Semi-Final vs West Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Semi-Final – GPS vs Wests
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup
Sunday 29th August, Ashgrove Sports Ground, Yoku Road, Ashgrove
Yoku Road was packed to the rafters with rowdy GPS supporters, ready to watch the Gallopers and Wests Bulldogs battle it out for a grand final berth. The winner of this one faces the University of Queensland at Suncorp Stadium, 29-24 victors over Brothers the day prior.
The first 25 minutes of play belonged to the Wests Bulldogs, who came out with a ferocity that GPS simply couldn’t match. Reds Centre Isaac Henry settled Wests into the game with a penalty early on, which would lead to a barrage of points to follow.
Winger Benjamin Navosailagi cruised over untouched for a try in the corner, as the Bulldogs got the ball through hands beautifully. Henry would slot a difficult conversion near the sideline, putting Wests up 0-10 after 5 minutes.
Not too long later, Navosailagi would be gifted with his second try of the match, off the back of a horror knock-on by GPS fullback Patrick Nicholson. Henry once again converted the try and put his side up 3-17 with just 18 minutes elapsed.
Before the Gallopers could catch a breath, Wests were back and hungry for more. Fly-half Jason Hofmeyr attempted a clearing kick inside GPS’s 22, but Navosailagi was able to charge it down, the ball ricocheting towards the middle of the pitch. Hooker Ethan Dobbins alertly chipped the loose ball and retrieved it, dishing an offload to winger Ilikena Vudogo who darted through tacklers for a try. Henry converted the try, and GPS were left looking at a significant 3-24 deficit after 24 minutes.
GPS would find their feet however in the 30th minute, setting up their patented rolling maul in the left corner. Hooker Maile Ngauamo held onto the ball from the back and steamed over with his forwards for a try, as he has done so many times this season. Hofmeyr made quick work of the conversion, bringing the Gallopers back 10-24 going into the halftime break.
GPS would ride their late first-half momentum into the second, setting up another rolling maul for Maile Ngauamo. Wests valiantly held their ground for a few seconds, but the Gallopers forwards slowly began the march, eventually toppling through the Bulldogs defence for a try. Hofmeyr narrowly missed the conversion, leaving GPS at a 15-24 deficit with 5 minutes gone in the second half.
Wests would stymie the building energy of GPS by earning a scrum only 5 metres out from the try line. A near 7-minute scrum battle would ensue, both forward packs not relenting in their efforts to attack and defend. Eventually, halfback Joel Atkins said enough is enough and darted down the weakside for a try, swinging momentum back to the Bulldogs. Henry would miss the conversion, giving Wests a 15-29 buffer.
Before the Bulldogs could enjoy their two-try lead, GPS was back down the field in their favourite position, the rolling maul. This time it was flanker Matt Gicquel with the ball, peeling off the main maul looking to score. Hooker Ethan Dobbins brought down the secondary maul from an offside position, and GPS were awarded the penalty try. Dobbins was shown yellow for his cynical play, putting the Bulldogs in a precarious spot only up 22-29 with 20 minutes remaining.
The floodgates opened for GPS during this 10-minute window, as do-it-all flanker Matt Gicquel spotted a gap in the depleted Bulldogs defence, charging forward 15 metres before delivering a bullet pass to winger Mitchell Treleaven, who waltzed over the line for a try. Hofmeyr kicked the conversion, levelling the score 29-29 with 17 minutes left to play.
The Gallopers weren’t done there, knowing more points were left on the table. GPS quickly rolled forward to the 22-metre line, as halfback Josh Vuta was recycling the ball efficiently through rucks. Suddenly, Vuta cut back toward the left-wing and found speedster Josh Collins in full stride. Collins slipped past hapless defenders as they could do nothing but swipe the air around him on his way to a try. Hofmeyr was unable to kick the conversion, but GPS had secured a 34-29 lead for the first time in the match.
Isaac Henry would calm the nerves of the Bulldogs by slotting a penalty in the 68th minute, bringing Wests back 34-32 and keeping scoreboard pressure on GPS.
Wests would mount the pressure back on the Gallopers, retaining possession and stringing phases together in the GPS 22. Fullback Ilaisa Droasese would break the back of the defence, running by Josh Vuta and sucking in Patrick Nicholson to find a wide-open Navosailagi on the right-wing. The winger strolled in under the posts to secure his hat-trick and set up an easy conversion for Henry. Once the conversion was completed, Wests took back the lead 34-39 with 6 minutes remaining.
The tension was building at Yoku Road, anxious GPS supporters watched on as the magical season of the Gallopers may be coming to an end.
GPS, as they have all season, stared adversity in the face and were up to the challenge. The Gallopers stormed their way down the field and built 20+ phases against Wests only 5 metres from the line, who showed great determination keeping them out. The Bulldogs couldn’t hold on any longer, as Jason Hofmeyr rifled a pinpoint cut-out pass to Matt Gicquel on the wing, stepping his first defender and beating the second for a hard-fought try.
Elation flowed through Ashgrove Sports Ground, as the game-saving try sent the GPS supporters into hysterics, beer flying everywhere. Reality kicked back in, however, all eyes set on Jason Hofmeyr as he lined up the potential game-winning conversion.
Hofmeyr struck the ball smoothly off the tee and watched on as it sailed towards the posts. His arms, along with the fans behind him, shot up in excitement, knowing the ball was going nowhere but down the middle. The referee’s flags went up and the final whistle was blown, GPS coming out victorious 41-39 over Wests in a memorable semi-final finish.
The Gallopers faithful stormed the field and kicked off the celebrations, whilst Wests were left in dismay, wondering what could have been.
GPS now look toward the Grand Final on Sunday 5th September, up against the University of Queensland Red Heavies. These have been the two best sides in the competition, so watching these teams slug it out will be a treat for fans to see. The season series stands at 1-1, so both sides will come in producing their absolute best to claim the Hospital Challenge Cup.
The game will be held at Suncorp Stadium and kick-off at 1 pm. This is your chance to witness your Gallopers side make history, so grab your tickets and cheer on GPS as they fight for a Grand Final victory!
COVID Update
QRU and Senior Club Update - HERE
NOTE: The club is still contesting the Reserve Grade decision
Contact Anthony Herbert for more information aherbert@gpsrugby.com.au
Junior Club Update
Break-up moved to 27th August: 4 PM -8 PM
U6-U9 season finished
U10-U12 possible makeup games 29/8, 5/9 and 12/9
U13-U16 finals are to take place on 29/8, 5/9 and 12/9
Contact Matt Muller for more information mmuller@gpsrugby.com.au
Round 16 vs UQ Match Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 16 – GPS vs University of Queensland
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup
Saturday 24th July, University of Queensland Football Ground, St Lucia
A big crowd filled the grounds as 2nd place GPS arrived at St Lucia to take on undefeated and competition favourites University of Queensland. The Gallopers only defeat of the season was to the Red Heavies back in round 7, falling 42-21. There was much to play for in the rematch, as GPS would take home the Bunter Bowl and the Welsby Cup with a victory, along with momentum going into finals time.
The match got off to a very scrappy start, with both teams losing the ball on several occasions. GPS dominated possession and territory, however, keeping the ball in UQ’s half for most of the first 20 minutes. GPS were finally able to string a few passes together and found themselves only metres out. Lock Tuaina Tualima scooped the ball up from the ruck and bowled his way over defenders for a try. Fly Half Jason Hofmeyr slotted the simple conversion, putting the Gallopers up 7-0 after 20 minutes.
Disaster would strike in the 25th minute when fullback Patrick Nicholson received a yellow card, a result of too many penalties piling up for GPS. The pressure of the Red Heavy attack continued to wreak havoc on the Gallopers, but in the 32nd minute, GPS drew a much-needed scrum penalty. Hofmeyr booted the ball downfield, and by some miracle, GPS had survived the lengthy UQ onslaught.
Right on the death of the first half, prop Emosi Tuquri fell victim to another yellow card, collapsing the attacking maul of UQ. With the extra man advantage, UQ would need 7 minutes of extra time before finding a gap in the Gallopers defence. Fullback Mac Grealy found centre Lukas Ripley on the left, who cut back inside to score the try. Winger Kye Oates made easy work of the conversion and tied the game 7-7 going into halftime.
GPS, down a man starting the second half, needed to get off to a good start to stifle the momentum UQ found late in the first. The Gallopers did just that as they were on the attack straight from the kick-off. Halfback James Tuttle grabbed the ball from the ruck looking for a receiver but instead slipped the tackle of a rushing defender and dove over the line for a try. Hofmeyr kicked another easy conversion, and put GPS back up 14-7 with only 3 minutes gone in the half.
The Gallopers forwards started to stamp their authority at scrum time following the score, after a tightly contested battle in the first half. GPS began to wear down the UQ forward pack and drew several scrum penalties leading to great field position. After multiple cracks at the line, Hofmeyr danced through a couple of defenders and was tackled just short. Captain Michael Richards quickly gathered the ball from the ruck and darted through a scrambling UQ defence. The tackle came too late, and Richards was able to reach over for a try, sealing a great team effort. Hofmeyr converted the score and sent GPS up 21-7 with 22 minutes remaining.
GPS were back in the UQ 22 only minutes later with an attacking lineout. They quickly formed the rolling maul and began their stampede. After marching 10 metres forward, UQ collapsed the maul to stop any further progression, but referee James Palmer was convinced of GPS’s chance to score and awarded the Gallopers a penalty try. UQ lock Conor-James Vest was yellow carded for collapsing the maul, giving GPS all the momentum late in the match. The score now red 28-7 with 16 minutes to play, and the Red Heavy fans were in disbelief.
Despite the lead building for GPS, the Red Heavies came out unfazed following the quick scores and earned an attacking scrum straight from the kick-off. Fly-half Bradley Twidale got the ball out to Lukas Ripley near the left-wing, speeding through a gap in the Gallopers defence. Ripley unloaded it to Kye Oates, who jostled his way past several defenders to score a try. Oates converted his own try and brought UQ back 28-14 with 13 minutes left.
The Red Heavies were back on the attack only minutes later, putting the pressure back on GPS to defend their line. Reserve prop Freddy Burke saw yellow after too many penalties piled up once again for the Gallopers. UQ was still unable to break through with the extra man advantage but forced James Palmer to pull out another yellow card against GPS reserve hooker Matthew Mafi, for slowing down the ball at the ruck.
With a 2 man advantage over the Gallopers, the Red Heavies were finally able to break through for a try, as Mac Grealy threw a dummy that pulled the defence forward, and sprinted through the hole for a try. Oates kicked the conversion, bringing UQ within one score of GPS 28-21. However, it was too little too late, as James Palmer blew the final whistle after the conversion, GPS winning 28-21 and pulling off the upset over UQ.
It was a massive team effort for the Gallopers in this one, exemplified by the second half scrum, which dominated UQ and helped set up GPS scoring opportunities. Halfback James Tuttle ran the ship masterfully, recycling the ball quickly from the ruck and finding the right receivers. Jason Hofmeyr controlled the territory game well for GPS, putting pressure on UQ inside their 22. Tuaina Tualima and Michael Richards ran the ball with ferocity throughout the match, both earning tries on the day.
GPS will battle Wests next weekend, in their last home hit-out of the regular season. The fan support was unreal against UQ away from Ashgrove, so let’s keep that going for the boys against the Bulldogs, as they continue to build momentum heading into the finals!
Round 14 vs Bond Uni Report
by Ben Mitchell
Round 14 – GPS vs Bond University
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup
Saturday 10th July, Ashgrove Sports Ground, Yoku Road, Ashgrove
GPS are back home to battle the Bond University Bull sharks, on a sunny but very windy afternoon. The Gallopers got the better of Bond in their first meeting, winning 34-22, and will look to reproduce the same result in front of their fans. Bond are coming off a bye week, so they’ll be well-rested and eager to end the 6-game win streak GPS are on.
The visiting Bull sharks got off to a great start. Centre Dan Boardman was able to beat Chris Kuridrani speeding out for a tackle, and found a gaping hole in the GPS defensive line. He shot through the gap and found fullback Byron Hutchinson in support, gliding over for a try near the left corner. Fly half James Ambrosini was unable to hit the conversion in windy conditions, leaving the score at 5-0, Bond leading after 6 minutes.
Before the Gallopers could catch a breath, Bond were back on the front foot only minutes later. Half back Spencer Jeans scooped the loose ball from the ruck and fired it to winger Dion Samuela. He drew in several defenders with his fast feet, and threw a dummy which faked out both Konelio and Kuridrani, leaving a hole for Samuela to dart through for a try. Ambrosini was again unsuccessful with the conversion, the score reading 10-0 Bull sharks after 13 minutes.
GPS were in desperate need of a response to the quick punch dealt by Bond, and their forwards provided the answer. From 30 metres out, the Gallopers formed their rolling maul from the lineout, and began their stampede toward the try line. As Ratu Vio was near falling over the line, Bond flanker Dylan Rowe collapsed the maul to halt their progression. GPS were awarded a penalty try by referee Jordan Way, and Rowe was yellow carded for his sinical play.
The Gallopers now held the momentum and the extra man advantage, and wasted no time getting back to work. Off the back of a lineout turnover by Bond, GPS were able to inch their way closer to the line. Half back James Tuttle recycled the ball quickly to Jason Hofmeyr, who delivered a cut-out pass to Floyd Aubrey near the wing. Aubrey engaged his defender, and threw a ridiculous behind the back offload to Mitchell Treleaven for a try. Hofmeyr slotted a fantastic kick near the sideline, giving GPS a 14-10 lead with 23 minutes gone.
Bond were able to stem the bleeding with a successful Byron Hutchinson penalty kick in the 26th minute, but that didn’t stop the advance of GPS. Captain Michael Richards was able to wrangle in some scrappy play by both sides, ending up with the ball 5 metres out from the try line. Hofmeyr received it from the ruck and saw numbers to his left, delivering a perfect cut-out pass to Patrick Nicholson in a two-on-one situation. Nicholson made the unselfish extra pass to Floyd Aubrey, who went over untouched for a try. The wind grabbed Hofmeyr’s kick and flung the ball to the left, GPS now leading 19-10 with 11 minutes left in the first half.
The Bull sharks had the last laugh however, well into first half extra time. They manufactured a powerful maul only 5 metres out, and the Gallopers were unable to withstand their push, number eight Declan Dinnen claiming honours for a great team try. Hutchinson couldn’t find the target on the conversion, leaving GPS with a slim 19-18 lead at the halftime break.
GPS were first to notch some points in the second half. Reserve hooker Maile Ngauamo held the ball tight at the back of the Gallopers rolling maul as they marched toward the line. Bond fell apart under the pressure and Ngauamo dove over for the try. Hofmeyr narrowly missed a difficult conversion, but GPS now led 24-18 over Bond, with 29 minutes left to play.
After back and forth play by both sides, GPS found themselves with the attacking scrum 5 metres out. The Gallopers forwards really started applying pressure on the Bond forwards, racking up consecutive scrum penalties and flexing their dominance. Referee Jordan Way lost his patience by scrum number 4 and awarded GPS their second penalty try of the game, putting them up 31-18 with 14 minutes remaining.
The Gallopers maintained most of the possession for the remainder of the game, and were rewarded with a successful penalty kick by reserve fly half Sebastian Ward, putting GPS up 34-18 with 3 minutes left. They were now well and truly out of the reach of a Bond comeback.
Despite this, the Bull Sharks fought until the very end, and a slick grubber kicked by Dion Samuela sent Captain Dan Boardman over for a try in the left corner. Hutchinson was unable to kick the conversion, and concluded the game’s action with the score reading 34-23, GPS coming out on top.
No one player stood out for the Gallopers during the match, but it was rather a collective effort that got them the win. The GPS forwards showcased their class at scrum time and the rolling maul, being rewarded with two penalty tries. On the other hand, the backs were clinical in executing their set pieces, being able to recycle the ball quickly from the ruck and finding their wingers with effective cut-out passes.
GPS will be out of action this weekend due to a bye, but will be recovering and preparing for their top of the table clash with University of Queensland in round 16. The Gallopers will be on the road to take on the Red Heavies, so make the trip to St Lucia and help the men deliver UQ’s first defeat of the season!