Bond University Rugby club celebrated its 2022 season in style at the Star Casino on Friday night and the men’s Best and Fairest count was a thriller.
Number 8 Nixon Taramai and his backrow partner Connor Pritchard were tied on 214 points entering the final three rounds of the voting before Taramai pulled away to win his first Slipper Family Trophy as Bond’s Best and Fairest men’s player.
The other First Grade awards were claimed by Joey Fittock (Best Back) and Connor Pritchard (Best Forward).
With memories of their stirring grand final win over Easts still fresh and their premiership silverware proudly on display, Bond University’s Women’s Premier Rugby players had plenty to celebrate.
Winger Dianne Waight earned Best and Fairest honours after a stellar season that saw her score 16 tries for the Bull Sharks.
Following her excellent form in the finals, including a crucial two-try effort in the Grand Final, Melanie Wilks earned Back of the Year. Shelley Fox was awarded Forward of the Year.
Bond University Rugby will now turn its attention to the Rugby Sevens season.
Bond’s women will compete in the opening round of the Uni Women’s Sevens in Adelaide on October 8.
Bond University will once again host Queensland’s best men and women’s club sides at the ECP Gold Coast 7s on October 22 and 23.
Full list of Awards
Fabian Fay Club Person of the Year: Chris Patterson
Colts 2
Stoten Pathway to Premier Trophy: Zebediah Misios
Best Back: Tom Maher
Best Forward: Reegan Chalmers
Best and Fairest: Harry Ghusn
Colts 1
Best Back: Alex Miles
Best Forward: Zane Misios
Best and Fairest: Harrison Usher
Third Grade
Best Back: Rian Olivier
Best Forward: Liam Lord
Best and Fairest: Luke Mounic
Second Grade
Best Back: Hamish Roberts
Best Forward: Levi Samuela
Best and Fairest: Lachie Mcinnes
Premier Women
Best Back: Melanie Wilks
Best Forward: Shelley Fox
Best and Fairest: Dianne Waight
First grade
Best Back: Joey Fittock
Best Forward: Connor Pritchard
Best and Fairest: Nixon Taramai
2021 Sevens players of the year
Men: Sam Dalton
Women: Caitlyn Costello