by Jordan Hughes
In a fitting finale to Queensland Premier Rugby’s Indigenous Round, Bull Sharks winger and Bundjalung man Max Dowd clinched the match for Bond in the final minutes at The Canal on Saturday.
In a stunning defensive play, Dowd stripped the ball from a Souths attacker just metres from the try line to seal the 29-24 win over the Magpies.
The Bull Sharks dominated the first half with the home side scoring three tries.
Abele Atunaisa continued his run of form after a man-of-the-match performance against Norths last week, finishing off a try in the corner.
Backrow duo Connor Pritchard and Nixon Taramai also crossed in the first half thanks to some brilliant counterattack play from fullback Joey Fittock.
Bond went into halftime leading 24-7, but the Magpies started strong scoring two quick tries before Dowd extended Bond’s lead.
Souths scored again, closing the gap to five points, but Bond’s defensive strength enabled Dowd to force the error from the Magpies, ending the game and securing the win for Bond.
Round 7 will be a varsity clash as the Bull Sharks take on top of the table University of Queensland at St Lucia next weekend.
In the Premier Women’s match, front rowers Tamika Smith and Shelley Fox featured strongly in the team’s 15-5 win over Souths. Jemma Bemrose and Caitlyn Costello both scored tries, while Zara Colless kicked two goals.
ROUND 6 RESULTS
First Grade
Bond Bull Sharks 29 d Souths Magpies 24
Second Grade
Bond Bull Sharks 27 d Souths Magpies 21
Premier Women
Bond Bull Sharks 15 d Souths Magpies 5
Colts One
Souths Magpies 12 d Bond Bull Sharks 3
Colts Two
Bond Bull Sharks 35 d Souths Magpies 19
Third Grade
Souths Magpies 33 d Bond Bull Sharks 12