Grand Final vs UQ
by Ben Mitchell
Grand-Final – GPS vs UQ
Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup
Sunday 5th September, Suncorp Stadium
GPS fans arrived at Suncorp by the busloads, ready to watch the Premier Women, Colts 1, and Premier Men battle it out for the top spot. After witnessing the Colts men come from behind and snatch victory from the Easts Tigers, the Gallopers supporters were raring to go for the finale. The same focus was seen in the eyes of the men as they ran out, ready for one last hit-out against the Red Heavies.
UQ were simply too good for GPS in the first half, dominating possession and territory from the get-go. Their defence was stifling to boot, forcing the Gallopers to knock the ball on within their phases. The Red Heavies showed no fault at the lineout and scrum time, holding their own against a formidable GPS forward pack.
Winger Kye Oates kicked proceedings off with a penalty, giving UQ the early 0-3 advantage after 5 minutes. Only moments later, UQ were back on the front foot with an attacking lineout. They quickly moved the ball between their backs and found a vacant Kye Oates on the wing, steaming forward for a try. The try was left unconverted, leaving the score at 0-8 with 10 minutes gone.
This start by GPS was looking eerily similar to the semi-final, with Wests getting the early jump on them in that one. The men would need to respond quickly, as the Red Heavies are a much more dangerous side.
Ball was quickly back with UQ, and Kye Oates knocked over another penalty from right in front to extend the lead, 0-11 after 17 minutes.
The Gallopers began to find their feet however, spending the next passage of play in the UQ 22, pushing forward and applying pressure on the defence. UQ stood tall once again and capitalised on a lineout turnover, running the length of the field to secure a lineout in the GPS 22. Hooker James Hansen received the ball back in the rolling maul, and the Red Heavies rumbled their way over for another try. Oates converted the score, pushing UQ out 0-18 with 13 minutes remaining in the half.
UQ would go on to retain majority of possession, sealing the first half with an Oates penalty in front of the posts, the score reading 0-21 at the halftime break. GPS were down the same margin against Wests in the semi-final, so they would need to come out of the locker room reproducing the same magic they found a week ago.
The second half started identical to the first, with an early penalty kick from Kye Oates, who sent UQ further ahead, 0-24 3 minutes in.
Following the penalty, the next 20 minutes would be a real battle between the two sides, featuring a number of scrums. Both forward packs showcased their prowess in the scrum, winning penalties and funnelling clean ball for the backs.
Despite the Gallopers best efforts, UQ had the scrum feed 5 metres out from the line. Flanker Sam Wallis scooped the ball up from the back and ran through 4 GPS defenders for a hard fought try. Oates was unable to kick the conversion, giving UQ a commanding 0-29 lead with 17 minutes remaining.
GPS would see a glimmer of hope in the 68th minute, with UQ prop Hamish Richardson being shown yellow for too many penalties in succession, giving the Gallopers the extra man advantage. After 5 minutes of one-way traffic for GPS, flanker Matt Gicquel was able to spot an opening in the defence, and ran through 3 UQ defenders for a try. Jason Hofmeyr converted the try quickly, putting GPS on the board 7-29 with 6 minutes to go.
The Red Heavies would be shown another yellow card in the 78th minute, reserve half back Mosiah Christian committing a blatant offside penalty. GPS would pounce on the opportunity, as Hofmeyr delivered a perfect cut-out pass to winger Josh Collins for a try in the right corner. Hofmeyr couldn’t convert the difficult conversion, leaving the score at 12-29 with very little time remaining.
The Gallopers would have one last gasp at more points, and were looking dangerous. Matt Gicquel unfortunately knocked the ball on in the ruck, and referee Nic Berry blew the final whistle. At full time the score read 12-29, UQ being crowned the Hospital Challenge Cup Champions.
Full credit goes to the Red Heavies, they were the better team on the day, and displayed their dominance in patches, as they have all season long. For GPS, although a disappointing end, should be stoked with their season, only losing one game, and beating the eventual champions UQ in Round 16.
Their were some outstanding individual performances throughout the season. Ratu Vio and Matt Gicquel were workhorses at the flanker positions, tormenting defences when they ran downhill. Captain Michael Richards led masterfully from the number eight, steering his team through some hard fought victories. The list goes on and on, but each player should be celebrated for their contributions!
Thank you to all the amazing GPS supporters, the men could not have done it without you. From giving opposing teams hell at Yoku road, to travelling away for the team, each one of you played your part in the Gallopers success. GPS will be back again next year, looking to win the 2022 Hospital Challenge Cup!