The Bull Sharks are set to open a new innings with the formation of the Bond University Cricket Club – after a 20-year hiatus.
What started as a pipe dream for a group of medical students transformed into a cricketing force to be reckoned when they decided to pad up and take a swing at forming a club.
Their initial foray into social cricket quickly evolved into a great first competitive hit out at UniSport Games in July, where Hugo Malone caught the selector’s eyes and made the Australian University team.
The off field driving force has been club president Harry Worthley, a second-year medical student.
It was Worthley’s persistence and passion that led to the club securing a home ground in Palm Beach and entry into the Gold Coast Division 4 competition.
"It was a bit of a weird way that it all came about," Harry said.
"We had played cricket together before in a social competition on the Gold Coast, which was really relaxed and low key.
“So, a lot of our guys were really keen to play and compete more.
“We entered UniSport Games and it went really well.
“I'm pretty good at annoying people, so I started sending off emails to the Gold Coast Cricket’s head office and they were keen to get Bond back into the competition.
“It had been 20 or 30 years since the university had a team in the competition.”
The club has hit a six with their new home ground in Palm Beach, complemented by training facilities at Bond University, ensuring they can build on their skills together for the upcoming season.
"I was really happy to do the leg work," Harry said.
"And we now have a fourth grade team and have secured a ground in Palm Beach to rent for game days.
“With the cricket nets at Bond we are able to train here and then compete in Palm Beach which is great."
Despite the season set to begin on October 12th, Bond's Cricket Club is focusing even further into the future.
They're looking to build a lasting legacy at the university, creating a vibrant cricket community that extends beyond competitive play.
With open trainings and social events for those looking to have a bit of fun and time away from the books without the commitment of Saturday games, the club is taking the university by storm not even a year after its conception.
"If we can come out of this season playing some really good cricket, with everyone enjoying it and the commitment is really strong along with the camaraderie, that'll be a success in our books," Harry states.