Griffith’s united in aiming for revenge
GRIFFITH University are preparing to ambush women’s rugby derby rivals Bond University on enemy territory today.
Still reeling from a seventh place finish a fortnight ago in Brisbane, Griffith captain Lauren Brown said her side are more determined than ever to turn things around.
“We’re definitely really pumped up especially because it is, not technically our home tournament, but there is still a little piece of us on the Gold Coast so we want to really come out all guns blazing,” she said.
“We were quite disappointed with how we went in the UQ tournament so we’re looking to bounce back.
“Our first game is Bond so we really want to have a good performance to set up our tournament going forward.”
Brown said the fact the match will be at Bond would make victory in the 2.40pm kick-off “even sweeter”.
Their case has not been helped however by the continued absence of Aussie stars Shannon Parry and Demi Hayes (wrist injuries).
Brown, who has just completed
her sports management degree, said the pair’s presence around the group has been crucial nonetheless.
Held today and tomorrow, the Bond series is the final leg of the four-part Women’s University Sevens Series.
Griffith are fourth overall, with UQ runaway leaders.
Bond head into the last round in second place, having medalled at Launceston, Sydney and Brisbane.
Coach Ben Gollings said Gold Coast is in for a treat.
“The quality of rugby has been building so spectators can expect to see the best, and fiercest, matches to date this weekend,” he said.
“It’s going to be a strong race to the finish line.
“This weekend’s tournament will be an awesome opportunity to showcase sevens to the country and for the people of the Gold Coast and southeast Queensland to witness first-hand the calibre of our local players and just how far they’ve come.”
Following Griffith and Bond’s clash, both sides will play two round matches before tomorrow’s playoffs.