Against all odds the BrisVegas 7s tournament went ahead on the weekend at Wests Rugby Club.
Due to incessant rain, social divisions of the tournament were cancelled so that the fields could be in something resembling good order for the Men’s Elite Divisions and the Women’s Caslick Cup opening round.
The Bull Sharks men struggled to get going in the slop against Brothers in their opener, but they soon clicked into gear with good wins over Velyasana and Norths to earn a quarter-final against one of the tournament favourites Nadroga.
Bond General Manager of Rugby, Sean Hedger, said it turned out to be the best match of the tournament.
“It was an extraordinary game,” he said.
“Scores were level at full time and it took two periods of golden-point extra time to separate two desperate sides.
“In the end Bond snuck over the line.
“It was an outstanding game of football.”
There was a sting in the tail, though.
A long quarter-final meant a short turnaround for the semi and the lads couldn’t back up against Wests.
“That's sevens, isn't it?” Hedger said.
“A terrific tournament by the lads, though, especially in such challenging conditions.
“Ed Lyons, Regan Ogle, and Kaia Gate were fantastic for us.”
In the Caslick Cup our women had a great first day with wins over Brothers, Norths and Easts to top their pool and lock in a semi on Sunday morning.
They booked a finals berth with a tight win over GPS 22-12.
Brothers knocked off the other pool leader UQ in the other semi-final which meant the Bull Sharks and Brothers would lock horns in the decider.
In another tight tussle, Brothers prevailed 12-5.
For Bond, Gase Tupuola-Palale, Piper Flynn and Evie Sampson had extremely strong tournaments.
Hedger was impressed by the club's performance.
“When all was said and done, it was a third place for our men and a second for our women in character-building conditions.
“Not a bad, muddy weekend for the Bull Sharks.”
It's been an exciting start to 7s season - especially for the men - whose third place on the weekend followed back-to-back tournament wins at the Fiji Day 7s and the Byron Bay 7s.
Hedger says he's loved what he's seen so far.
“There's been some terrific rugby played by all our teams, but credit where it’s due to the men for getting it done twice,” he says.
“The enthusiasm across the board to get into the 7s program has been pretty impressive.”
In other rugby news out of The Canal, Bull Sharks Women's Premier stars Grace Baker, Kaelyn Passi, Paris Mohr and Zoe Hanna have joined former Bond premiership-winning coach Lawrence Faifua at the Nagato Blue Angels in the Japanese XVs competition.
“It's an incredible opportunity for our players to be able to share that kind of international rugby experience together,” Hedger said.
“Incredible for Zoe Hanna especially who gets to celebrate her recent graduation with a Bond Doctor of Physiotherapy degree playing the game she loves in Japan.
“Hopefully she'll only be needed for her rugby!”
And in news just through, young guns Indya McWilliam and Gase Tupuola-Palale have been selected in the Australian U21 squad that will travel over the Tasman to play against New Zealand U21s this weekend.