The Bull Sharks are within striking distance of another Rugby 7s State Championship clean sweep with Bond’s men and women both victorious at the Brisvegas Elite on the weekend.
The Bull Sharks women defeated rivals Wests 22-5 in the Brisvegas grand final to secure their place at the top the standings in the three-event Caslick Cup while the men beat Fijian side Saunaka 12-7 in tight decider.
After being down to nine players the week before, Lawrence Faifua’s women’s side came to play.
Faifua said the return of veteran Emily Bass was significant.
“Emily has been here the longest, she’s played at such a high level and is a huge boost for our side,” he said.
“In saying that, their play was still as good as last week but a fit side makes all the difference.”
In what was effectively a do-or-die tournament, losing wasn’t an option.
Captain Georgia Grey – who also plays for the Gold Coast Titans in the NRLW - said despite the high stakes the girl’s composure in big moments is what made the weekend so successful.
“It can get so nerve-racking having finals every weekend it even when you compare it to the NRLW competition,” she said.
“We play the best when we have fun but composure in big spots, good coaching, it all goes into it.”
The Bull Sharks are eyeing off a third straight Caslick Cup but must win at Ballymore next weekend to secure the prize.
“Coming from Sydney to the Gold Coast, winning three cups with these girls would be amazing,” she said.
“I wouldn’t have wanted it to be for anyone else.”
While the women look to maintain their 7s dominance, Bond’s men claimed back-to-back tournament victories with a hard fought grand final win.
Captain Nathan Beil says it is always tough coming up against experienced opponents like the Fijians.
“They have sevens in their DNA,” he said.
“We really had to match up against them physically and let them know early we weren’t there to be pushed around.”
In an ironic twist Bond’s lineup was bolstered by none other than former Fiji 7s captain and Tokyo gold medallist Kali Nasoko, who’s experience, communication and natural feel for the game helped propel the Bull Sharks to first place.
Looking ahead to Ballymore and the mission is simple - claim back to State titles and cement their place as the best in Queensland. If they succeed, they’ll be the first men’s team ever to win the Gold Coast Sevens, Brisvegas Elite, and State Championships in the same season.