Aspley Devils have a booked a spot in the Open 3 Northside grand final with a hard-fought 28-22 come-from-behind win against a gutsy Banyo Devils.
They will meet minor premiers the North Lakes Kangaroos next weekend in what shapes to be a mouth-watering showdown.
Given the rivalry between Aspley and Banyo, a blood and thunder affair was expected and that is exactly what the two sides delivered in a thrilling preliminary final.
There were more big hits than flashy tries, but it was the Aspley Devils who would prove to be the side to have the more petrol in the tank at the final whistle.
Banyo hooker Luke Martin got scoring underway with a beautiful in and away to his side on the board.
Just five minutes later Banyo were in again courtesy of a brilliant Sam Anderson try to further increase the score line to 12-0.
Aspley responded well with winger Paul Siu crossing out wide to register his side's first points of the afternoon, reaching out to plant the ball down on the line.
Despite both backlines showing off their skills, the engine room proved to be where most of the action was heating up.
Banyo stalwart Greg Smith proved that age is no barrier despite being in his mid-50s, showing up some of the younger forwards with a fantastic display of hard edge rugby league.
Aspley's Shaun Lloyd sparked another try, crossing beside the sticks before the break to ensure they were still in the game.
Banyo made a brilliant start to the new half courtesy of Nick Bailey who capitalized on an Aspley error 10 meters out to plant the ball down beside the sticks.
Aspley responded yet again though, this time through Colin O'Loughlin, who was outstanding at five eighth, when he crossed to see a mini revival.
Matt Denyer Luke Gordon and the ageless warrior Smith were Banyo's best, however it was the consistently brilliant second rower Ben Schroeder who used his strength to cross and further increase the margin.
With Scott Marsh adding the conversion, Banyo looked set to book a spot in the grand final, until Aspley took control in the final 10 minutes.
Aspley's Daniel Jones was next to score when he opted to run himself. The former player of the year used his experience to inch his way over the line.
In the end, it was Aspley winger Adam Gauchi would became the hero, with a blistering run down the sideline before diving over to score in the corner and round off a gritty come from behind win.
*Mike Simpson is a QRL correspondent covering the Rugby League Brisbane senior competitions
