Bond ready for Clash of the Coast

Bond University Bull Sharks play crosstown rivals Gold Coast Titans in the inaugural ‘Clash of the Coast' on Saturday. 

Centre pass is at 4pm at Gold Coast Indoor Sports Centre in Carrara. 

Bond’s Ruby team lines up against the Titans at the same venue. Their game starts at 2.00pm.  

It’s a ticketed event (go to Ticketek for details). It will also be televised on KommunityTV.  

SAPPHIRE 

Who they’re playing 

The Gold Coast Titans enjoyed a first-round bye so arrive to this game without a form line.   

The Titans are being talked up as a serious contender this year, especially after recruiting 24-cap New Zealand Silver Ferns Goal Shooter Cathrine Tuivaiti (nee Latu). 

Where it could be won 

Bond were competitive for significant stretches of last week’s loss to Brisbane North Cougars and they should take confidence that they can go toe-to-toe with the best for extended periods.  

There’s absolutely no doubt the Bull Sharks defensive rotations worked well, and Kaylin van Greunen won plaudits for her efforts at the scoring end.  

If mid-court lessons are learned, and younger heads stay cool in front of what promises to be a raucous local crowd, the young Bull Sharks will be in it up to their gills.  

“It’s important that you learn from the really strong teams, and we know we were up against a number of players who are on the cusp of Firebirds selection last week, so we have to be realistic in our review processes,” Bond Sapphire coach Bec Stower said.  

“We also know we put together some really good passages of play at various times, and that our plans held up well.  

“Our defensive effort was first class, and we know we have options up forward. 

“We’re focusing on the many positives and we’re really looking forward to a big, loud game on the Gold Coast.” 

Ones to watch

For many, the focus will be on Dakota Newson’s first game for Bond against the club she left, but we suggest watching Bull Sharks GK Abi Houston do her thing.

She was brilliant against the Cougars last week and will need to step up again this week against a highly credentialed international star in Tuivaiti.

The super-competitive Houston will relish the opportunity.  

RUBY 

Who they’re playing  

The Titans fizzled in the finals last year after making the Ruby running for much of the 2022 season.

They started their campaign last week like a team with something to prove when they demolished Darling Downs Panthers. They’ll be revved up at home too.  

Where it could be won  

Bond’s Ruby team won quarters 1, 2 and 4 against the highly fancied Cougars last week but let themselves down badly in the third when they didn’t take advantage of hard-earned turnovers. Don’t expect it to happen twice. A consistent four-quarter effort will go a long way towards earning the team its first win. 

Ones to watch  

Tehya Hyssett was a standout in the defensive circle last week. She’ll need to be on song again if the Bull Sharks want to do some Titan toppling.

Olivia Mallard’s speed and agility at WA was impressive. So too Abby Boland’s poise, particularly in the GS bib. 

That all three get an opportunity to play against the franchise they once represented at State Championship level adds a little spice.  

Venue and game times 

Gold Coast Indoor Sports Centre 

Ruby 

Gold Coast Titans v Bond University Bull Sharks, 2pm 

Sapphire 

Gold Coast Titans v Bond University Bull Sharks, 4pm