By Tom Primmer & Brenden Hertel

Round 7 of the Hospital Challenge Cup is in the books, with the University of Queensland claiming a statement win over GPS at Yoku Road to open up a 12-point lead atop of the ladder. 

The Heavies didn’t have it all their own way at Ashgrove, with the battle remaing tight for much of the clash before the Students ran away with a 42-21 win on the back of a number of late tries. 

Kye Oates and Josh Nasser both scored doubles in the win, while newcomer Iona Halahola was at his destructive best in the back row. 

The win sees UQ secure both the Bunter Bowl and Halley Appleby Memorial Cup and maintain their unbeaten record ahead of their first bye of the season this week. 

It was a great contest,” Uni Assistant Coach Elton Berrange said. 

“Jeeps put us under pressure at the scrum and breakdown. They are a very good team. 

“Our team this year are developing well. They were under the pump for large periods of the game, but they found a way to get on top. 

“We work hard at training to challenge our players under pressure when they’re fatigued. It’s a credit to Sam Harrison, our Head of S&C and the mindset of our players that their fitness is where it is.”

Jeeps will take plenty from the clash, with the Gallopers scrum one area of dominance for the home side and an area of focus for when they next meet Uni. 

Souths piled on the misery for Easts at David Wilson Field on Saturday afternoon, the young Magpies sinking the Tigers to their seventh loss of the season. 

Struggling with injuries, the reingning premiers looked to have broken through for their first win of the seaosn and held a narrow lead with minues to play in front of their home crowd. 

Souths refused to yield however, with a late try to Tye James sealing the 17-12 come-from-behind win. 

Although happy with the win, head coach Todd Dammers was left disappointed with his side’s performance for much of the match.

“Yes it is pleasing to see them grind that out,” Dammers said. 

“It was a good lesson for them to learn and builds trust in what they are capable of. 

“I thought for 50 minutes we were poor. The last 30 we were better, but we are working really hard on our game, so it was great to get the win, but we all feel we should expect a better performance from this group.” 

On the Gold Coast, Bond University returned to the winner’s circle with a narrow 33-27 win over Wests. 

Tautalatasi scored a double for the Bullsharks, with the win seeing the side consolidate their spot in the top four. 

Brothers spoiled Old Boys Day celebrations at Sunnybank, with the Brethren running out 44-21 winners against an understrength Dragons outfit. 

Nate Carroll collected 22-points of his own with two tries and a number of conversions and penalites, with the butcher’s stripes now sitting six-points adrift of fourth spot after a slow start to the season. 

They’ll take on Bond at home next round, while Sunnybank will look to bounce back against Souths at Chipsy Wood Oval. 

Norths are back in action after the bye and will hosts Souths, with GPS facing Wests at Sylvan Road to round out the action.