Bull Sharks create history at ECP Gold Coast 7s

The Bond University men have taken out the ECP Gold Coast 7s for the third consecutive year defeating the Souths Magpies 21-5 in Sunday’s grand final at The Canal.

The Bull Sharks were the dominant team all weekend as they stormed through the tournament undefeated. 

Meanwhile the women finished in third in the first leg of the Caslick Cup defeating Wests 27-0 in the bronze medal match and showing positive signs for the youthful squad.

How it played out

It was a successful outing on day one with both Bond premier teams delivering clean sweeps.

The men were particularly impressive as they conceded just two tries across the three games with flyers Sami Vereniki and Rocco Gollings leading the way setting the crowd alight with their freakish skills. 

The women matched the intensity with three clinical wins with youngsters Amahli Hala, Miya Faifua and Skyla Adams playing well above their years and dismantling the opposition defences. 

Day two saw both men’s and women's teams booking their semi-final place with the Bull Shark dispatching fellow university rivals UQ 26-5. Experienced Bondie Jayden Ngamanu and former Fijian International and Olympic gold medallist Kitione Taliga both scored crucial tries. 

The hopes of two Bond sides advancing through to the grand final were dashed when the women suffered their first loss of the tournament at the hands of the Easts Tigers, 17-7 in their semi-final.

The men’s final saw Bond University battle the Magpies with the Bull Sharks prevailing on home soil 21-5. Rhian Stowers brought the crowd to their feet with his electric attacking flare, demonstrating once again that he is one of the top 7s talents in the country. 

Young colts Rocco Gollings and Ieuan Cornelius also looked at home in the senior squad with their expectational skillset and lighting speed. 

What they said

After an inconsistent start in the lead-up tournaments, Bull Sharks captain Fredy Dorrough was stoked with his side’s complete performance this weekend. 

“It was really pleasing. We were confident and pretty dominant across the weekend, so it was nice to finish it off at the end as we have been working hard these last few weeks,” he said.

“The conditions were really tough and hot, but we dug deep and stayed injury-free and were able to execute our plan.” 

New 7s head coach Rico Gear has continued the winning culture that exists within the 7s program.

“When you build that winning culture it's hard to stop and coming into this season we are expecting to win. When you have that attitude you accept nothing less,” he said.

What’s next

The action continues next week as the Bull Sharks head to Brisbane for the annual Brisvegas 7s at Wests Rugby Club where the men will be looking to build on the momentum shown on the Gold Coast.

The women will need a big performance to keep them in the race for the Caslick Cup and will be eager to bounce back at the Brisvegas 7s which they won in 2022.