Easts Tigers saw their FOGS Colts Challenge season come to an end on Sunday at Suzuki Stadium, Langlands Park, as Tweed Heads came away 28-14 victors in their elimination final.
The home team were tested immediately as the Seagulls struck early with star centre Jack Peacock crossing the line at the eight-minute mark.
After an error-riddled 10 minutes for both teams, Tweed Heads were able to find their second wind first, capitalising on successive Easts mistakes that lead to a Jake Sparey try in the 18th minute.
Tweed dominated the ball in the first half, but a stout Easts defence held their nerve as the Seagulls struggled to take full advantage of possession and field position.
Despite Zac Teevan crossing the line in the 23rd minute, the halftime break seemed as though it couldn’t come soon enough for a home side as they looked tired, conceding a third first half try two minutes later as Tweed Heads ended the first half leading 14–6.
Coming out in the second half, the Tigers appeared settled and aggressive as they played much quicker and cleaner football.
It looked to it would be a tale of two halves as Easts started the second with far more possession than they’d seen earlier in the game.
However, the free-flowing football opened the doors for second half dynamo – Tweed Heads’ Jack Conlan – to strike.
The winger dominated the day’s play – with one key moment in particular being when he produced a fantastic kick before falling out of the field of play that lead to a Benjamin Thomas try.
With consecutive tries from Easts winger Connor Jones, it looked as though a comeback from the Tigers was on the cards. But that was until Tweed captain Luke Polson put the game to bed, scoring in the 65th minute.
In Saturday’s major semi-final, the Redcliffe Dolphins upset ladder leaders Norths Devils 28-20 to book themselves a place in the FOGS Colts Challenge grand final on September 24.
The Seagulls will take on the Devils next Sunday at Dolphin Oval at 12.30pm for their chance to meet Redcliffe at Suncorp Stadium.
See the full scoring details and final team line-ups for this game at QRL Live
TWEED HEADS SEAGULLS 28 (Jack Peacock, Jake Sparey, Isaac Lee, Benjamin Thomas, Luke Polson tries; Jack Conlan 4 goals) def EASTS TIGERS 14 (Connor Jones 2, Zac Teevan tries; Nathan Brown goal) at Suzuki Stadium, Langlands Park
