Bond Rugby has dominated the headlines over the past week following the outstanding performances of both the Premier Men’s and Women’s teams in winning their respective grand finals.
The Women’s XV were superb in coming from behind to edge out Easts last Saturday and claim a remarkable fourth straight premiership. It was a culmination of self-belief and courageous play against a bigger and formidable opposition, and arguably the greatest victory during their dominant reign orchestrated by the legendary coach Lawrence Faifua.
On Sunday at a heaving Ballymore Oval, the Premier Men overcame underdog status and a Reds-laden Brothers outfit to prevail in a nail-biting finish in one of the classic Queensland Premier grand finals. The first ever Hospital Cup title for Bond brought tears to the eyes of long-standing supporters and players alike.
Significant credit is due to Head Coach Mick Heenan and his able assistant Sean Hedger in just their second year at the Canal.
They never lost focus or faith during a topsy-turvy season and developed a game style that featured never-say-die defence and attacking flair, highlighted by the match-winning try in the final minutes.
Captain Tyler Campbell was superb all season and deservedly won player of the final.
So this week, attention turns to the AFL Club to emulate these feats.
The Senior Men will battle it out against one of their arch rivals in Coolangatta while the Reserves in the QAFLW will fly the Women’s flag against Southport.
Men’s Coach Kain Ford, in his first season as a senior coach, has moulded together a terrific group comprising of some stalwarts and young guns, many of whom are in their first or second year of university studies.
The boys play a terrific game featuring courage, organised defence and positive forward play when opportunity arises.
The Womens Reserves have surprised everyone and their willingness to support each other, run all day and never lie down has been a hallmark.
Several of the young Sharkettes are in their first season of open footy and the coaching group including the dynamic duo of former Bull Sharks in Snowy Thomas and Ben Holmen have been terrific in developing skills and technique.
Of note, Wyatt Bacon, former skipper and dedicated clubman, will play his 149th game, equalling the club’s games record.
To all involved this weekend, congratulations on an outstanding season. One game to go!
I encourage you to get down this weekend and support the AFL Club, and trust a few of the rugger players can find a moment off the victory sauce to support their AFL comrades.
Up the Sharkies!