The Bull Sharks Colts 1 side bounced back in style with a dominant 55–13 win over Norths at The Canal on Saturday.
Coach Rico Gear described it as their “most complete performance of the year.” From early in the warm-up, the focus and energy were clear — and it translated into sharp execution across the park. With four tries from the forwards and more classy finishes from the backs, the team showed the cohesion and skill they’d been building towards all season.
The Premier Men, meanwhile, fell just short in a frustrating 21–17 loss. While both sides crossed for three tries, Norths edged ahead through their goal-kicking and physicality. There were strong patches — particularly at scrum time and through Hamish Roberts, who scored twice on return — but unforced errors and defensive lapses in the contact zone proved costly.
Bull Sharks v Norths
Colts 1
Bull Sharks won 55-13
How it was won
Collectively across the board we were good. This was our most complete performance of the year. We scored four tries up front, and then we got some great tries from our backs too due to good cohesions. The skill level was on point, the catch-pass, running onto the ball was all very good.
What made you happy
Everyone’s focus as they arrived at the ground and the way they prepared was the best I have seen from this group. And that mindset translated into an exceptional start which allowed us to build momentum from the early stages of the game.
The focus
It was our attitude. I think because we had enjoyed a pretty good run in the lead up to that loss against GPS we needed a reminder that you just can’t show up expecting everything to go your way. You are only ever as good as your last game, but the good thing about rugby is you get to go again the following. I was very pleased with how the side responded against Norths.
Bull Sharks Footy
Heinrick Fourie and Keanu Rasch were very strong on both sides of the ball. Everyone was good and it is difficult to individualise after a performance like that, but I think maybe they stood out that little bit and they definitely contributed massively to our win.
Trademark Players
Jackson Jury was really strong in the backs. His kicking, ball carrying and distribution was very good. It has taken him a little while to get over some injuries and settle in here at Bond but he is going to be a very good player for us.
With Rico Gear
Premier Men
Bull Sharks lost 21-17
How it was lost
We scored three tries each, the Norths goal kicker just managed to slot a few tough chances which was the difference in the end. It was frustrating, we dominated in some areas but were well and truly second best in others. Unfortunately, we couldn’t hang onto the ball long enough to put them under pressure.
The work to do
Unforced errors, we had too many of them and we could get past three phases three times in the game.
What made you happy
The scrum was good. We probably didn’t get the reward from it that we might have from a different referee.
The challenge
The contact zone was a problem for us all day the big Norths ball runners had a field day.
Trademark Player
Hamish Roberts came back in and scored two tries, it was good to be able to put him into some space.
The focus
Tackle technique is a big one. We probably need to give the players a bit of clarity around what to do in each area of the field. Tackle technique and attitude in defence was lacking a bit. It is a really even comp and you can’t afford to be a bit off.
The final word
That is now the end of the first round and we’re fourth. So we are in a finals spot and our destiny is in our own hands. We just need to do a bit better in the second round. We have huge untapped potential we just have to keep working hard, we are certainly good enough to play finals.
With Mick Heenan