BOND University ended the unbeaten streak of Southport Sharks in the QAFL Women’s competition with a 23-point win at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday. The Bull Sharks lead throughout the contest, and though the home side kept in touch, could not bridge the gap in the Round 11 match, going down 7.9 (51) to 4.4 (28).

In a tight clash between two of the title contenders, Southport went into the contest as favourites, but knew the dangers of the Bull Sharks and their abundance of young talent coming through the program. Early on, those fears looked realistic as the visitors peppered the goals in the first term, booting 1.5 to 1.0 to lead by those additional five behinds.

The Bull Sharks managed to get their kicking boots on in the second quarter with two goals from four scoring shots while the Sharks failed to add to their tally. That buffer helped Bond University hold a lead into the second half, despite Southport coming hard thanks to work from the likes of Georgia Breward and Steph O’Brien.

Though they managed to cut it back to two straight kicks, it was the Bull Sharks who would steady in the final term, booting 3.2 to 1.3 and securing the 7.9 (51) to 4.4 (28) victory. The win cemented the Bull Sharks place in second spot ahead of the league-wide bye, holding off the third placed Aspley Hornets.

Southport had 21 more disposals than their opponents, but also 19 more clangers as they looked to play possession football. Bond University was up to the task, with six more contested marks, and though the Sharks laid 60 more tackles could not capitalise when inside 50.

While Breward (31 disposals, six clearances, seven inside 50s and seven tackles) and O’Brien (30 disposals, six clearances, 10 tackles and two goals) were prolific, Courtney Sexton was enormous around the stoppages for the Bull Sharks. She picked up 21 disposals and a game-high nine clearances, while the height of Jasmyn Davidson, Havana Harris and Lily Tarlinton were all prominent.

AFLW Academy member Sienna McMullen was also prominent with 14 disposals, two marks and two inside 50s, while fellow Suns Academy member Tara Harrington had 18 disposals and five inside 50s in the win. Tarlinton and Isabella Iverach were the multiple goalkickers with two apiece.

For the Sharks, O’Brien and Georja Davies both booted two goals, while ex-Cat Carly Remmos picked up 23 disposals, four marks, four clearances, six tackles and five inside 50s. Kristi Harvey (22 disposals) also found plenty of the ball, while Lilly Pearce stood out in the ruck with 33 hitouts from 14 disposals.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Aspley firmly kept in touch with the top two following a six-goal win over Maroochydore at Graham Road. The Hornets raced away to a 30-point lead at half-time, and while the Roos were far more competitive in the second half, still went down 9.10 (64) to 4.4 (28).

Jessica Stallard booted three goals and Mikayla Martin kicked two, while Lucy Thompson and Lucy Pengelly were named among the best for the Hornets. Maroochydore’s Kaiya Hides slotted three of her side’s four majors, while Jya Epstein, Lilly Baker and Sophie Peters stood out.

Coorparoo also remained on track for a finals spot with a 29-point win over Yeronga South Brisbane. Despite trailing the Devils by five points at the first break, the Kings booted five goals to nil in the final three quarters, to run away with the match, 6.11 (47) to 2.6 (18).

Chelsea Chesterfield booted five of her side’s six majors in the victory to be a clear standout, while Bonnie Farrell and Hannah McLaughlin were also impressive. For the Devils, Zimmorlei Farquharson took to the field and kicked a goal, while Chelsea Winn and Peppa Poultney were a couple of the better players in the loss.

University of Queensland grabbed a vital win by overcoming Wilston Grange on the weekend. Trailing by five points at the first break, the Red Lionesses booted 8.2 to 0.3 to run away with the contest, 8.4 (52) to 1.4 (10).

Teenage talent Brooke Sheridan booted three goals in the reigning premiers’ victory, while Lauren Middleton, Ava Seton and Laura Roy were also among the better players. Kylie Welsh and Mackenzie Findlay were prominent for the Gorillas.