2025 Hospital Cup Grand Final: Brothers vs Bond University

Sunday afternoon saw Brothers take to Ballymore in search of a third consecutive Hospital Cup trophy. Taking on a red-hot Bond outfit in scintillating form coming off 8 consecutive wins. A beautiful clear day, a fast Ballymore track. The stage was set for some awesome attacking footy and that’s exactly what was delivered. A tentative start saw both teams cautious of the others fire power. Dylan loader opened the scoring for Bond sending their hill supporters into rapture, but a first half Will Cartwright double and a penalty goal saw the Brethren take a 15 – 7 lead into the interval. Knowing the game was bound to open up in the second half, it became an attacking shootout with the backs from both teams going head-to-head. Bond skipper Tyler Campbell opened the scoring while Dre-Pakeho got us back onto level terms. Will Cartwright completed a stunning Grand Final hattrick with a slick backline move and his typical speed and footwork to give us the advantage with not long left to play. But it was Bond who proved their metal with abit of broken play magic. A chip kick to winger Hamish Roberts in the 79th minute gave Bond a slim 2 point leave with 1 kick-off play to go. It was going to take a modern day miracle to save Brothers. A desperation short kick off saw brothers win back possession and almost break through with David Fusitua breaking the line and nearly going all the way himself. But it wasn’t to be as Bond held strong and forced out a loose ball, referee blowing a penalty ending the match and Brothers hopes of a historic 3-in-a-row. It wasn’t the results we wanted, but we couldn’t be prouder of our playing group and coaching staff for the year we’ve had. Back bigger and better for 2026!