Round 7 vs UQ Match Report

Round 7 – GPS vs University of Queensland

Allsports Physiotherapy Hospital Challenge Cup

Saturday 22nd May, Ashgrove Sports Ground, Yoku Road, Ashgrove

GPS are well-rested and ready to roll for this blockbuster match up against the fellow undefeated side, the University of Queensland Red Heavies. Hundreds of fans filled Ashgrove Sports Ground to witness the match of the season so far, and to support GPS’s inaugural Ladies Day. The Gallopers donned their superhero kits in recognition of the event.

The feeling around the field was electric in the early stages of the game, as two heavyweights were set to battle it out. This eagerness translated onto the pitch, as both teams coughed up knock-ons in their early possessions, trying to overcome big-game jitters.

In the 10th minute, UQ had a lineout 5 metres out from their try line. They set up a strong rolling maul and drove through a formidable Gallopers pack to score their first try of the game, hooker Josh Nasser claiming the honours. Winger, and the competition’s leading points scorer, Kye Oates, kicked the simple conversion and gave his team an early 7-0 lead.

The Red Heavies were knocking on the door again in the 17th minute, driving closer to the line for another score. However, GPS Captain Michael Richards snuffed those plans, drawing a ruck penalty from UQ whilst being backed upright on his own try line. Fly-half Jason Hofmeyr booted the clearing kick, giving the Gallopers some breathing room after surviving several minutes of UQ pressure.

At around the halfway line, UQ flanker Conor Mitchell earned his third lineout steal in just 21 minutes of play, setting his team up for another attacking phase. The ball found its way down to the 5-metre line for another UQ lineout. Josh Nasser controlled the pill from the back of the rolling maul, and steamed over for his second try, reminiscent of the Red Heavies first score. Kye Oates slotted an impressive conversion near the sideline, and put his side up 14-0 after 25 minutes of action.

The Gallopers were needing a score to swing momentum back in their favour, and a yellow card on UQ lock Pat Morrey just 2 minutes after the try, was just what the doctor ordered. GPS found themselves with their foot on the gas, having the ball on the 5 metre line with a scrum, the most dominant position of their attack.

Half back Josh Vuta came agonisingly close to scoring, receiving the ball from flanker Ratu Vio off the back of the scrum, and dropping the ball just before planting it. Despite this, the Gallopers forward pack were still determined to get their team over, earning another scrum shortly after. As GPS motored their way forward, referee Brett Cronan awarded the penalty try, as the Gallopers dominated several scrums in quick succession. Momentum shifted back to the home side as they chewed into the lead, trailing 14-7 with 5 minutes left in the first half.

Late in the half, UQ snatched their fourth lineout steal, setting up for one final attack before the break. Number eight Lona Halaholo controlled the ball off some broken play and jetted through the middle of the pitch, scoring his sixth try of the season. Kye Oates nailed the simple conversion and took his team to the change rooms up 21-7. GPS were on the defensive most of the half, so they needed to come out swinging in the second to bring themselves back in the game.

The second half didn’t start the way the Gallopers wanted, as Kye Oates dove over for a try in the corner, with just a minute of time elapsed. He converted his own try, and gave the Red Heavies a commanding 28-7 lead with plenty of time remaining.

GPS were not demoralised by the score however, finding themselves in their favourite position, 5 metres out with the scrum feed. The Gallopers peeled away from the scrum and drove forward on the attack. After several pick and drives, Ratu Vio spotted a gap in the defence and jumped over the ruck, flying over the line untouched for a try. Hofmeyr converted the simple kick, and GPS now trailed 28-14 after 56 minutes of play, putting the pressure back on UQ.

Only 3 minutes later, the Gallopers were back on the front foot, earning the attacking lineout in the UQ 22. The GPS backs ran their set play to perfection, as field general Jason Hofmeyr flung the inside ball back to speedster Josh Collins who ran his line with conviction. He stepped the last defender with relative ease and cruised over for the try. Hofmeyr made no mistake with his kick and brought the Gallopers to within one score of the Red Heavies, 28-21, with 20 minutes left to play.

GPS were now riding a wave of momentum heading into the games final quarter behind two fantastic scores, but disaster would befall them. The Gallopers received two yellow cards in the 62nd and the 72nd minute, both being high tackles. With reserve half back Cullin Cooper-Jones and Ratu Vio leaving the field, the Red Heavies were poised for another attacking opportunity.

UQ set up their dangerous rolling maul and pushed through for another try, lock Connor-James Vest coming up with the ball. Oates converted the score, and gave his team a 35-21 buffer with 6 minutes remaining.

GPS, now down a man, had a massive two score obstacle to overcome and not much time to work with. Despite the disadvantage, the Gallopers held the attacking lineout 5 metres from the line. Unfortunately, the throw was deemed not straight, and the set play was derailed before it began.

After the UQ clearing kick, GPS held possession near the half-way line, a quick score now being essential. The Gallopers moved too quickly however, as a rushed cut-out pass was intercepted by Kye Oates, who ran over for his second try of the match. He once again converted his own score and took his tally to 22 points for the game, and brought his team to a 42-21 lead in the 80th minute.

GPS were granted a final chance to lower the deficit, but were unsuccessful. When the final whistle was blown, the score read 42-21, the Red Heavies handing GPS their first loss of the season.

Despite the defeat, the Gallopers threw everything but the kitchen sink at UQ. Fly half Jason Hofmeyr set up ball runners effectively all game, and made massive kicking metres throughout. Ratu Vio and Michael Richards ran hard with each run, and also caused havoc in the UQ ruck, both being rewarded with pilfers. As per usual, the GPS scrum was a dominant force, setting the backs up in favourable attacking positions during the match.

The Gallopers next match is on the road against the Wests Bulldogs at Toowong Memorial Park. Another battle is on the cards as the Bulldogs are just one point behind GPS, sitting third place on the ladder. The men will be vying to bounce back with a win against Wests, so make the short trip to Toowong and show your support as you did on Ladies Day!