The Bond Bull Sharks rugby club had the perfect start to the 2022 season with all six teams defeating the Sunnybank Dragons in the club’s first clean sweep since 2020.
The First Grade match-up began with both sides keeping the play in the forwards before space opened up for Lachie McInnes.
The crafty halfback got Bond on the scoreboard early with a darting run from the base of the scrum.
Heading into half time it was anyone’s game with the Bull Sharks holding a 12-0 lead.
Pre-match, Captain Dan Boardman spoke about matching Sunnybank’s physicality in the early exchanges.
“If we can weather the storm to start the match then we are confident to let our fitness do the talking for the back end of the game,” Boardman said.
As the second half got underway the Bull Sharks’ elusive backs were on show with winger Maxwell Dowd crossing for a double and prop Rhys Sheriff also crossing for a try on his debut for the club.
Standouts for the First Grade side were Sam Kelly-Knowles who started the match strongly before a shoulder injury forced the young flanker from the field.
The influence of Liam Dillon off the bench also made a big impact in closing out the match.
The Premier Women’s side started the season on the front foot with a commanding 32-10 win.
The women’s side toiled early with the dragons going into half time 10-10 but the leadership of Sophie Holyman and creative playmaker Skyla Adams lighting up her outside backs proved the difference for the Bull Sharks.
Bond will look to continue the momentum this week as they face the GPS Gallopers for Bull Sharks’ first home game of the season on May 7.
Final results against Sunnybank:
First Grade – 31-7
Premier Women’s – 32-10
Second Grade 51-0
Third Grade – 45-12
Colts One- 45-5
Colts Two- 52-0