University of Queensland win Round One of the 2023 Wheelchair Rugby National League
The University of Queensland Red Heavies picked up straight where they left off last year at Cobblebank Stadium in Victoria this weekend, securing the round 1 victory after going undefeated in all five of their matches. Led strongly by captain Chris Bond, UQ looked comfortable across the three days of competition, with new additions to the club Brodie Healy, James Coleman, Beau Vernon and Cam Whittaker fitting in seamlessly having joined from other clubs in the off-season.
Massive clash between Chris Bond (University of QLD) and Taye Williams (Tuggeranong Vikings).
Photo credit Nerissa Byrne Photography
University of QLD mid-pointer, Cam Whittaker, looking for options on Day 1 vs. Tuggeranong Vikings.
Photo credit Nerissa Byrne Photography
The home team, Melbourne Unicorns managed to hold off newcomers, Bond University by a single point in their head-to-head match, with both Robyn Lambird and home-town hero Justin Goh performing strongly for the Unicorns across the competition.
The story of the weekend however was the performance of the Bond University Bull-Sharks, who almost caused the boilover of the year losing by a single point to heavyweights UQ in their final match. For a team newly assembled, the connectivity in their play and selfless individual contributions to the team performance makes them a serious threat for the remaining rounds of competition.
Bond University’s Ella Sabljak looking for support whilst under pressure from Melbourne’s Jayden Warn.
Photo credit Nerissa Byrne Photography
Melbourne Unicorns regroup at half-time in their Day 1 clash vs. Bond University.
Photo credit Nerissa Byrne Photography
Other positives were the performances of Harry Clist for Tuggeranong, returning to the sport after an extended absence, whilst Box Hill and Sydney University put out solid performances across the weekend despite being affected by some key player unavailability. All three of these sides look set to regain some influential players for the remaining two rounds which is going to make for an outstanding finish to an already competitive season.
Huge thanks must go to Disability Sport and Recreation for hosting the first round, along with our committed group of referees, score bench officials and volunteers for making everything possible.
Box Hill’s Blake Cochrane under pressure from Tuggeranong Vikings pair, Harry Clist and Ryan Boyd.
Photo credit Nerissa Byrne Photography
Josh Hose (Sydney University) and Ben Owens (Box Hill) go to battle on Day 1.
Photo credit Nerissa Byrne Photography
Competition heads to Brisbane in a few weeks’ time for round two, before the final and deciding round in Sydney.
Brisbane Bash: 31 March – 2 April 2023 at Nissan Arena (Nathan, Queensland)
Sydney Slam: 22 – 24 April 2023 at Hills Hornets (Castle Hill, New South Wales)