Norths Tigers are the Ipswich Rugby League premiers after defeating Brothers 24-22 in the Ipswich Rugby League Mayor Paul Pisasale A-Grade Cup Grand Final on Sunday.
For the second consecutive year Norths defeated Brothers at the North Ipswich Reserve to claim the premiership.
The game ended in a thrilling finish with Brothers looking to snatch a late lead.
Two tries to Norths winger Matthew Bettiens got the Tigers an 8-nil lead after 20-minutes but Brothers winger Tasi Graff scored a try of his own to cut Norths' lead to 8-4.
That score line would remain until halftime, setting the stage for a thrilling second-half.
Just one minute after the halftime break, Norths star centre Tonga Mounga broke into space deep in Tigers territory before drawing in multiple Brothers defenders and offloading a stunning flick pass to Anava Fesolai who ran 70-metres to score, finishing-off a Tigers length-of-the-field effort to score and extend Norths' lead to 14-4.
Four minutes later Shaun Daylight powered his way over to score for Brothers, getting the Brethren back within four points of the lead.
Norths kicked-off out on the full after Daylight's try and it seemed all momentum was behind Brothers.
Despite all the momentum seeming to be with Brothers, Norths were next to score when five-eighth Josh Roberts played direct and went through the middle of Brothers' defence to score under the posts.
Brothers were quick to hit back when a draw-and-pass back line play resulted in a try for Aaron Bennett as the Brethren closed the margin to four points at 20-16.
Two penalty goals to Norths halfback Steven West in the 65th and 67th minutes extended Norths' lead to 24-16.
Norths' eight point lead did not last long, in the 71st minute Jack Boettcher charged through to score for Brothers near the posts, cutting the Tigers' lead to two points.
Brothers tried hard to grab the lead, but Norths were not going to make it easy for them.
Steven West's great kicking game for Norths ensured Brothers were going to have to go a long way to score if they wanted the lead.
In the final minute of play Brothers found themselves in a good attacking position in Norths' territory.
Brothers threw the ball around trying to find space and they found it, but Norths' desperate cover defence stopped the Brethren crossing the try-line ensuring the Tigers kept hold of their slim lead as the fulltime siren sounded.
It was a thrilling game and a fitting end to the 2015 Ipswich Rugby League Mayor Paul Pisasale A-Grade Cup season.
For the second consecutive year Norths Tigers are the premiers.
