The Gold Coast Bulletin

Bond counting the cost

Too many errors as Bull Sharks record a loss to start season

- CONNOR O’BRIEN

LAPSES were to blame for Bond University’s Queensland Premier Rugby season-opening loss to Brothers as the club showed their hand on a tactic they will deploy throughout the year.

The Bull Sharks’ 2019 campaign got off to the worst possible start at Crosby Park on Saturday, conceding a try inside the first two minutes.

Bond did take the lead at one stage but for the most part were behind in their 26-20 loss.

“We did a lot of good things but we just had three small lapses and they scored tries off them and that hurt us at the end of the day,” captain Harry Nucifora said.

“We probably lost the game, they probably didn’t win it. It’s not an ideal start.”

Openside flanker Connor Pritchard scored a try in an “outstandin­g” debut for Bond, while winger Jordan Hughes also crossed.

Nucifora converted both tries and kicked two penalties and revealed they would continue to take three-pointers when given the chance.

“I don’t think a lot of teams in this competitio­n do it (take penalty goals) but certainly in the profession­al teams, creating scoreboard pressure does things to teams and makes them make different decisions,” he said.

“It is definitely something that we will look to do throughout the year.”

The 22-year-old scrumhalf expects the young side to take some time to get up to speed but knows they need to bounce back quickly to avoid a repeat of last year’s costly slow start.

“We are probably one of the younger teams in the comp,” Nucifora said.

“The younger guys are a bit timid at times; they are good and they do have the potential but it is just getting used to playing at that level. The only way you can do it and get better at it is by getting experience by playing.

“It will take time but all the new and young guys, they are really enthusiast­ic and they have done well in the pre-season so that’s why they are there.”

Bond are at home against University of Queensland in Round 2.

D +/- BP Pts 0 49 1 5 0 32 1 5 0 26 1 5 0 6 0 4 0 -6 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 -26 0 0 0 -32 0 0 0 -49 0 0

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