Tigers face Bluebirds test in top four audition

The Rugby League Ipswich A Grade competition returns to action this weekend with the Northern Suburbs Ipswich Tigers taking on Swifts Bluebirds.

Looking to keep in touch with the top four after three wins in their last five games, the Tigers have started putting pressure on the top four, who have been entrenched since early in the year.

The Tigers are four points outside of the top four at the moment, and with nine rounds to go before finals, they are still close enough if good enough.

They went back-to-back for the first time this year when they defeated the Fassifern Bombers last weekend in their grand final rematch, but now face a stiff test in the form of the second placed Bluebirds.

Swifts have won five of their last six including a 40-30 win over the Tigers in Round 6 and currently sit just one point behind the competition leading Brothers Ipswich.

Sunday’s Round 13 clash will be an interesting indicator of how close the Tigers are to becoming a top four side this year and if they can keep their roll going for another week.

Another key matchup will be the third placed Redbank Plains Bears hosting fourth placed Goodna and Districts Eagles on Saturday evening.

With the bye coming up next week, this is potentially a six-point game for the Eagles who would move back into third with a win.

Goodna won their last encounter 36-10, but the Bears have since gone on to win five straight including wins over Swifts and Brothers.

The final game of the round sees the first placed Brothers hosting Fassifern Bombers on Sunday afternoon, whilst West End Bulldogs have the bye.

Round 13 A Grade fixtures

Redbank Plains Bears v Goodna & Districts Eagles
6pm Saturday, June 22 at Redbank Plains Recreational Reserve

Brothers Ipswich v Fassifern Bombers
3pm Sunday, June 23 at Blue Ribbon Motors Field

Northern Suburbs Ipswich Tigers v Swifts Bluebirds
3pm Sunday, June 23 at Keith Sternberg Oval

Ladder