By Tom Primmer & Brenden Hertel

The University of Queensland called on the experience of a former Wallaby captain to extend their winning undefeated run in the Hospital Challenge Cup, while reigning premiers Easts secured their second win of 2021 in Round 10. 

In a thrilling contest at Albion, 129-cap Wallaby Stephen Moore made his first appearance on a Rugby field since 2017, helping the Students to a 33-32 win over Brothers in front of a raucous Crosby Park crowd.

Trailing 33-17 with 20-minutes to play, the hosts fought back late, with a Billy Bulley try after the siren bringing the margin within one-point. 

The win lengthens the Heavies advantage atop of the ladder to seven-points, with GPS their closest rival in second spot. 

“Brothers put us under a lot of pressure and we were only able to attack well in patches,” UQ Assistant Coach Elton Berrange said. 

“Executing off line breaks and converting those into points proved vital with the score line in the end.

“We have many work ons after yesterday but getting our line speed and defensive shape to our standard is the biggest one. 

“It was great to welcome Squeak into the team. He certainly looked like he enjoyed himself and he brings so much experience. The players really enjoyed it.” 

At Sunnybank, Easts avenged their Round 1 loss to the Bankers with a crushing 39-7 win, their second victory of the season. 

After a tight opening thirty minutes, the reigning premiers ran in four unanswered tries at the Bank, with captain Tom Milosevic and flyhalf Lachy Kirk starring for the visiting side. 

Head coach Moses Rauluni said two consecutive wins will give his side momentum after a difficult beginning to their campaign.

“It’s been a tough start to the season,” Rauluni said.

“It puts a really big fight on our hands to make the top four. Two wins in a row could give us the confidence we need to turn it around.” 

“We really worked hard for each other and pressured their attack into mistakes.”

Elsewhere, GPS outclassed Souths, claiming a 47-20 win on the back of a Tuaina Taii Tualima double, with the Gallopers continuing to cement their position as a premiership heavyweight this season. 

It was a tale of two halves at Chipsy Wood Oval, as the Magpies held a narrow 13-12 lead at the half-time break.

Jeeps turned on their attacking flair in the second-half, crossing for four five-pointers to secure their eighth win of the year. 

A depleted Bond University side proved too much for Norths at Shaw Road, the Bullsharks winning 32-21 to consolidate their position in the top-four. 

They’ll face Easts at Tigerland next round, while Norths have another tough task when they face GPS at Yoku Road this Saturday. 

Ladder-leaders host Souths at St Lucia, with Brothers travelling to face Wests to finish the Round 11 action.