Bond University conquer scrum demons in final play of semi-final thriller

Bond University’s historic run through the Queensland Premier Rugby finals will continue through to the preliminary final after a thrilling minor semi-final victory over GPS Ashgrove.

Bond celebrate their minor semi-final win over GPS. Picture: Brendan Hertel / QRU

Bond University’s historic run through the Queensland Premier Rugby finals will continue through to the preliminary final after a thrilling 32-27 minor semi-final victory over GPS Ashgrove.

The Bull Sharks survived five minutes of injury time with GPS camped on their five-metre line before their forward pack, spearheaded by Queensland Reds rookie Zane Nonggorr and former Tongan prop Eddie Aholeilei, forced a tighthead scrum penalty to bring on full-time.

Multiple try-saving tackles, including one from lightweight winger Rhian Stowers despite giving up upwards of 25 kilograms to his powerful opposite Abele Atunaisa, allowed the forwards their chance to seal the match against the feed.

Bond celebrate their minor semi-final win over GPS. Picture: Brendan Hertel / QRU

“We’d made a replacement to bring on Eddie Aholeilei late and that was always the plan,” coach Grant Anderson said.

“Zane had had a massive five minutes there and Eddie really led that scrum to get that penalty.

“We’ve struggled with our scrum all year but having Zane back from the Reds, we can put things to rest there.

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“We now have a set piece we can rely on and I’m really proud of the boys and the effort they put in there.”

The victory was cathartic for Bond as they eliminated the last remaining team to have beaten them in 2020, clearing a path to their first grand final since combining with the Gold Coast Breakers in 2013.

That 34-22 defeat to GPS two weeks ago was a difficult lesson but one that helped Bond find their steel.

Queensland Reds prop Zane Nonggorr was a key contributor in Bond’s minor semi-final win. Picture: QRU/Tom Mitchell

In two weeks the Bull Sharks have denied University of Queensland the minor premiership with an upset defeat on the Gold Coast and avenged their earlier defeat to GPS by sweeping the 2018 champions out of the finals.

They will meet minor premiers Easts next week to decide who will meet University of Queensland in the 2020 Hospital Cup final.

“Easts will be hurting after their loss to UQ on Saturday and they’ll come out firing,” Anderson said. “They’re a different team to GPS in that they have a lot more ability to spread the ball. They’re led well by former Wallabies captain Ben Mowen. We’ll have to play well next week but I’m happy for the boys that they get another week.”

Bond’s Premier Colts side will take on Brothers next week in their own preliminary final after beating Souths 17-0.