Following the completion of Round 4’s postponed games, the regular season of the Mal Meninga Cup presented by Ford is in the books and the finals series are set to begin this weekend.
THURSDAY APRIL 17
Ipswich Jets 34 def Sunshine Coast Falcons 10 at North Ipswich Reserve, Ipswich
The Jets and Falcons were both playing for pride having been eliminated from finals contention last week, but it was the home side walking away with their chins held high after eighty minutes.
The Jets displayed their intent early, racing out to a 16-0 lead within 13 minutes.
Jets centre Eli Ortiz opened and finished the scoring in this match, with winger Melchizedek Nonu also bagging a double, as the Jets outside backs outclassed their opposition as they finished the season on a high.
Burleigh Bears 30 def Brisbane Tigers 6 at Burleigh Bears JRLFC, Gold Coast
Burleigh’s Mal Meninga Cup side aren’t eager to be shown up by their champion Cyril Connell Cup side, as the Bears flex their premiership muscle against the Brisbane Tigers.
Burleigh winger Bailey Trew got the party started early, crossing over twice in only five minutes to put his side ahead by 10 points.
A quick reply from Tigers’ halfback Vantayvius Peo gave the away side brief hope for a close match, but four unanswered tries would quell those hopes, as Burleigh prepare to face off against the Magpies in the first week of finals.
Souths Logan Magpies 44 def Western Clydesdales 12 at Marsden State High School, Brisbane
It was going to take a miracle for the Clydesdales to avoid the spoon this year, but unfortunately for the men from the west, the might of the Magpies proved too much on the day.
Starlet David Bryenton was in on the action once again last weekend, crossing in the twenty-fifth minute and damaging the Clydesdales with his destructive running.
Bryenton’s move to the halves has paid dividends for Siosaia Poese, as the rangy fullback continues to impress – this week crossing over for a double.
SATURDAY APRIL 19
Redcliffe Dolphins 24 def Norths Devils 22 at Bishop Park, Brisbane
He might not win player of the competition, but Reeco Kirk had the Golden Boot on Saturday.
Kicking 100% on the day, Kirk’s conversions provided integral for the Dolphins, as they prevailed over a home Devils side by two points.
With a bye on offer for the first week of finals, the Dolphins didn’t allow the moment to overwhelm them in a back-and-forth affair.
The beginning of the second half was utterly dominant from the Dolphins, scoring three tries in six minutes and accruing a 24-10 lead with twenty to go.
Two late tries from the Devils would only serve as false hope, as a failed twentieth minute conversion would prove to be the difference as Norths fell short by two points.
