Picture: Stephen Tremain
By Jordan Hughes
The Bull Sharks are ruing several chances to close out a thriller on Bond University’s Ladies’ Day. The top of the table Wests held on for a 20-15 win at The Canal.
Both sides scored three tries in the round 13 blockbuster, but the boot of Carter Gordon proved the difference with a lack of a dominant goalkicker crippling Bond’s chances.
HOW IT UNFOLDED
Bond had plenty of support from the strong Ladies’ Day crowd with players wearing the Donate Life pink jersey for the occasion.
The Bull Sharks got off to the perfect start when winger Joey Fittock crossed after nine minutes following some rapid-fire passing with fullback Jayden Ngamanu.
When flanker Devon Henson received a yellow card for a high shot, the Bulldogs quickly capitalised for their first try of the day.
Following a second try for Wests, it was on the stroke of halftime when Liam Dillon darted across the line bridging the gap to 12-10.
After halftime, the Bull Sharks regained the lead when hooker George Blake scored, but Wests responded in moments, taking the score to 17-15.
Bond couldn’t hold the two-point lead, failing to score off a penalty and unable to penetrate the Bulldogs’ gritty defence. Wests edged in front with eight minutes left and held on to claim a 20-15 win.
WHAT THEY SAID
Bond flanker Connor Pritchard spoke about his frustrations surrounding the number of errors costing his side.
“I think we played well in both attack and defence, just a few small mistakes in critical times during the game made us come off second best.
“I feel like we had a good start in the second half, scoring first. But we got held up twice over the line and ended up not scoring, that for me was the turning point,” said Pritchard.
WHAT IT MEANS
The loss keeps the Bull Sharks at sixth on the ladder with 33 points. A shock loss from Easts Tigers to Norths Eagles leaves Bond just two points outside fifth position.
The University of Queensland currently hold the prized fourth position on 38 points, just one win ahead of the Bull Sharks.
Bond will be back at The Canal next week as they take on the Norths Eagles.
OTHER GAME RESULTS
First Grade – L 20-15
Premier Women – 22 all Draw
Second grade – 22 all Draw
Third Grade – W 21-17
Colts One – L 17-15
Colts Two – W 40-5