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. 

Enter Oates, who scored two of UQ’s four final unanswered tries to lead his side to a 38-21 win and secure outright top spot on the ladder. 

Skipper Pat Morrey was his usual abrasive self at the breakdown, while TJ Siakisini provided impact off the bench, scoring in his 50^th Premier Grade game for the club. 

“We started well but a combination of poor decision making and an intercept opened the door for Bond,” UQ Assistant Coach Elton Berrange said.  

“They only need a half chance and capitalised on our errors.

“We clarified a few things at halftime particularly at set piece and in defence. Our bench provided great momentum, particularly TJ Siakisini who broke plenty of tackles and got us across the advantage line.”

Norths outlasted Souths in the Battle of the Birds at Chipsy Wood Oval, souring the Magpies Ladies’ Day celebrations in the process.

The Eagles held a slender three-point lead with minutes to play, before try to Bradley Kuhn sealed a 27-20 win for the visitors, their first of 2021. 

“We feel like we have been close a couple of times this year, but to finally get the win was a great reward for the boys who have been putting in all season,” Norths head coach Pat Byron said. 

“We controlled the ball better today, and probably kept to our structures more than we have all season.

“Our set piece was also solid, which laid a good foundation for us.”  

Brothers continued the misery for Easts on Saturday afternoon, inflicting the defending premiers six-straight defeat in as many matches to start their campaign.

Billy Bulley scored a double in front of a vocal Crosby Park crowd, while young lock Jonte Connolly scored his first Premier Grade try for the butcher’s stripes as the Brethren finished 36-19 winners. 

Wests brought up their third straight win to round out the action against Sunnybank at Sylvan Road. 

The Dragons remained in the contest for much of the clash, with the Bulldogs eventually proving strong, scoring four tries to three to win 27-19. 

They’ll take the tough road trip down the M1 to face a Bond side looking for redemption after two straight defeats, while Sunnybank will host Brothers on the southside. 

Easts will again be in search of their first win when they face Souths at Tigerland, while GPS will do battle with UQ at Yoku Road in a mouth-watering clash between the competition’s two best sides.