Bond University made it two from two over the University of Queensland in 2023 with a nail-biting 33-29 win to retain the Brailsford-Brown Cup in front of a vocal Ladies’ Day crowd at The Canal on Saturday.
How it unfolded
Wearing Donate Life pink jerseys, the Bull Sharks came out with clear intent, and it was captain Lachlan Connors who opened the account after three minutes, propelling his way over from close range.
UQ had all the field position for the next 20 minutes before some brilliant counterattack from Bond’s outside backs went wide inside their own half and found speedster Rhian Stowers who scored, making it 12-0.
The Red Heavies responded and caught Bond napping with a quick tap 5m out, bridging the gap to just seven points before towering lock Josh Canham powered his way through to reach out and score, extending the lead to 19-5 at halftime.
The visitors had the perfect start in the second half scoring after just 30 seconds when Queensland Red Jock Campbell cut through the Bond defence to link up winger Lachlan Sperling who score the try.
When UQ scored again it was game on at 19-19 with 29 minutes to play.
Bond found their groove through their forwards when replacement hooker Jack Winchester got a crucial try off the rolling maul.
Halfback Liam Dillon made a successful return from injury and made his presence felt, gliding straight through off the lineout and finding prop Rhys Sheriff in full flight who delivered an unbelievable flick pass to Rusiate Nasove who scored, bringing the crowd to their feet.
UQ gave Bond a late scare, scoring two tries to close the gap but the Bull Sharks held on to make it six wins in a row and maintaining top spot on the ladder.
The Brailsford Brown Cup is contested every time the two universities meet.
What they said
The university rivalry has been a huge encounter in recent years and UQ pushed Bond all the way with captain Lachlan Connors acknowledging there is plenty to improve upon.
“We didn’t have the energy we wanted early and they really made us work in the second half, tearing us apart with their counterattack, but there were plenty of positives in the way we stayed in the fight,” he said.
Bond were in control 19-5 at the break but let UQ back into the contest making a real game of it in the closing stages.
“They capitalised on our mistakes with our kicking game to score a few tries which we tightened up and increased our line speed in our kick chases and we were good enough to close out the game which was really pleasing,” Connors said.
“We always lift when we play Uni which always delivers a physical game, so it's been great to have the success this year over them,” said Connors.
Around the grades
The good results continued with the Premier women getting a crucial 21-10 win to cement second spot on the ladder.
Caity Costello was immense in the centres, along with Dominika Baleinagasau scoring the match-winning try off the bench.
Veteran flyhalf Justin Beinstein kicked the winning penalty goal for second grade to win by one point 25-24 and the final match of the day delivered on all fronts with colts one recording a huge 22-19 victory with Vereniki Naureure scoring two tries in the win.
Full results
Colts two: L 34-5
Third grade: L 31-17
Second grade: W 25-24
Colts one: W 22-19
Premier women: W 22-10
First grade: W 33-29