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 matchup against the fellow undefeated 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, as two heavyweights were set to battle it out. Both teams coughed up knock-ons in their early possessions.

In the 10th minute, UQ had a lineout 5 metres out. They set up a strong rolling maul and drove through a formidable Gallopers pack to score, hooker Josh Nasser claiming the honours. Winger Kye Oates kicked the simple conversion for an early 7-0 lead.

The Red Heavies were knocking on the door again in the 17th minute. However, GPS Captain Michael Richards snuffed those plans, drawing a ruck penalty from UQ whilst backed up on his own try line. Jason Hofmeyr booted the clearing kick.

UQ flanker Conor Mitchell earned his third lineout steal in just 21 minutes. 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. Kye Oates slotted an impressive conversion near the sideline, 14-0 after 25 minutes.

The Gallopers needed a score, and a yellow card on UQ lock Pat Morrey two minutes after the try was just what the doctor ordered. GPS found themselves with the ball on the 5 metre line with a scrum.

Half back Josh Vuta came agonisingly close, receiving the ball from Ratu Vio off the back of the scrum and dropping it just before planting. The Gallopers forward pack earned another scrum shortly after, and referee Brett Cronan awarded a penalty try as GPS dominated several scrums in quick succession. GPS trailed 14-7 with 5 minutes left in the half.

Late in the half, UQ snatched their fourth lineout steal. 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. UQ led 21-7 at the break.

The second half didn’t start the way the Gallopers wanted, as Kye Oates dove over in the corner with just a minute elapsed. He converted his own try, 28-7.

GPS were not demoralised, finding themselves 5 metres out with the scrum feed. After several pick and drives, Ratu Vio spotted a gap and jumped over the ruck, flying over untouched. Hofmeyr converted, GPS trailing 28-14 after 56 minutes.

Three minutes later the Gallopers were back on the front foot with an attacking lineout in the UQ 22. The backs ran their set play to perfection, as Jason Hofmeyr flung the inside ball back to Josh Collins who ran his line with conviction. He stepped the last defender and cruised over. GPS were within one score, 28-21, with 20 minutes left.

GPS were riding a wave of momentum, but disaster befell them. The Gallopers received two yellow cards in the 62nd and 72nd minutes, both high tackles. With Cullin Cooper-Jones and Ratu Vio off the field, the Red Heavies were poised.

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

GPS held an attacking lineout 5 metres from the line, but the throw was deemed not straight. After the UQ clearing kick, a rushed cut-out pass was intercepted by Kye Oates, who ran over for his second try. He converted, taking his tally to 22 points for the game, 42-21 in the 80th minute.

When the final whistle blew 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. Jason Hofmeyr set up ball runners effectively all game and made massive kicking metres. Ratu Vio and Michael Richards ran hard, both rewarded with pilfers. As per usual, the GPS scrum was a dominant force.