Queensland Reds lock Josh Canham is relishing a shot at the first grand final of his career after Bond University continued their epic finals run today.
The Bull Sharks mauled Easts 47-14 in the StoreLocal Hospital preliminary final a week after knocking out minor premiers Wests 34-0 in the minor semi-final.
Their reward is a grand final date at Ballymore Stadium next Sunday against a Brothers side chasing a third straight premiership.
Anything is possible because Bond Uni are on a finals roll by a bolter not seen since former Wallaby Chris Feauai-Sautia powered Souths to a premiership in 2015.
This is the first visit to the grand final by a Gold Coast club since 2007 when the Gold Coast Breakers were in their pomp before the union with Bond University.
Today was a stunning display from Bond in a match most judges had predicted would be a close contest with Easts enjoying home ground advantage at Bottomley Park.
The Tigers’ faithful were agog when Bond jumped to a 14-0 lead inside the opening five minutes. Their side was as off the pace as a tough, gristly Tiger Burger such was the intent and superior speed that Bond hit the game with.
The opening try in the second minute showed the poise of centre Dan Boardman who drew in the defence before putting winger Deon Evans-Ao Leifi over in the scoreboard corner.
The classy touches continued. The Bullsharks were 21-0 clear in the 14th minute when prop Rhys Sheriff popped a super one-handed offload to front-row partner Harrison Usher for a try under the posts.
The Tigers had their chance when lock Charlie Scott crashed over midway through the first half for 21-7 and more pressure was heaped on.
That’s when Canham’s class really paid off.
“Easts had a 5m lineout and Josh just tugged on my shorts and I lifted. He knew what was coming and stole the lineout,” Sheriff said.
“As soon as Josh came into training this week he meant business. He’s really bought in.
“One hundred per cent he’s a strike weapon who adds to our confidence against Brothers.”
It was Canham’s first match of the season for Bond because of representative duties. He made it count as did Reds hooker George Blake at scrum time.
“After Bond won the semi, I got on the phone to the coach (Mick Heenan) and said ‘I’m ready if you want me’,” Canham said.
Heenan didn’t hesitate and Canham jumped into two midweek club trainings.
“This is my first grand final at any level, club or school, and I couldn’t be happier to be doing it with such a good group. Everyone puts their hand up for each other,” Canham said.
Centre Boardman, halfback Liam Daniela and strong-running flanker Kobe Walters were standouts in a Bull Sharks line-up with plenty of them.
As sharp as the Bond attack was for seven tries, the Bull Sharks' defence kept turning up. Even with the match won, Easts attackers were twice held up over the tryline in the second half.
Easts halfback Eli Pilz paid full credit to Bond.
"They turned up to play and we missed the jump. Their speed through the middle of the ruck hurt us," Pilz said.
"It's disappointing from us. It's a hard situation when you leak 21 points quickly. We struggled to get into out systems."
Bond University 47 (P. Barlow 2, L Depiazzi 2, Z. Misios, H. Usher, D. Evans-Ao tries; L. Depiazzi 6 con) def Easts 14 (C. Scott, B. Oates tries; E. Pilz 2 con)
