The Bull Sharks have underlined their premiership credentials and claimed Gold Coast bragging rights, winning a 70–67 Sapphire Series classic against the ladder leading Titans.
The Bull Sharks showed poise and precision in the dying minutes to claim one of their best wins of the season.
The result capped a strong weekend across all three squads, with the M-League team bouncing back from two losses to defeat Redlands 60–46, while the Ruby Series side fell just short in a spirited comeback, going down 56–53 in a heartbreaker to the Titans.
In the top-grade win, composure was key. A strong start laid the platform, and when the game was on the line, the Bull Sharks kept cool heads and executed their super shot strategy with confidence and discipline.
Bull Sharks v Gold Coast Titans at Nissan Arena
Sapphire Series
Bull Sharks won 70 – 67
How it was won
It was a tight tussle for the full 60 minutes, but we held our nerve when it mattered most. In the final five minutes, we were calm, composed, and smart - managing the clock well and executing our super shot strategy with precision.
What made you happy
Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve worked hard on refining our game day preparation and warm-up to ensure stronger starts. It has paid off. For the first time this season, we didn’t drop the opening five minutes. The game stayed goal-for-goal early, which set a strong platform.
Bull Sharks Netball
It was refreshing to play without the noise and hype of a home crowd on the Gold Coast. It allowed us to stay focused and execute our game plan. I was really pleased with the composure and discipline we showed in managing key moments throughout the match.
The work to do
Our next step is to improve how we respond to errors. At the moment, one mistake often leads to two or three more in quick succession. We’ll focus on regrouping immediately to halt those momentum swings - especially during super shot time, when the game can shift quickly.
Trademark players
The connections between our units are something we’ve been building all season, and on Sunday, it clicked. Everyone did their job, supported one another, and trusted the process. It was a true team performance, and the result reflects that.
With Rebecca Stower
Ruby Series
Bull Sharks lost 56 - 53
How it was lost
This one was tough to take. It was a heartbreaking loss, especially considering how well the team performed in three of the four quarters. Unfortunately, a slow start in the first quarter saw us fall behind 19–9. The girls showed incredible resilience to claw their way back to lead by 2 goals heading into the final quarter. Despite their efforts, we just couldn’t hold off the Titans in the closing minutes.
What made you happy
At one point, we were down by 12 goals, so to fight back and win both the second and third quarters and to lead by 2 heading into the last, was a testament to the team’s belief and determination. The girls fought hard for each other and showed what we're capable of when we stick to our game plan.
Bull Sharks Netball
Playing the Titans is always intense. There’s a lot of emotion and physicality in the Gold Coast rivalry. I’m extremely proud of how the team stayed composed and committed to our brand of netball -clean, respectful, and competitive.
The work to do
Closing out games continues to be a challenge. This is now our third straight game where the result slipped away in the final minutes. That will remain a key focus area for us moving forward.
Trademark Players
Ocean Karekare was a standout in WD. Her one-on-one pressure was relentless, disrupting the Titans flow and making it difficult for them to find the circle edge. She also transitioned beautifully into attack, playing a key role in linking the defensive and attacking ends of the court.
Sienna Hyssett was solid in defence, applying great pressure and showing great composure throughout the game. Abby Boland was also impressive under the post, delivering a clinical performance with 38/40 goals.
With Kim Boland
M-League
Bull Sharks v Redlands
Bull Sharks won 60 - 46
How it was won
The team was rocked with a season ending injury to mid court player Zac Hocking and team captain Glenn Ormesher was again unavailable due to illness. Despite these challenges the team executed the game plan and finished strongly for a satisfying victory over an enthusiastic and athletic Eagles team.
What made you happy
Young Queensland Suns netballers Brock Adaway and Balian Clarke capitalised on their Queensland connections to ensure our centre pass attack structures and work in the shooting circle was on point. Luke Hillman also returned to the mid court and combined well with dynamic GA Jack Jordan.
Bull Sharks Netball
It was a must win game off the back of two losses and the entire team made contributions to our success.
The work to do
Training this week will again focus on our centre pass attack as well as our through court attack which showed a lot of promise and development this week. Hard work and dedication is the key to our ongoing success.
Trademark Players
This week we were again fortunate to have the services of former Australian U23 player Ezra Tiatia whose explosiveness in the defensive circle made it difficult for the Eagles shooters to settle. A couple of his intercepts where worthy of the Bond AFL program.
With Gavin Clarke