There is no better way to honour past rugby players than to defeat an arch-rival in front of them.
Proving that they deserved to fill the boots of those who came before them, Bond University’s current Queensland Premier Rugby teams took University of Queensland down, winning both games in noteworthy fashion.
The day began with a special appearance from club legend Alec Evans who presented the Bull Sharks First Grade men with their playing kit.
As a great of Australian rugby and the club’s only senior men’s premiership-winning coach, it was a special moment for the current crop of Bull Sharks that had the desired effect of producing an inspired performance.
In recent weeks the young Bond side had squandered early leads and lost games by narrow margins in the dying moments.
But when UQ surged late in the game, the Bull Sharks stood tall to win 31-28 and retain the Brailsford-Brown Cup.
The all-conquering women then put an exclamation mark on the day with a commanding 38-5 win that kept their undefeated streak alive.
The party wasn’t confined to the playing pitch either. This was a Past Players’ Day with a difference as the club celebrated the 20thanniversary of the Breakers’ 2004 Premier Rugby premiership.
The stands were packed with familiar faces, some that may be a little more wrinkled around the eyes and topped by more grey hairs than in their prime.
Life members John Taylor, Greg Cornelson, Bob Fordham, Terry Jackman and Tim Rowlands were seen cheering loud and proud.
A selection of the club’s 100-cap players including Tai McIsaac, Will Slipper, Nick Turner and Josh Fuimaono were in the crowd cheering on fellow Bondies while on the pitch modern-day members of the milestone club such as Jake Upfield and Justin Bernstein went through their paces.
For many, the highlight of the day came at halftime of the men’s game when Alec Evans led his 2004 side out onto the field with their winning trophy to rapturous applause from the crowd.
Director of Rugby Luca Liussi said he was thrilled at the way the club celebrated its past players and proud history and the on-field results were the icing on the cake.
“The day was well received by all our past players, coaches and staff,” he said.
“It was really special to witness the 2004 Gold Coast Breakers Premiership-winning team on field with the legendary coach Alec Evans, who coached that team to victory.”