Photo: SMP Images

TWEED Heads is the first team through to the Intrust Super Cup grand final after dismantling the Northern Pride in today’s preliminary final at Dolphin Oval.

After consecutive losses, the Seagulls entered the do-or-die match with major question marks hanging over them but the minor premiers responded in emphatic fashion to run out comfortable 26-10 winners.

With their strong forwards setting the platform, the Seagulls were well on their way to victory at half-time after scoring 24 unanswered points.

The Pride struggled to get out of their own territory and regularly turned over possession in an uncharacteristic performance from the defending premiers.

The northern outfit came to life in the second half with two tries but it was just not their day. The controversial dismissal of lock Joel Riethmuller further frustrated the Pride.

But the spotlight will now fall on the Seagulls, who will play the winner of the Redcliffe v Wynnum Manly clash in the September 25 grand final at Suncorp Stadium.

On today’s form, Tweed will be hard to topple as they chase their first premiership since 2007.

With skipper Brad Davis calling the shots, the Seagulls had all the answers in the first half.

A double from Tim Maccan and a try each from flyers Nat Barnes and Tom Merritt put the Seagulls in a match-winning position.