By Tom Primmer & Brenden Hertel

A drought-breaking win for the reigning premiers and a thrilling draw at Crosby Park punctuated Round 8 of the Hospital Cup, as the race to the top-four begins to take shape. 

It took eight games, but Easts have finally broken through for their first win of the season, defeating Norths 32-22 at Hugh Courtney Oval over the weekend. 

It’s no secret that it’s been a tough start to the campaign for the entire squad at Tigerland, with a huge casualty ward and a number of narrow losses over the opening seven rounds of the competition keeping spirts low for the reigning champions.

A return to the winner’s circle is the perfect tonic for those issues, with head coach Moses Rauluni praising his side’s performance against the Eagles.

“It was like we won the Grand Final again,” Rauluni said. 

“It’s a good feeling to get that monkey off our back and go into the bye with one win under our belt. 

“Our game management is really improving. There’s still lots of work to do but little steps at a time.”

Brothers and Bond played out the first draw of the season on Saturday in a pulsating clash at Crosby Park. 

The Bullsharks raced out of the blocks to lead 28-7 by the 20-minute mark and looked headed for a big away victory at Albion, before the Brethren hit back in front of their home crowd. 

Still trailing by a converted try, it took a Richard Clift try to bring Brothers within two-points of the Bullsharks, with Nate Carroll slotting the simple conversion to seal the stunning comeback and ensure the sides shared the points in Round 8. 

Further south, Sunnybank shattered a five-game losing streak with a narrow 24-21 win over the Magpies at Chipsy Wood Oval. 

A late try to impressive Souths prop Andrew Romano set up a grandstand finish for the home crowd, but their side was unable to pierce the Sunnybank defence who held on for their second win of the season. 

The McNamara brothers, Liam and Neal, starred for the Dragons in the halves, managing the result at Yeronga, while veteran Albert Anae added steel and experience to the forward pack. 

Head coach Sione Fukofuka lauded his side’s performance after a number of disappointing losses.

“It was feeling of pride in the boys effort, pleased that the groups were able to get the result and respond to the disappointment of last weeks Old Boys effort,” Fukofuka said.

“I was impressed by our ability to create pressure with the ball and open up opportunities.

“We were able to control possession for big periods of time which was an improvement. The character of the group was also a positive, as it’s not easy to win at Souths. 

“Our ability to manage the momentum swings through our defence and control the end of the game was pleasing.”

At Sylvan Road, GPS held on to beat Wests 33-31 in a tightly contested clash between two premiership contenders.

On Ladies Day at Toowong, the Gallopers held a 33-19 lead with 10-minutes to play, before a pair of quick tries to Byron Hutchinson and Shea Lalagasevi brought the hosts within two-points. 

Jeeps were able to hold out the surging Bulldogs, a number of Matt Gicquel turnovers proving crucial as the Gallopers cemented their spot in seond on the ladder. 

They’ll take on Brothers at home next week, while Wests will take on UQ at St Lucia. 

Bond host Souths and and Norths travel to Sunnybank to round out the Round 9 action.