Second place is on the line when the Redbank Plains Bears take on Swifts Bluebirds in Round 15 of the Rugby League Ipswich A Grade competition.
With just seven games left before the finals, the top four sides have broken away, with five points now separating the fifth-placed Tigers from the fourth-placed Eagles.
It likely means the current top four will be the sides who compete in this year’s finals series, but where they fall within that top four is still up for grabs.
A top-two finish is crucial, as it provides a second chance in the semi-finals, while the teams who finish third and fourth will be facing elimination from the first week.
Brothers Ipswich took a huge step towards the minor premiership with a nail-biting 32-30 win over the Bluebirds last weekend, putting them three-points clear at the top.
Bluebirds and the Bears are currently tied for second on 35 points, with Goodna & Districts Eagles right behind them on 33 points.
The winner of Sunday’s clash between the Bears and Bluebirds is guaranteed to take a stranglehold of second place and the loser is in danger of dropping to fourth if the Eagles can defeat the seventh placed Fassifern Bombers.
The Bluebirds were right in it against the competition’s benchmark last weekend, but will be desperate to reverse that result this week given the congestion at the top.
They face a stiff challenge from a Bears team who are unbeaten in their last seven games, including a comfortable 34-14 win over the Bombers last weekend.
Their last loss came back on April 14 and their run includes a 22-6 win over the Bluebirds in Round 8.
Other Round 15 clashes include the Bombers hosting the Eagles and Brothers Ipswich taking on the West End Bulldogs. Northern Suburbs Ipswich Tigers have the bye.
* Image courtesy of Redbank Plains Bears
Rugby League Ipswich Round 15
Brothers Ipswich v West End Bulldogs – Sunday, July 7 at Blue Ribbon Motors Field, 3pm
Fassifern Bombers v Goodna & Districts Eagles – Sunday, July 7 at Hayes Oval, 3pm
Swifts Bluebirds v Redbank Plains Bears – Sunday, July 7 at Swifts Rugby League Football Club, 3pm
Northern Suburbs Ipswich Tigers – bye
Ladder
| Pos | Team | +/- | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brothers Ipswich | 249 | 38 |
| 2 | Swifts Bluebirds | 108 | 35 |
| 3 | Redbank Plains Bears | 72 | 35 |
| 4 | Goodna & Districts Eagles | 251 | 33 |
| 5 | Northern Suburbs Ipswich Tigers | -82 | 28 |
| 6 | West End Bulldogs | -306 | 21 |
| 7 | Fassifern Bombers | -292 | 20 |
