July 21, 2022
The Bull Sharks return to the Channel on Saturday for one of their biggest tests of the season in front of one of their biggest crowds of the year.
Wests will be out to spoil Bond’s Ladies’ Day as they try to make up for the loss to Easts.
But the Bull Sharks showed in the tight loss to GPS that they have a lot of flair when engaged, which could bite the Bulldogs in round 13.
“It was a very physical match against Jeeps last weekend. The bodies are a little bruised and bruised, but the players have taken very good care of themselves,” said coach Grant Anderson.
“They’re going to have some pretty tough workouts this week.”
LAST TIME MEET THEM
Severe conditions marked the teams’ final game in round four when they met in Toowong, where the Bull Sharks recorded their first loss of the season.
Bond got off to a strong start with a try on captain Dan Boardman, followed by a penalty from Hayden Sergeant, resulting in a handy 8-nil lead after nine minutes.
But the Bulldogs stopped the momentum and scored three unanswered attempts to lead 24-8 at the break.
Superb tactical kicks by Wests in the second half saw the home side seal the game 31-15.
With more wet weather on the map for Saturday, Bond doesn’t want history to repeat itself.
TEAM NEWS
Irish wrecking ball Matt Dalton must return from injury to give the underdogs a headache.
John Eales Rugby Excellence Scholarship holder Alex Mafi, who recently signed with the Melbourne Rebels of the Queensland Reds, is due to return this week but has suffered a hamstring injury.
WHERE IT WILL BE WON
Coach Grant Anderson said his players need to be more clinical in their attack.
“We have to make sure we finish our passes and really threaten the defense when we have the ball.
“We also need to make sure our kick-off exits are better and our chase line post-kicks are number one this week.
“The guys are looking forward to the challenge, they know if we play to our potential we will really challenge Wests,” said Anderson.
THE LADDER
Bond has dropped to sixth on the ladder after the loss to GPS, two points behind Easts in fifth and five points behind Jeeps in fourth.
Anderson said it’s far from panic stations for Bond.
“We still have six games to play and everyone above us on the table still has to say goodbye.
“We are looking at the game game by game, making sure we are focused on Wests this week and not looking too far ahead.
“The players are very confident, they understand the situation regarding where we are in the season and they are really looking forward to testing themselves against the top of the table team on Ladies’ Day this weekend.
“It builds up year after year and I think with the support we get we’re going to have a lot of people this weekend,” Anderson said.
IN OTHER TYPES
The women’s first team will play against Wests on Friday night to allow them to take full advantage of the club’s Ladies’ Day.
The second division men’s team can further cement third place on the ladder behind Souths and Brothers with a win.
MATCH DAY INFORMATION
The Ladies’ Day event will now be held at the Rain Forecast Clubhouse.
Watch the action live on Stan Sport, or better yet, head to Bond’s rugby pitches.
Ladies – Friday 7.30pm – The Canal
First Class – Saturday 3:05 PM – The Canal
Second Class – Saturday 1:30 PM – The Canal
Third grade – Saturday 10:50 am – The channel
Colts one – Saturday 12:10 pm – The Canal
Foals Two – Saturday 9.30am – The Canal
