As UQ and Jeeps extend lead, race for other Premier Rugby finals spots heats up

By Tom Primmer & Brenden Hertel

Competition heavyweights the University of Queensland and GPS cruised to crushing wins in Round 11 of the Hospital Challenge Cup, while there’s a new team in the top-four as the finals picture becomes clearer. 

UQ accounted for Souths 56-21 in front of their home crowd, the Heavies securing their 10th straight win to remain the competition’s only undefeated side. 

From the set-piece to a sparkly backline sprinkled with youth and experience, it’s hard to find a significant flaw in this Uni outfit, with seven different players crossing for tries on Saturday including Queensland Reds youngsters Kalani Thomas and Mac Grealy. 

“It’s nice to have another win under the belt,” UQ Assistant Coach Elton Berrange said. 

“The veterans Con Foley and Conor Mitchell were so busy yesterday. They were into everything. 

“Our back three had a big day with the Oates brothers and Mac Grealy really connecting well in counter attack.”

With the likes of Jock Campbell, Sam Wallis, Scott Gale and Angus Scott-Young all set to return in the coming weeks, the possibility of an unprecedented undefeated season remains a firm reality for the Students. 

GPS put in a similarly dominant performance on Saturday afternoon against an injury hit Norths side at Yoku Road. 

The Gallopers ran in 10 tries to two at Ashgrove, with Pat Nicholson, Douglas Rayment and Josh Collins crossing for doubles in the 58-17 drubbing. 

Queensland contracted lock Tuaina Taii Tualima continues to take his game to new heights, with his physicality and work rate around the park offering this Jeeps side plenty in both attack and defence. 

The Gallopers now sit 13-points ahead of their closest rival, third-placed Bond University, while also just seven-points adrift of the pace setters Uni. 

At Sylvan Road, Brothers moved into the top-four for the first time this season with a comprehensive 37-12 victory over Wests. 

After dropping their Round 2 clash against the Bulldogs, there was plenty of motivation for the Brethren, and the side looked vastly different compared to their lacklustre display against the same team nine weeks ago. 

Returning Reds Ryan Smith and Josh Flook both crossed for tries as their side claimed their fifth win of the season. 

After a strong start to their campaign, Wests have now lost their last four games and will need to finish their season with a wet sail if they are to see finals action in 2021. 

In the final game of the round, Easts continued their charge up the ladder with a 32-22 win over Bond University in front of a huge crowd at Tigerland. 

The victory is the reigning premiers third on the trot and sees them move into sixth spot after failing to register a win in their first seven games of the season. 

With Liam Wright, Seru Uru, Richie Asiata, Jack Hardy and Aidan Leeming returning over the weekend and Rhys van Nek a chance to do the same pending COVID, the Tigers are out to make a late charge to the top four in the next eight weeks. 

They’ll receive the a huge test of their finals credentials this weekend against GPS at Yoku Road, while Bond University will need to bounce back when they host Sunnybank. 

Norths host UQ at Hugh Courtney Oval, with Souths facing Wests at Chipsy Wood Oval. 



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