The Burleigh Bears have won their ninth consecutive match and booked their ticket to the preliminary finals, defeating the Wynnum Manly Seagulls 22-14 at UAA Park.
Despite the Seagulls holding most of the possession and boasting a higher completion rate, the Bears were able to keep momentum on their side for the vast majority of the match.
After an early Jock Madden field goal, the Seagulls would go without points for 60 minutes as the Bears laid on 16 unanswered points.
Late in the match Wynnum would score two quickfire tries courtesy of James Hill and Cameron Bukowski, turning the tides of momentum and presenting an opportunity for a famous comeback win.
Unfortunately for Wynnum Fletcher Baker would cross in the 74th minute, extending the Bears’ lead to eight points and closing the door on any hopes of a comeback.
Following their victory, the Bears have earned a week off and a place in the preliminary finals – while the Seagulls will host the Ipswich Jets at home.
The Devils dominated the Blackhawks at Bishop Park, winning 24-12 and securing their spot in the other preliminary final.
The Blackhawks got off to a dream start after prolific winger Dudley Dotoi crossed in the second minute.
However, the Devils would regather themselves and score four unanswered tries, turning a six-point deficit into an 18-point lead by the 44th minute.
A late try to Jackson Owen would prove to be a consolation only, as the Blackhawks suffered their seventh consecutive loss at Bishop Park.
Manase Kaho was immense for the Devils, with the fan-favourite winger scoring a try, making two line breaks and busting ten tackles in a great performance.
While the Devils will enjoy a much-earned rest, the Blackhawks will return to Townsville to host the Redcliffe Dolphins.
The Redcliffe Dolphins breezed past the PNG Hunters at Kayo Stadium, winning 32-12 in a dominant performance.
The Hunters just couldn’t click into gear in attack, while the Dolphins epitomised their free-flowing style of play which has seen them finish the year in great form.
Dolphins centre Will Partridge continued his sensational form, finishing the day with a try, try assist, two line breaks and over 100 metres ran.
Though it was in the middle where the Dolphins showed their true dominance, with Josh Allen in particular causing mayhem for the Hunters forward pack.
The Dolphins will head north to Townsville to take on the Blackhawks in the semi-finals.
The Ipswich Jets have pulled off a famous victory against the Sunshine Coast Falcons, winning in golden point 25-24 at the Sunshine Coast.
The Jets got off to a dream start on Sunday, scoring 24 unanswered points in the first 24 minutes.
After being blitzed in the opening quarter, the Falcons would pull back two tries before the end of the first half to reduce the deficit to 14 points.
As the Jets showed signs of fatigue the Falcons would capitalise, scoring three more second half tries.
The final try of the match came in the 78th minute to Mason Peut, with Cody Hunter’s successful conversion levelling the scores 24 a-piece at the end of regular time.
A brilliant tackle from Luke Maddaford would cause a turnover in the opening set of golden point, providing the Jets brilliant field position.
After a quick play the ball from Paterika Vaivai, Oliver Pascoe would give good service to Dion Teaupa who made no mistake with the boot – sending the Jets into a semi-final.
FINALS WEEK 1 RESULTS
Burleigh Bears 22 def Wynnum Manly Seagulls 14 at UAA Park, Gold Coast
Norths Devils 24 def Townsville Blackhawks 12 at Bishop Park, Brisbane
Redcliffe Dolphins 32 def PNG Hunters 12 at Kayo Stadium, Redcliffe
Ipswich Jets 25 def Sunshine Coast Falcons 24 at Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
