Opportunities keep begging as Wests clings to Bond

July 25, 2022

By Jordan Hughes

The Bull Sharks ruin several chances to close out a thriller on Bond University’s Ladies’ Day. Top of the table Wests held out for a 20-15 win over The Canal.

Both sides scored three tries in the blockbuster of Round 13, but Carter Gordon’s boot proved the difference with a lack of a dominant goalkeeper crippling Bond’s chances.

HOW IT DISCOVERED

Bond received strong support from the strong Ladies’ Day crowd with players wearing the pink Donate Life jersey for the occasion.

The Bull Sharks got off to a perfect start when winger Joey Fittock made the crossing after nine minutes on a quick pass with fullback Jayden Ngamanu.

When flanker Devon Henson was shown a yellow card for a high shot, the Bulldogs quickly capitalized for their first try of the day.

After a second try for Wests, it was just before half time when Liam Dillon crossed the line and bridged the gap to 12-10.

After halftime, the Bull Sharks re-took the lead when hooker George Blake scored, but Wests reacted shortly to make it 17-15.

Bond failed to hold onto the two-point lead, failed to score from a penalty and failed to penetrate the Bulldogs’ rough defence. Wests moved forward with eight minutes to go and held on to a 20-15 win.

WHAT THEY SAID

Bond winger Connor Pritchard spoke of his frustration at the number of mistakes his side took.

“I think we played well both offensively and defensively, just a few minor mistakes in critical times during the game put us in second place.

“I feel we had a good start in the second half, we scored first. But we were held up over the line twice and in the end we didn’t score, that was the turning point for me,” said Pritchard.

WHAT IT MEANS

The loss keeps the Bull Sharks sixth on the ladder with 33 points. A shocking loss by Easts Tigers to Norths Eagles leaves Bond just two points out of fifth.

The University of Queensland currently holds the prized fourth position with 38 points, just one win for the Bull Sharks.

Bond will be back at The Canal next week when they take on the Norths Eagles.

OTHER GAME RESULTS

First grade – L 20-15

Premier Women – 22 all Draw

Second grade – 22 all Draw

Third grade – W 21-17

Colts One – L 17-15

Foals Two – W 40-5