It was a tough day out for the Bull Sharks against competition powerhouse Wests when Queensland Premier Rugby returned last weekend.
In the Premier Men, the inclement weather hampered the Bull Sharks' expansive game style and turned the contest into a war of attrition against a heavyweight Wests outfit.
Rico Gear’s Colts 1 side found scoring easier, but so did the opposition who handled the conditions a little better.
Bull Sharks v Wests at Sci-Fleet Stadium
Premier Men
Bull Sharks lost 15-14
The fall out
Coach Mike Heenan was disappointed in the loss against the benchmark of the competition. Although recent history, and conditions that favoured the hosts significantly would suggest this was a brave performance, the QPR’s most successful coach says it is time to “start recording heroic wins instead of honourable losses.’’
How it was lost
Our game management let us down. We put ourselves in positions to score only to be let down with poor decision making. The game literally slipped through the Bull Sharks’ fingers with a dropped past in the dying stages ruining what looked to be a certain try.
What made you happy
Although outweighed by between 10kg – 15kg per man, the Bull Sharks defended tenaciously. The 15-14 scoreboard against a powerful opponent in conditions that suited them better gives the squad confidence for the year ahead.
Bull Sharks rugby
Rocco Gollings at full back was superb. What he gave away in size he made up for in heart and his impact was recognised by the opposition also who nominated him as the best player.
The work on
The lineout was well beaten. Although the locks and backrowers worked hard around the ground and defended well, they struggled to win a lineout.
With Mick Heenan
Colts 1
Bull Sharks lost 36-29
The opposition
Colts coach Rico Gear expects Wests to be the benchmark of the competition. Like their Premier Men, the Bulldogs are a big side with powerful, explosive outside backs.
How it unfolded
In defiance of the torrential rain and heavy conditions, the early game was a high scoring affair. Like Mick Heenan, Gear was left to lament missed opportunities.
Bull Sharks rugby
Hunter Robinson’s try saving tackle on a much bigger opposition player with the wind in his sails and only one man to beat was a highlight.
What made you happy
It was an incredible debut for students Max Angove and Charlie Wake. The pair worked hard and took it up the opposition with their physicality and showed they are set to make their mark on the competition in 2025.
The work on
We will continue to work on building our connections and educating the players on the way we want to play. If we can be a bit smarter with our decision making, we can threaten the best teams in the competition.
With Rico Gear