Round 12 of the Hospital Challenge Cup is in the books, with the University of Queensland, GPS and Bond University securing wins to consolidate their positions in the top three. 

After a number of injuries and tight losses recently, the Bullsharks looked back to their best on the Gold Coast, running in seven tries to one in a comprehensive 46-7 display. 

In his first game back from injury, Joey Fittock crossed for three tries in a trademark electric performance, while mid-season recruit Byron Hutchinson scored in his first game in Bond colours. 

Captain Dan Boardman lauded his side’s performance after a tight loss to Easts last weekend.

“Very pleased with the turnaround from the boys,” Boardman said. 

“We let that Easts game slip so to get a good win like that against Sunnybank was great.”

“Devon Henson was my standout as his dominance in defence and his big carries in attack help us a great deal. 

“Joey Fittock was awesome with his speed, irreplaceable that is.”

At Hugh Courtney Oval, Uni extended their winning streak to 11-games with a 43-20 victory over Norths. 

The hosts were reduced to 14-men in the opening exchanges after an ugly tackle saw captain Paulo Leleisiuao red-carded, with the Students going on to score six tries to two at Shaw Road. 

Flyhalf Brad Twidale crossed for a double, while former Wallabies skipper Stephen Moore went over for his first try as his return to club Rugby continues. 

GPS brought an end to Easts’ mid-season resurgence, gritting out a 15-5 win at Yoku Road. 

In a low-scoring display, Jeeps flanker Matt Gicquel proved the eventual difference, the Sunshine Coast product securing a number of crucial turnovers and scoring both of his side’s two tries. 

The loss keeps Easts nine-points out of the top four, although the reigning premier’s finals hopes are still alive with six rounds to play. 

In the final game of the round, Wests moved back into the top-four with a 38-26 win over Souths at Chipsy Wood Oval. 

The Skelton brothers, Richie and Jeremiah, accounted for four of the Bulldogs six tries, with Richie crossing for three, although a red-card to Jeremiah soured his afternoon. 

The Bulldogs will look to continue their form next round when they take on Norths at Sylvan Road, with Souths travelling to Albion to face Brothers. 

Easts host UQ in a bid to keep their finals hopes alive, while GPS will travel south to battle Sunnybank.