Defending premiers Wests Bulldogs have humbled the Bull Sharks and regained the Bunter Bowl in a clinical 46-14 win at The Canal.
In brighter news, our Premier women delivered a grinding 31-15 win over the Bulldogs to maintain their top-two position on the ladder.
How it unfolded:
Bond University was celebrating Indigenous round and a big crowd was in attendance for the clash.
Wests boasted an imposing forward pack and it didn’t take long to show their bulldozing intent as they crossed for the first try after two minutes.
The Bull Sharks were quick to hit back through a well-formed rolling maul, with young hooker Cooper McGeary reaping the rewards.
The remainder of the first half would be a tough, physical slog but several errors and discipline issues opened the door for the Bulldogs to score two more tries.
Trailing 19-7 at half time, the Bull Sharks had plenty of work to do but the Bulldogs continued to roll forward, scoring again in the 47th minute to extend the lead.
Bond hit back down the short side with some good vision from Tyler Campbell to find Hamish Roberts in the corner, but the resistance ended there as the Bulldogs forwards scored two more tries to claim a 32-point victory.
What they said:
Argentinian backrower Tomas Grenon was clearly disappointed in the team’s showing in front of home fans.
“We just weren’t there as a team. We talk about being together and showing our commitment in every carry but we were disjointed to start the game and that carried on throughout,” he said.
The Bull Sharks will need to make improvements before next week’s clash against the East Tigers.
“Our general skills really let us down, especially in the connection between the forwards and backs. We will need to go back to basics and bounce back for next week,” Grenon said.
Around the grades:
With Colts One and Second Grade suffering narrow defeats, the Bull Sharks needed a positive spark and the Premier women delivered, showcasing their bruising defence to withstand Wests’ prominent forward pack.
Inside centre Gabriella Rivers was outstanding with ball in hand, but it was in defence where she stepped up, putting her body on the line to make some crucial tackles.
Zoe Hanna and Ebony Griffin led the way in the forward pack, making metres with every carry in the 31-15 win.
What’s next:
Bond heads up the M1 for a round 11 clash against East Tigers in what will be a grand final rematch for the Premier women and a top of the table battle for a First Grade men’s side eager to send a message.