By Jordan Hughes
Bond University delivered a knockout blow to the Souths Magpies winning 47-23 in a try-fest at Chipsy Wood oval, keeping their finals hopes alive.
It was an attacking masterclass from Bond University who played an expansive style from start to finish scoring seven tries to the home side’s four.
WHAT IT MEANS
With the East Tigers going down by one point to University of Queensland and with the Bull Sharks getting a bonus point win, Bond have been propelled into fifth position on the ladder with only for and against points separating them from the fourth placed GPS Gallopers.
HOW IT UNFOLDED
Led out by Jake Upfield celebrating his 100th game for the club, Bond led after 10 minutes with Tuidraki Samusamuvodre going over untouched after a cut pass from Tyler Campbell.
Souths quickly responded, but Hayden Sargant split open the defence finding Tyler Campbell on the inside who linked up with Spencer Jeans for a brilliant counter-attack try. George Blake crossed over on the stroke of halftime after a well worked rolling maul stretching the score to 21-8.
The Bull Sharks opened the second half with two quick tries, but a number of errors from Bond put Souths back in the match, crossing three times.
Hamish Roberts answered back for the Bull Sharks, scoring a sensational try in the right corner. Roberts was strong with the boot, kicking five from six shots off the tee for a personal tally of 15 points for the day.
Bond University closed out the match with a penalty try on full time taking the winning margin to 24 points.
WHAT THEY SAID
Hayden Sargeant, who started at fullback for the first time this season, made some big contributions especially when he stepped up as a second playmaking option with Tyler Campbell.
“It was a strong performance, we wanted real accuracy around the A-zone this week so it was great to see some success in that part of the game,” said Sargeant
Sargeant knows his side will need to improve to knock over fierce rivals and defending premiers UQ in a week’s time.
“Our discipline and field territory can be improved. I think that is the only way we let Souths into the game. A few errors and poor penalties. That will be a good focus point leading into UQ,” he said.
It was a special day for the club with Nick Turner celebrating his 200th game for Bond and Jake Upfield reaching 100 caps.
AROUND THE GRADES
The Premier Women kept their hot form going, defeating the Magpies 19-12.
Australian Wallaroo Melanie Wilks showed her class in the midfield and Grace Baker continued her sensational try-scoring form, crossing over for another five pointer to make it five tries in two weeks for the lock.
Colts one put in a finals-like performance showing pure grit to come back from a 14-5 deficit to beat the Magpies 24-21 in a thriller.
Flyhalf Syris Schmidt lead his side around the park and scored a crucial try to regain the lead.
Powerhouse enforcer Carson Patu also crossed for a superb try brushing off six Souths defenders to get the ball over the line.
NEXT WEEK
The big games keep coming for the Bull Sharks as they take on university rivals UQ back at the Canal in the ‘Battle of the Nerds’.
Bond will be out for redemption after the 31-29 defeat to UQ back in round seven.
The Bond UQ game will also be the match of the round which will be broadcast on free to air television live on 9Gem.
FINAL RESULTS
First grade: W 47-23
Premier Women: W 19-12
Second grade: L 28-5
Third grade: L 50-5
Colts One: W 24-21
Colts Two: D 5-5