By Tom Primmer & Brenden Hertel

Just a month remains of the 2021 Hospital Challenge Cup season, with UQ and GPS extending their leads atop of the table and Brothers making their way back to the top four after Round 14.

The Heavies made it 13-straight with a 45-10 win over Sunnybank at St Lucia, BJ Oates scoring another double as the Students ran in seven tries to two in front of their home crowd. 

Prized recruit Lukas Ripley made it his long-awaited Uni debut after making the move from Chipsy Wood Oval over the off-season, the young centre scoring a try in his first outing in his new colours. 

The ladder-leaders wore an Indigenous jersey to commemorate NAIDOC Week, and UQ assistant coach Elton Berrange shared the story of the jersey and its meaning to the side.

“It was such a special occasion for our whole group to play in that strip,” Berrange said. 

“We have worn it every Thursday training night and selected players each week to share their story. It was such a privilege for the whole Premier Grade team and staff to see our boys represent that jersey and all the stories from the past 13 rounds.

“Our intent was great. Our execution wasn’t good, but they stuck to the plan despite being frustrated got a good result.” 

At Yoku Road, Jeeps continued their winning ways with a 34-23 victory over fellow final aspirants Bond University on Saturday afternoon. 

The Gold Coasters raced out to a 10-nil lead early and looked set to upset the Gallopers at home, before the GPS machine kicked into gear to eventually seal their seventh-straight win. 

Emosi Tuqiri, Matt Mafi, Jack Straker, Maile Ngauamo and Fred Burke went to work at scrum time to secure two penalty tries for the hosts, while young gun Floyd Aubrey scored his maiden Hospital Cup try in his second start. 

The loss leaves Bond’s finals hopes in a precarious position, with the Bullsharks dropping to fourth spot and equal on points with Wests in fifth. 

The Bulldogs could have jumped over their Gold Coast rivals with a win, but faltered against Easts who secured their fourth victory of the year. 

Wests led for much of the match at Sylvan Road, before a late rolling maul try sealed a dramatic 38-34 win for the Tigers. 

It was Lachy Kirk’s superior form of the tee which eventually proved the difference, the Tigers playmaker slotting four conversions from as many attempts and a penalty goal. 

Richard Skelton scored a consolation hat-trick for the Bulldogs, who must face Bond, UQ and GPS in their run home to finals. 

Brothers again showcased their attacking prowess as they continue their push in the backend of the season, proving too much for Norths in the second northside derby of 2021. 

The Brethren ran in nine tries to two against their closest neighbours, with nine different players getting their name on the scorecard in a comprehensive win at Hugh Courtney Oval. 

The 57-14 win moves the side back into the top-four as they look to return to the finals series after missing out last year. 

They’ll travel to David Wilson Field this weekend to take on Easts, while Norths will look to bounce back when they host Souths. 

Elsewhere, Bond University will look to bring an end to Uni’s unbeaten run when they host the inter-varsity clash on the Gold Coast, while Sunnybank host Wests who need a win to keep their finals hopes alive.