BOND COACH BACK TO WORK FOR 2018 SERIES
BOND University coach Ben Gollings says his side will take a leaf out of all-conquering University of Queensland’s book as they plot to go one better in 2018.
UQ proved far too good in the inaugural Women’s University Sevens Series, carrying a perfect record through 20 games to sweep all four tournaments and the overall gold medal. Bond proved best of the rest, winning a medal at every leg of the series including bronze on home turf at the weekend.
Gollings put UQ’s dominance down to preparation.
“Out of all the teams they probably had the biggest headstart on everybody,” the Englishman said.
“They had been running a girls club team for a while so I think they had the advantage in knowing the girls and having already a team and a squad in place.
“They were probably the team that was most consistent and the results show that throughout the tournament in terms of their performance every game
“Teams ran them very close but they just managed to hold on every time.”
Gollings said Bond will soon get to work on building for next year’s series, which could involve more teams and more tournaments.
“Ideally we can get going fairly soon in terms of developing the team and the players and looking towards the future. It is really important,” he said.
Among the pick of the talent uncovered during the inaugural series was Bond’s Jess Elliston.
“She got stronger and stronger as the competitions went on. She has got what it takes so it will be interesting to see how she develops and moves forward over the next 12 months,” Gollings said.
“She is a good athlete and she has got good ball skills … she has got great qualities for a sevens player.
“It is just a matter of game time for her now and making sure she gets more and more of it.”