Bond University staged a stunning comeback to defeat rugby arch-rival the University of Queensland by one point at St Lucia, breaking a five-year drought and reclaiming the Brailsford-Brown Varsity Cup.
How it unfolded
The early exchanges were all about territory and physicality but it was the home side who would strike first, taking the lead after 11 minutes.
The Bull Sharks responded in the 26th minute when Fijian powerhouse Kitione Taliga cut open the defence, only to be taken down just a metre from the line. Tyler Campbell was there in support, picking up the loose ball crossing for the try.
Campbell was again involved right before halftime, showing his rugby smarts by taking a quick tap and catching the Red Heavies on the back foot. He then delivered a unbelievable flick pass to Lachie Mcinnes who ran the final 25m to score, sending Bond to the break with a 12-7 lead.
Bond would take a early penalty goal in the second half to lead 15-7 before UQ showed why they have been a powerhouse of the competition for so long, scoring two tries in 10 minutes. That left UQ with a 21-15 lead with 25 minutes on the clock.
With time ticking away, Bond had an attacking lineout 10m out. New recruit Moli Sooaemalelagi broke away off the rolling maul down the short side to score the try, making it one point the difference.
Sharpshooter Hamish Roberts had the conversion from the sideline to take the lead and the competition’s leading point scorer slotted it over, silencing the home ground to lead 22-21 with ten minutes left.
Through some strong defence and a missed penalty attempt from UQ, Bond held for a huge win.
The Brailsford-Brown Varsity Cup, contested every time the two clubs face off, is named after Bond University Vice Chancellor and President Tim Brailsford and former Wallaby and UQ legend Bruce Brown.
What they said
Winger Rhian Stowers again performed strongly but gave a staunch assessment of the match.
“It was probably one of the most frustrating games I’ve ever played in. We didn’t really execute our game plan well but the boys just stuck in there and showed huge effort to get the win,” he said.
One of the keys this season has been the Bull Sharks’ resilience in the challenging moments and once again they showed their never-give-up attitude.
“We knew we had the wind in that second half so we wanted to play at the right end of the field and let the forwards execute and eventually we were able to do that and get the match-winning try.”
Stowers has scored six tries in six games after returning to Bond following a year in rugby league and is cherishing every moment.
“It's unreal playing footy with some of my best mates - there’s no better feeling and you can see it on the field,” he said.
What’s next
The win moves the Bull Sharks into second place on the ladder, just two points behind Brothers.
After two weeks on the road they head home to The Canal to take on the GPS Gallopers.
Meanwhile, after a three-point victory for the Premier Women over UQ, cementing their place in second, the defending premiers meet fourth-placed GPS.
Full results
Colts two: L 22-7
Third grade: L 29-14
Colts one: L 22-17
Second grade: 42-26
First grade: W 22-21
Premier women: W 17-14