The last time Bond’s Premier Colts lost a game was on a Tuesday night up at St Lucia, going down 19-12 to UQ, just 3 days after their previous match. The following week, stung by that defeat, they roared back to form, beating Brothers 26-14 in one of their best displays of the season.
They lost to Sunnybank in last Sunday’s Major Semi-final 19-12 in perhaps their worst game of the season. But they were over the line twice and had tries disallowed. To play so badly and only lose by 7 points must give them heart for the Preliminary Final against Brothers.
They have beaten Brothers in both rounds during the season and, while Bond lost only 2 games all season, Brothers lost 6. Last weekend we were missing star players, Harry Nucifora and Dylan Riley, who expect to be fit this week. A number of our players were playing at Ballymore for the first time and were, understandably, nervous. So, what do they have to do to win?
Callum Ball: “Just play our normal way – it’s just another game.”
Hamish Stewart: “Be disciplined and accurate. Compete more aggressively at the breakdown and, in the backs, stand flatter and make sure we get over the advantage line.”
Hayden Sargeant: “Stay composed and play to our structure. We’ve proved we can beat Brothers – let’s do it again.”
Psychologically, the Bond boys have the advantage, after winning both clashes this season. Especially the Toowoomba match, where we conceded them a 27-5 start and overhauled them 28-27.
Brad Harris: “This is one of the most skilful and close-knit teams I’ve coached. We haven’t come this far to miss the Grand Final. Just do the business and we can have another crack at Sunnybank and the premiership.”
Colts 1 play UQ in the Preliminary Final on Saturday. After 2 heavy losses to Brothers they’ve had the wind taken out of their sails a bit. But we must remember that this Brothers team has lost only once all season. UQ have lost 4 games, including a 45-17 loss to Bond in Round 3.
With the clever Michael Marshall back after injury at flyhalf we can expect a big improvement on last week. Nicholas Sanguinetti’s bound to have a blinder because his Dad has flown in from Argentina to watch the game.
A final point – both UQ and Brothers will have heaps of supporters at Ballymore. We’re the new kid on the block, so we need as many Bond supporters in the stands as possible. And cheer your lungs out – the boys need you!
Preliminary finals - Ballymore
Saturday 11.55am Colts 1 v UQ
Sunday 1.20pm Premier Colts v Brothers