Round 10 vs Souths Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 10 – GPS vs Souths
Saturday 12th June, Chipsy Wood Oval
GPS begin the second half of their season on the road against the Souths Magpies, who they bested 29-11 in round 1. The Magpies will be looking to put up more of a fight against this Gallopers side, as the 7-1 record proves GPS are one of the premiere teams in the competition.
Souths came out with conviction in the early going, as prop Andrew Romano peeled off the rolling maul and ran through Josh Vuta to score the first try. Fullback Luke Samoa converted the points and put the Magpies forward 0-7 after 9 minutes of action.
The Gallopers responded immediately to the Magpies score, executing a set piece perfectly from the attacking scrum. 15 metres out, the ball found Jason Hofmeyr near the wing, who launched a pass out to uncovered winger Maaloga Konelio, running in untouched for a try in the corner. Hofmeyr unfortunately couldn’t convert a difficult kick, GPS still trailing 5-7 after 12 minutes.
GPS weren’t done there, as they earnt an attacking lineout only minutes later in the same corner of the first try. Hooker Maile Ngauamo quickly got the ball in, but the Gallopers met no resistance in the rolling maul, so flanker Ratu Vio rumbled forward. Vio delivered the offload to lock Tuaina Tualima, who placed the ball down for another try. Hofmeyr, in virtually the same sport as the conversion prior, made no mistake with the kick, retaining the lead for GPS 12-7 after 15 minutes.
The remainder of the first half was uneventful in comparison to the first 15 minutes. Luke Samoa slotted two penalties for Souths in the 19th and 36th minute to put his team up 12-13. Magpies hooker Theo Fourie saw Yellow in the 39th minute for a high tackle, concussing himself in the process. Hofmeyr hit the upright on the penalty kick, and the score remained unchanged 12-13 heading into half time.
The Gallopers came out running to kick off the second half. An early scrum near midfield gave GPS another opportunity to draw up a set play. The ball found centre Teti Tela, who easily beat his defender with a goose step, and was off to the races. He linked up with centre partner Chris Kuridrani, who chewed up a lot of ground and drew in defenders before dishing a timely offload to flanker Matt Gicquel, putting the finishing touches on a well-worked try. Hofmeyr nailed the conversion, and put the Gallopers up 19-13 after 42 minutes of play.
GPS were on the charge again with an attacking lineout 10 out from the line. Several rucks ensued where the Gallopers inched closer to a score with pick and drives. Josh Vuta wanted to get in the mix, securing the ball and throwing an enticing dummy that froze the Magpies defence, diving under tacklers for the try. Vuta is adept at throwing those dummies, previously scoring 2 tries this season in similar fashion. Hofmeyr converted the try and pushed the GPS lead out 26-13 in the 50th minute.
As per usual, coach Shane Arnold made an entire front row interchange in the 53rd minute, and in the words of commentator Dallan Murphy, GPS have “two starting premier grade front rowers in rolling rotation.” The fresh forwards would flex their muscles in the 60th minute, as they strung together three dominant scrums 5 metres out to earn the penalty try. Captain Michael Richards was unfortunate not to claim the honours himself, as Duncan Male believed he knocked the ball on before placing it down, which he didn’t. Either way, the Gallopers walked away with another 7 points, taking their lead to 33-13 with 19 minutes remaining.
Souths, although giving up three unanswered tries, weren’t going to go down without a fight. They pushed their way down the field pretty quickly after the penalty try, arriving 5 metres out from the line. Centre Michael Siaki broke the advantage line of the GPS defence, and once tackled, popped an offload up to running partner Liam Fletcher who dove over in the left corner for a try. Luke Samoa converted a difficult kick on the sideline, and brought Souths back to a 33-20 deficit with 16 minutes to play.
Even with a comfortable lead, GPS didn’t take their foot of the gas pedal. They held possession of an attacking scrum 15 metres out, a favourable position to be in. Michael Richards pounced out the back and threw a dummy that faked three defenders to find a huge gap to exploit. He offloaded the ball to Matt Gicquel who just missed scoring his second. A few pick and drives later, Tuaina Tualima bowled his way through two defenders to score his second try. Hofmeyr kicked the conversion, putting the Gallopers up 40-20 with 11 minutes left.
GPS had one last crack for points, with an attacking lineout 10 metres out. The target was Michael Richards, who caught it cleanly, and the rolling maul was launched. They bulldozed their way through a defeated Souths defence, reserve hooker Matt Mafi falling over the line for an easy try. Reserve half back Cullin Cooper-Jones made a difficult conversion look routine, extending the Gallopers lead out 47-20 with 6 minutes remaining. The score would stay unchanged when the final whistle blew, GPS coming out victorious 47-20 over the Souths Magpies.
It may seem like a broken record playing, but the GPS forwards were once again instrumental in the win, with the dominance of the second half scrum essentially setting up the 5 tries that followed. Alongside this, Jason Hofmeyr was able to gain massive territory from these penalties, granting the Gallopers great position for rolling mauls. Josh Vuta was excellent finding the right receivers from the ruck, setting his backs up in favourable running lanes to attack.
GPS return home next week to take on the Norths Eagles, hoping to build off the momentum of three straight wins and make it 4 in a row. They won’t be able to do it without passionate fans supporting them however, so get down to Yoku road and back your Gallopers side to another win!
Round 9 vs Brothers Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 9 – GPS vs Brothers
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup
Saturday 5th June, Ashgrove Sports Ground, Yoku Road, Ashgrove
GPS look to conclude the first half of season fixtures with a win over long-time rivals Brothers Rugby Club. Fans well and truly showed out to support the Gallopers for this match, sprawled across Ashgrove Sports Ground in huge numbers. The day was also to celebrate the old boys who have been a part of GPS’s illustrious history, and they were honoured accordingly, as the team wore a heritage jersey inspired by the 1951 first grade side.
There’s not much to say about the games early stages, other than Brothers fullback Nathan Carroll kicking a penalty. Only a couple of minutes later, however, the boys in blue and white would strike again. A set play from the scrum drove them well over the advantage line around the 22. Fly-half Patrick James received the ball from the ruck and fired an inside ball to centre Hudson Creighton, who found a gap and stepped Josh Collins to score his team’s first try. Nathan Carroll made quick work of a simple conversion and put Brothers up 0-10 after 14 minutes.
GPS were on the back foot, and scrambling for an answer to Brothers fast start. They would find it in the 22nd minute, as territory gaining possessions would lead them to an attacking scrum 5 metres out. Nothing really came from the scrum, and it became a pick and drive battle between the forwards. As GPS inched closer, hooker Maile Ngauamo scooped it from the ruck and bulldozed his way through four Brothers defenders to score his first try of the season. Fly-half Jason Hofmeyr routinely kicked the conversion and brought the Gallopers to within striking distance, 7-10, in the 23rd minute.
The Gallopers really turned the pressure up from here, as only minutes later they were in control of possession 5 metres out. Several runs were thwarted from a strong Brothers defence, determined to keep their lead. 10+ phases passed before the witty half back Josh Vuta threw a dummy that froze his defender for a second, and dove under the tackle for a try between the posts. Hofmeyr slotted the conversion and gave GPS the 14-10 lead over Brothers with 29 minutes gone.
Near the death of the first half, GPS had drawn multiple penalties against Brothers in the rolling maul just 5 metres out, unfortunate not to see anyone yellow carded for their efforts. Despite the penalties stacking up for Brothers, the Gallopers were determined to score a try before halftime. One last rolling maul was formed from the lineout, and Maile Ngauamo found his hands on the pill. He spotted a favourable one-on-one matchup with winger Kamilo Guido on the blindside and ran straight at him, ploughing over for his second try. Hofmeyr, as he often does, made a difficult conversion look all too easy, putting GPS up 21-10 at the halftime break.
Brothers needed to come out with aggression to start the second half, and they did just that. A well-planned set-piece was formed at a lineout inside their own 50. They executed it to perfection, finding flanker and Reds star Fraser McReight flying through an open lane with the ball in hand. After several well-timed passes, right-winger Billy Bulley found his partner Kamilo Guido near the left sideline, who dove over for the try. Nathan Carroll stepped up and slotted a difficult conversion, bringing Brothers to within one score of GPS, 21-17, after 46 minutes of action.
The next 15 minutes would be dominated by the GPS forwards, winning six scrum penalties during this time, allowing Hofmeyr to kick the team closer and closer to the try line. Once again, Brothers were incredibly fortunate not to receive a yellow card for their repeated offences, referee Jordan Way being very lenient with them.
Several rucks after another dominant GPS scrum, lock Tuaina Tualima charged at the line, needing four Brothers defenders to bring him down. When he landed on the ground, he popped the offload back up to centre Teti Tela, who fell over the line for a try. Hofmeyr uncharacteristically missed the conversion, but the Gallopers were now up to two scores, 26-17 with 16 minutes to play.
Brothers gave it their all to get back into the game, forcing GPS turnovers and driving their way to inside the 22 for a potential try. However, flanker Matt Gicquel had other ideas. Winger Billy Bulley was left isolated with pilfering specialist Gicquel, and the reinforcements came too late, as referee Way blew the whistle for not releasing. This play undoubtedly sucked the life out of the Brothers team, and the crowd knew it, absolutely elated with the efforts of Gicquel.
With tensions now running high, a lengthy skirmish broke out between the sides, with a bit of pushing and shoving. Surely a yellow card was to be seen here, but Jordan Way gave both captains a stern warning, and let play continue.
In the 80th minute, Matt Gicquel would win another penalty for his side, clamping down on Fraser McReight with no chance of the ball coming back out. This sealed the win for the Gallopers, as Hofmeyr booted the ball in touch and the final whistle was blown, GPS winning 26-17 over Brothers.
There were several standouts on the day, obviously Matt Gicquel with his stymie defence down the stretch, ripping attacking opportunities away from Brothers. Flanker Ratu Vio broke through numerous tackles and made plenty of metres after contact, as we’re now accustomed to seeing. Josh Vuta controlled the tempo of the game masterfully, recycling the ball quickly from breakdowns and finding the right people in the attack. Once again, special mention must be made for the forward pack, with a dominant second-half performance at scrum time.
Next week the Gallopers will be heading on the road to face off against the Souths Magpies at Chipsy Wood Oval. GPS came out victorious in their round 1 battle, winning 29-11, and will be hoping to reproduce the same result. The boys would appreciate your support for this match, so make the drive to Annerley and steer them to victory!
Round 8 vs Wests Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup
Saturday 29th May, Memorial Park, Sylvan Road, Toowong
Coming off the back of a hard-fought defeat to the University of Queensland, GPS will be raring to go for this battle against the Wests Bulldogs, who sit just one point behind on the ladder in 3rd place. Wests will be hard to beat away from home, only losing to the Souths Magpies at Sylvan road.
The Gallopers were off and running early in this one, almost scoring a try in the first 5 minutes off the back of a lethal Teti Tela stiff arm, leading to an impressive line break. This didn’t deter the boys from having another crack at the line as half back Josh Vuta fired a soaring cut-out pass to winger Josh Collins, standing in solitude near the sideline. He waltzed over for the simple finish and added try number 5 to his season total. Sharpshooter Jason Hofmeyr slotted the difficult conversion and put GPS up 7-0 after 8 minutes of action.
Before Wests could catch their breath, GPS was knocking on the door for a second try only minutes later. Another pinpoint cut-out from Josh Vuta found its way to an unmarked Teti Tela with nothing but the try line in front of him. Unfortunately, he was thinking try time a little to early and dropped the catch, granting the Bulldogs a giant break.
A bit of back and forth ensued after Tela’s try attempt gone begging. The Gallopers however found themselves 5 metres out with the attacking lineout, licking their lips at the prospect of a rolling maul. The ball was rifled in accurately by hooker Maile Ngauamo to Captain Michael Richards, skying in the air. Flanker Ratu Vio latched onto the ball and started his push forward, but no one from Wests was resisting, so he detached from the maul and flew over for an easy try. Hofmeyr was unable to convert, leaving the score 12-0 GPS after 22 minutes.
Gallopers lock Tuaina Tualima saw Yellow in the 28th minute, leaving GPS vulnerable for the remainder of the first half, giving the Wests Bulldogs an opportunity to capitalise. Fullback Mason Gordon found acres of room near the wing, slinging the ball out to winger Benjamin Navosailagi for the easy try in the corner. Only several minutes later, the Bulldogs were back on the attack, as a deflection from Ratu Vio fell in the hands of halfback Joel Atkins, who steamed his way over for the 5 points. Centre Byron Hutchinson converted one of the two scores, and knotted the game up 12-12 heading into half time.
The second half was a mirror image of the first for the Gallopers, starting hard and fast to put up early points. GPS had the lineout around the halfway line, the backs forming their set plays in the background. Reserve halfback Cullin Cooper-Jones dished the ball to first receiver Jason Hofmeyr, who quickly delivered the inside ball to Josh Collins, carving his way through the middle with room to run and gas to burn. After beating three Wests tackle attempts, he found a wide-open Hofmeyr to his right, cruising his way under the posts for a try. He converted his own try, and retained the lead for GPS 19-12 in the 49th minute.
Misfortune would strike again for the Gallopers, as openside flanker Matt Gicquel was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle, giving the Bulldogs a sniff at another try. Wests seized the opportunity immediately after the yellow card, as the weaker GPS maul couldn’t stop the Bulldogs from pushing forward. Hooker Ethan Dobbins peeled away to the right and crashed over for a try. Hutchinson converted his team’s score and levelled the game 19-19 with 26 minutes remaining.
Despite the Bulldogs score, and being a man down, GPS were back on the front foot and looking for more points. The ball quickly exited from the lineout to the raging bull that is Ratu Vio, picking up metres and bodies on his way forward. Cooper-Jones recycled the ball quickly from the ruck and found outside centre Chris Kuridrani, beating three defenders and falling under the posts for a try. Hofmeyr made no mistake with the conversion and sent the Gallopers up 26-19 with 23 minutes to play.
GPS wasn’t done there. Teti Tela decided to showcase some magic with an exceptional cross-field kick to winger Maaloga Konelio, catching the ball in full stride. He passed the ball back inside to fullback Patrick Nicholson, sprinting his way down the side-line to score a spectacular try in the corner. Hofmeyr slotted a difficult kick on the side-line, and showed the Bulldogs fans some appreciation as GPS sat comfortably up 33-19 with 17 minutes remaining.
Wests weren’t out of this game yet, earning an attacking lineout 5 metres out. The maul was unsuccessful, but after a few rucks the ball found its way to Mason Gordon, who showed a great dummy on reserve prop Fred Burke to find Byron Hutchinson uncovered for the try. Hutchinson was unable to convert his own try, keeping his team down two scores, 33-24, with 10 minutes left.
No more than a minute later, the Bulldogs were back for more. Reserve halfback Moses Sorovi quickly tapped the ball from the penalty mark and booted it downfield, the GPS men finding themselves out of position. The ball rolled for 10 metres before it found a hand, but the Gallopers there, Tualima and Kuridrani, were unable to recover it, and Wests winger Shea Lalagavesi scooped it up and dove over for a try. Hutchinson quickly converted the try, narrowing the GPS margin 33-31 with 7 minutes to play.
GPS in the final passage of the game managed to hold off the desperate Bulldogs side, and narrowly escaped with the victory, 33-31 when the final whistle blew. Wests dug deep to create such an exciting finish, almost earning themselves a comeback victory.
Several Gallopers were sensational on the day. Ratu Vio was a pest at the breakdown, drawing three ruck penalties and bulldozing his way through Bulldogs defenders with ball in hand. Teti Tela was clinical at the inside centre position, setting his teammates up masterfully for line break opportunities, and was unfortunate to not score a try himself. No one can look pass the efforts of Jason Hofmeyr, who kicked accurately off the tee, made smart decisions with ball in hand, and was rewarded with a well-earned try.
The Gallopers next opponent will be a formidable Brothers side, sitting middle of the table. The match is back home at Yoku road, and the men will be eager to avenge their one home loss of the season. Come down to Ashgrove Sports Ground and cheer on your Gallopers as they aim to move to 7-1 on the season!
Round 7 vs UQ Match Report
Round 7 – GPS vs University of Queensland
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup
Saturday 22nd May, Ashgrove Sports Ground, Yoku Road, Ashgrove
GPS are well-rested and ready to roll for this blockbuster match up against the fellow undefeated side, the University of Queensland Red Heavies. Hundreds of fans filled Ashgrove Sports Ground to witness the match of the season so far, and to support GPS’s inaugural Ladies Day. The Gallopers donned their superhero kits in recognition of the event.
The feeling around the field was electric in the early stages of the game, as two heavyweights were set to battle it out. This eagerness translated onto the pitch, as both teams coughed up knock-ons in their early possessions, trying to overcome big-game jitters.
In the 10th minute, UQ had a lineout 5 metres out from their try line. They set up a strong rolling maul and drove through a formidable Gallopers pack to score their first try of the game, hooker Josh Nasser claiming the honours. Winger, and the competition’s leading points scorer, Kye Oates, kicked the simple conversion and gave his team an early 7-0 lead.
The Red Heavies were knocking on the door again in the 17th minute, driving closer to the line for another score. However, GPS Captain Michael Richards snuffed those plans, drawing a ruck penalty from UQ whilst being backed upright on his own try line. Fly-half Jason Hofmeyr booted the clearing kick, giving the Gallopers some breathing room after surviving several minutes of UQ pressure.
At around the halfway line, UQ flanker Conor Mitchell earned his third lineout steal in just 21 minutes of play, setting his team up for another attacking phase. The ball found its way down to the 5-metre line for another UQ lineout. Josh Nasser controlled the pill from the back of the rolling maul, and steamed over for his second try, reminiscent of the Red Heavies first score. Kye Oates slotted an impressive conversion near the sideline, and put his side up 14-0 after 25 minutes of action.
The Gallopers were needing a score to swing momentum back in their favour, and a yellow card on UQ lock Pat Morrey just 2 minutes after the try, was just what the doctor ordered. GPS found themselves with their foot on the gas, having the ball on the 5 metre line with a scrum, the most dominant position of their attack.
Half back Josh Vuta came agonisingly close to scoring, receiving the ball from flanker Ratu Vio off the back of the scrum, and dropping the ball just before planting it. Despite this, the Gallopers forward pack were still determined to get their team over, earning another scrum shortly after. As GPS motored their way forward, referee Brett Cronan awarded the penalty try, as the Gallopers dominated several scrums in quick succession. Momentum shifted back to the home side as they chewed into the lead, trailing 14-7 with 5 minutes left in the first half.
Late in the half, UQ snatched their fourth lineout steal, setting up for one final attack before the break. Number eight Lona Halaholo controlled the ball off some broken play and jetted through the middle of the pitch, scoring his sixth try of the season. Kye Oates nailed the simple conversion and took his team to the change rooms up 21-7. GPS were on the defensive most of the half, so they needed to come out swinging in the second to bring themselves back in the game.
The second half didn’t start the way the Gallopers wanted, as Kye Oates dove over for a try in the corner, with just a minute of time elapsed. He converted his own try, and gave the Red Heavies a commanding 28-7 lead with plenty of time remaining.
GPS were not demoralised by the score however, finding themselves in their favourite position, 5 metres out with the scrum feed. The Gallopers peeled away from the scrum and drove forward on the attack. After several pick and drives, Ratu Vio spotted a gap in the defence and jumped over the ruck, flying over the line untouched for a try. Hofmeyr converted the simple kick, and GPS now trailed 28-14 after 56 minutes of play, putting the pressure back on UQ.
Only 3 minutes later, the Gallopers were back on the front foot, earning the attacking lineout in the UQ 22. The GPS backs ran their set play to perfection, as field general Jason Hofmeyr flung the inside ball back to speedster Josh Collins who ran his line with conviction. He stepped the last defender with relative ease and cruised over for the try. Hofmeyr made no mistake with his kick and brought the Gallopers to within one score of the Red Heavies, 28-21, with 20 minutes left to play.
GPS were now riding a wave of momentum heading into the games final quarter behind two fantastic scores, but disaster would befall them. The Gallopers received two yellow cards in the 62nd and the 72nd minute, both being high tackles. With reserve half back Cullin Cooper-Jones and Ratu Vio leaving the field, the Red Heavies were poised for another attacking opportunity.
UQ set up their dangerous rolling maul and pushed through for another try, lock Connor-James Vest coming up with the ball. Oates converted the score, and gave his team a 35-21 buffer with 6 minutes remaining.
GPS, now down a man, had a massive two score obstacle to overcome and not much time to work with. Despite the disadvantage, the Gallopers held the attacking lineout 5 metres from the line. Unfortunately, the throw was deemed not straight, and the set play was derailed before it began.
After the UQ clearing kick, GPS held possession near the half-way line, a quick score now being essential. The Gallopers moved too quickly however, as a rushed cut-out pass was intercepted by Kye Oates, who ran over for his second try of the match. He once again converted his own score and took his tally to 22 points for the game, and brought his team to a 42-21 lead in the 80th minute.
GPS were granted a final chance to lower the deficit, but were unsuccessful. When the final whistle was blown, the score read 42-21, the Red Heavies handing GPS their first loss of the season.
Despite the defeat, the Gallopers threw everything but the kitchen sink at UQ. Fly half Jason Hofmeyr set up ball runners effectively all game, and made massive kicking metres throughout. Ratu Vio and Michael Richards ran hard with each run, and also caused havoc in the UQ ruck, both being rewarded with pilfers. As per usual, the GPS scrum was a dominant force, setting the backs up in favourable attacking positions during the match.
The Gallopers next match is on the road against the Wests Bulldogs at Toowong Memorial Park. Another battle is on the cards as the Bulldogs are just one point behind GPS, sitting third place on the ladder. The men will be vying to bounce back with a win against Wests, so make the short trip to Toowong and show your support as you did on Ladies Day!
Round 5 vs Bond Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 5 – GPS vs Bond University
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup
Saturday 8th May, Bond University, Robina
Fans were ready for a mouth-watering game of footy as the undefeated GPS men travelled to the Gold Coast to take on an undefeated Bond side. Both teams have looked dangerous and convincing in their previous wins, so it was anyone’s pick who would come out victorious.
The action commenced quickly with the Bull Sharks fly-half James Ambrosini kicking an early penalty to put his team up 3-0 after 4 minutes of play, putting GPS on the back foot. The Gallopers countered the early attack, as centre Chris Kuridrani came screaming out of the line in defence to smother Bond winger Dion Samuela, tackling him several metres back. Kuridrani pilfered the ball from his own tackle, and Captain Michael Richards slung the ball out from the ruck to the speedster Josh Collins, who glided past three defenders for a terrific opening try in the corner. Fly half Jason Hofmeyr converted a difficult kick near the sideline and sent his team up 3-7 after 8 minutes.
The fast-paced start to this match ceased to end, as not long later, GPS lock Tuaina Tualima scooped up the ball from the ruck and crashed through multiple Bull Shark defenders for a try. This came off the back of excellent build-up play from the Gallopers, with the forwards getting involved in several pick and drives. Hofmeyr, with an easier conversion attempt, was unable to hit the mark, and the score read 3-12 with just 15 minutes gone.
Bond University responded immediately with two sensational tries of their own. Winger Dion Samuela chipped a ball over the top of the GPS defence, bouncing up perfectly for pacey fullback Joey Fittock who strolled in under the posts, scoring his 5th try of the season. Shortly after, the Bull Sharks found themselves again in an attacking position. Samuela delivered an offload to his partnering winger Jordan Kahu, who threw an unbelievable behind the back flick pass to the chest of centre Dan Boardman, falling over the line for a try. With one conversion successful from two attempts, the score was now back in favour of the Bond University men, reading 15-12, 26 minutes in.
The score remained 15-12 at half-time, with no more show-stopping plays coming in the final 14 minutes. GPS inside flanker Ratu Vio was yellow-carded in the 35th minute for a dangerous tackle on Bond halfback Spencer Jeans, leaving the Gallopers with 14 men early in the second half.
Despite the extra man disadvantage for GPS, they began to flex their muscles, as they usually do, in the scrum game. They bulldozed their way through the Bond forward pack in the 46th minute, earning a penalty that gained them a good field position. From here, the Gallopers proceeded to have three consecutive rolling mauls, each one earning a penalty. Referee Brett Cronan had enough by penalty number three, awarding the Gallopers a penalty tries for their consistent and destructive efforts.
Only a few minutes later, GPS were back on the attack. After several phases of trying to break the defence of the Bull Sharks, winger Emori Waqavulagi found a gap that he could sliver through. Once tackled, he dished an offload to outside flanker Matt Gicquel who couldn’t be denied, diving over the line for a try. Hofmeyr had no problem with the conversion, giving his side a strong 15-26 lead over Bond University.
The next 15 minutes of play would showcase the tough, gritty defence that GPS possess. They refused to give up a try, holding the Bull Sharks out on several scoring attempts, all without their inside centre Maaloga Konelio, who was sin-binned for a high tackle. However, after phases and phases of pick and drives, the back of the Gallopers defence eventually broke, as fly-half James Ambrosini spotted numbers out to his left and fired the ball to Captain Dan Boardman, who flew over untouched for his second try. The score read 22-26 with just 11 minutes left, the match coming down to the wire.
No less than a minute after Bond’s try, the Gallopers were off and running. Winger Josh Collins found himself with the ball again in acres of space, a bad combination for the Bull Sharks defence. He darted down the left sideline and delivered a timely pass on his inside to Matt Gicquel, who literally dragged his defender 10 metres to the try line, hanging on for dear life. The team swarmed an exhausted Gicquel, elated with his determination to score such a hard-fought try, and by maybe sealing the road win. Hofmeyr was unable to kick the conversion, but the Gallopers were now up to two scores, 22-31, with 8 minutes remaining.
The rabid GPS defence came back to haunt Bond, forcing them to commit two fatal knock-ons late in the game, setting up scrums for a formidable Gallopers pack. Scrum number two resulted in Bond conceding a penalty right in front of the GPS goal, and Hofmeyr knew exactly what to do with it. He kicked the penalty over and the full-time whistle was blown, the final score reading Bond 22, GPS 34.
Key performers in this matchup would have to be flanker Matt Gicquel, and winger Josh Collins. Gicquel was sensational on the day, scoring two tries and being a presence at scrum time and in the breakdowns, pilfering the ball multiple times from Bond’s ruck. Alongside him, Josh Collins did what he does best, making huge metres with the ball in hand, earning himself a try and a try assist. Special mention must be made for the team defence of GPS, being able to hold Bond to 22 points on their home ground, and defending against long phases.
The Gallopers have now won five games in a row to start the season, and show no signs of slowing down. They have a bye this weekend and have earned a much-needed break before another big showdown on the 22nd of May against first place and a high scoring University of Queensland team. This is a home game for GPS and is shaping up to be the match of the season so far. Come down and support the men as two heavyweights clash to claim the top of the table!