely fearless.”
The Bull Sharks will now look to carry their winning form into their second-round clash against Southport-Carrara.
“Southport will be one of the better sides, so we’ll have to take it up a gear on Friday night,” Eyres said.
“We identified some things to improve on and worked through them on Monday night at practice, so hopefully we’ll be ready to go.”
Meanwhile, Bond’s Development Pathways 17U EPL side kicked off their campaign with a 66-40 victory.
Exciting All Saints Anglican College defender Maya Bell, speedy St Hilda’s School attacker Sophie Cox and Kings Christian College sharp-shooter Zoe Peters were standouts in an otherwise even team effort.
The Development Pathways side will line up against Northern Gold Coast on Friday night.