By Tom Primmer

A clinical second-half showing saw the University of Queensland claim their eighth-straight win to start the season as the Hospital Challenge Cup reached its halfway point over the weekend. 

The Heavies led Wests 10-nil at the half-time break, before laying on seven tries to run out 53-7 winners in a dominant second forty minutes at St Lucia. 

Destructive ball runners Iona Halaholo and TJ Siakisini were at their destructive best, with the Students showcasing their incredible club depth in the absence of the likes of Mac Grealy, Connor Vest and Scott Gale. 

I was really impressed with the team for just sticking at it,” Berrange said. 

“We came out in the second half and looked a lot more cohesive in attack and defence. 

“We mauled quite well and got the ball moving well through the phases including off turnovers. 

“We’ve had to call on all our depth this year. It’s great to see so many players from all grades in the club stepping up and playing well.” 

Sunnybank strung consecutive wins together for the first time this year in Round 9, proving too strong for Norths at the Bank. 

Lock Nesetolio Solia scored a double in the victory, while Liam McNamara again led from the front in another assured performance at flyhalf.

Head coach Sione Fukofuka said the win provides momentum for his side as the race to finals heats up.

“Two wins is huge for the boys confidence and it’s important for the club,” Fukofuka said. 

“It’s been a long time since that happened, so we are embracing creating new expectations.

I was impressed with some of the rugby we played, we attacked with positive intent and created opportunities across the 80-minutes. 

“We still have to be more accurate but scored points when we had to, which was nice. 

The ability of the group to again manage the momentum swings and respond was the most pleasing aspect, scoring three tries in the final quarter of the game was a sign we are improving as a group.”

Souths proved too much for a depleted Bond side on the weekend, the Magpies claiming a 51-43 win in a try-scoring feast on the Gold Coast. 

Both sides scored seven tries at the Canal, with Souths skipper Luke Samoa’s superior goal kicking proving the eventual difference. 

Youngsters Jakob Morrison and Seb Hanna scored doubles for the visitors, while Tautalatasi Tasi impressed his home crowd with a hat-trick for the Gold Coasters. 

At Yoku Road, GPS cemented their spot in second place, spoiling Fraser McReight’s return in the butcher’s stripes with a 26-17 win over Brothers. 

It was another assured performance from the Gallopers, with set-piece dominance and attacking class seeing them establish themselves as UQ’s major competition this season. 

They’ll take on Souths this week at Chipsy Wood Oval, while the Brethren will look to bounce back when they host Uni. 

Easts are back in action and out for redemption when they take on Sunnybank away from home, with Norths taking on Bond at Shaw Road to round out the action.