By Tom Primmer

A Braiden Oates hat-trick inspired the University of Queensland to their sixth-straight win to start the season over the weekend, while Norths claimed their first victory of the year in an action-parked Round 6 of the Hospital Challenge Cup.

In the first inter-varsity clash of the season, Bond University looked a chance of springing an upset at St Lucia, with the Gold Coasters holding a 21-14 with 20-minutes to play against the more-fancied Red Heavies.