UNIVERSITY of Queensland made a surprise triumph in the QAFLW over the weekend as they defeated third placed Bond University by 22 points in a hard-fought contest. Playing on home turf in sunny skies, the Red Lionesses claimed a brave 10.5 (65) to 7.1 (43) victory, showcasing accuracy and pressure.

The first quarter was a shootout and both teams played quite evenly. University of Queensland kicked four goals to Bond’s three. Both teams maintained strong energy in the first term, going hard laying tackles and clunking contested marks. The tone was set in the first 30 seconds of the match when Erin Gilbert kicked an incredible first goal on the run. The momentum followed as Coco Garton, Charlotte Andrews and Farrandai Hopkins all joined in the scoring.

In the 11th minute, Bond put its first goal on the board with Charlotte Taylor producing a fantastic finish on the run. It made the Bull Sharks build in confidence from there and they booted two more majors before the first break. As the siren for the first quarter blew, the scores read Queensland’s 4.0 (24) to Bond’s 3.0 (18).

University of Queensland dominated more in the second term, not allowing Bond any scoring chances, however the Red Lionesses only kicked one themselves through Andrews’ second of the day. Bond’s defence lifted during the term as well, providing a series of competing well and applying defensive pressure.

The third quarter is where Bond shone, making the scores a close 10-point difference after they kicked three incredible goals in a row. Maisy Evans popped the first major in and Brianna Moyes kicked two back-to-back, tightening the gap between the scoreboard. However, University of Queensland fought back in the final quarter, kicking three goals to one to secure the win.

Despite their loss, Bond gun Shannon Nolan was able to acquire 29 disposals for the second week in a row, 21 of them being contested possessions. But for the victors, Erin Gilbert, Andrews and Freya Ross dominated the ground in the tight match and ended on a surprising win for University of Queensland.

In the next round, the Red Lionesses will battle bottom of the ladder Yeronga South Brisbane on Saturday, whereas Bond will play Morningside in a nail-biting match between second and third.

BOND UNIVERSITY 3.0 | 3.0 | 6.0 | 7.1 (43)
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND 4.0 | 5.2 | 7.4 | 10.5 (65)

GOALS:

University of Queensland: C. Andrews 2, E. McCabe 2, M. Piunti 2, C. Garton, E. Gilbert, F. Hopkins, E. Rogers
Bond University: K. Blattman 2, B. Moyes 2, A. Bevan, M. Evans, C. Taylor

AROUND THE GROUNDS

Morningside remained second on the ladder after their triumph against Wilston Grange on Saturday morning. It was a captivating win, with Wilston Grange surprising their opponents in the second term, kicking three goals. Laura Roy was named as one of the best players on the ground, with 16 disposals, five tackles and five marks. Morningside solidified the win and their second-place spot with scores being 9.4 (58) to 4.3 (27) as the final siren blew.

Reigning premiers and current ladder leaders Southport absolutely dominated Moreton Bay by an intense 166 points, not allowing Moreton to put anything on the scoreboard. The standout side kicked an impressive 11 goals to nil in the final term. Madeline Watt had a stunning game with a whopping 31 disposals, seven tackles and 10 clearances. The Sharks dominated the play from start to finish 24.22 (166) to zero.

Aspley defeated Maroochydore by 23 points at their homebase on Saturday evening. It was an even contest, with Aspley making it out on top. Anna van de Wiel dominated the play with 22 disposals and consistent outstanding judgement of play. On Maroochydore’s side, Molly Ferguson influenced the ground with an impressive 21 disposals. However, Aspley came out on top 4.8 (32) to 1.3 (9).

Coorparoo thrashed bottom of the barrel Yeronga South Brisbane by 162 points, keeping Yeronga goal-less. Out of 25 goals for Coorparoo, Edie Fraser kicked a whopping seven of them. The double bottom-ager also had 27 disposals and four tackles, which made her one of the best players for the match. Alongside her, Emily Harding was another standout, laying 10 tackles and picking up 23 disposals.