Colts rugby team of the week - giant-killers GPS reward

The Colts team of the week this week acknowledges giant-killers GPS, while Bond University’s season gathered considerable momentum.

The Colts team of the week this week acknowledges giant-killers GPS, while Bond University’s season gathered considerable momentum.

Bond Uni players have elevated the side’s reputation claiming another big scalp - this time the Wests Bulldogs who two weeks ago were 2cm from toppling joint premiership favourites Easts.

Bond Uni coach Brendan Jones heaped praise on his team’s defence, saying it was a difference in the 17-7 victory.

Bond again impressed. Picture, John Gass

“We know we can back our defence and win games off the back of that.’’

He said forwards Nik Mitchell, Matt Siegler, Nate Searle, Marion Jones and George Neild were among his best, while fullback Ethyn Martin played his part.

West player Taine Roiri.

Wests coach Rob Riori said in another tight game flanker Mack Naylor and Taine Roiri along with the team’s skipper were his best.

The Bulldogs were matching it with anyone in the competition and despite defeat, the side was gathering valuable experience against high class rivals Easts, Brothers and Bond Uni.

At Ashgrove, GPS continued its improvement with a 37-24 win over last season’s grand finals University of Queensland.

GPS were not afraid to move the ball. Picture, John Gass

In its previous game GPS claimed the upset of the season by beating Bond at Robina, and yesterday’s result against good opposition proved the stunning upset from two weeks ago was no fluke.

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Asked what impressed him most about the performance, GPS coach Visesio Kite said: Our grit and ability to transition from defence to attack.

It was an entertaining game between University and GPS. Picture, John Gass

“When Uni got phases going they were very touch to hold out, but we managed to force turnovers and that is where almost all our points came from - our transition game.’’

GPS were stunning at times, mounting raids from 50m to 60m out, some of which led to tries.

He said halfback Cullen Cooper-Jones controlled the game well at No.9. “He set up our transition play,’’ Kite said.

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Outside centre Campbell Moller “was coming into his own’’ while wingers Tim Cox, Harry Barker and junior Wallaby squad member Floyd Aubrey contributed.

But the drive all started with prop Pete Halapio who Kite said was “destructive in the carry and good in defence’’.

Action from the GPS v Uni game. Picture, John Gass

However Kite said more big tests were just round the corner, with the Galloping Greens finishing the round against Wests, Easts and Brothers.

“Wests are a quality outfit with big bodies rolling around and with Easts, we have the pinnacle of the colts program and then Brothers.’’

Easts player Lui Malaitai in a May 8 clash. Picture, John Gass

University coach Derby Malaulau said his No.8 Sam Kelly-Knowles and lock Eric Pountain were best for the Red Heavies.

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Souths were gutsy and showed improvement despite a 29-12 loss to Easts at Bottomley Park’s David Wilson Field.

Desperation chasing the ball. Picture, John Gass

“Souths effort should give them confidence for next game,’’ said Souths coach Greg Coward.

The Magpies’ performance was spearheaded by prop Andrew Romano, No.8 John Bryant and halfback Sanni Silva.

The Tigers coach Tyrell Barker said the highly skilled Meli Dreu, reserve loose head prop Tom Fowler and flanker Jack Edwards were best, with Edwards pilfering possession three or four times at the breakdown.

Brothers Harry Grant. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Poor old Sunnybank struggled on the scoreboard again, this time losing to Brothers 59-5.

Brothers coach Tony Wall said his No.10 Harry Grant was again excellent alongside outside centre Flynn Johnstone, while prop Tim Faingaanuku and flanker Kyle Schram.

GPS player celebrate a try Colts 1 rugby clash between GPS and University. Saturday May 22, 2021. Picture, John Gass

So who made the team of the week?

Two fly-halves were nominated by coaches as their best, so we moved one, Meli Dreu, to inside centre and again with no hookers put forward, a third prop plays in the middle of the scrum.

TEAM OF THE WEEK

Fullback: Floyd Aubrey (GPS)

Winger: Ethyn Martin (Bond Uni)

Centre: Campbell Moller (GPS)

Centre Meli Dreu (Easts)

Winger: Harry Barker

Fly-half: Harry Grant (GPS)

Halfback: Cullen Cooper-Jones (GPS)

No.8: Nate Searle (Bond Uni)

Flanker: Jack Edwards (Easts)

Flanker: Nik Mitchell (Bond Uni)

Lock: Eric Pountain (University of Qld)

Lock: Marion Jones (Bond Uni)

Prop: Pete Halapio (GPS)

Hooker Andrew Romano (Souths)

Prop: Matt Siegler (Bond Uni)

GPS played well. Picture, John Gass

Reserves:

Tom Fowler (Easts), Tim Faingaanuku (Brothers), Taine Roiri (Wests), Kyle Schram (Brothers), George Neild (Bond Uni), John Bryant (Souths), Sam Kelly-Knowles (University of Qld), Sanni Silva (Souths), Flynn Johnstone (Brothers), Tom Cox (GPS).