The Brisbane Tigers remain the benchmark side of the BMD Premiership after extending their undefeated run to eleven games with a 20–10 win over Northern Pride at Totally Workwear Stadium.
The Tigers wasted no time stamping their authority on the contest, with India Seeto crossing in just the second minute to settle the home side's nerves.
The Pride responded with an early strike of their own when Jairel-Ellen Martin-Savage forced her way over in the eighth minute, but the Tigers’ composure and clinical edge soon began to tell.
Courtney Robinson finished off a sweeping movement in the 23rd minute before Aleksandra Tunufai and Kelsey Parkin both added tries in quick succession to blow the scoreline out to 20–4 before halftime.
Enah Desic was on target with two conversions, and the Tigers had all the momentum heading into the sheds.
The second half proved a much tighter affair as the Pride dug in defensively and enjoyed more possession.
Their persistence was rewarded when Lily Dick crossed in the 61st minute, with Jenni-Sue Hoeppner converting to reduce the deficit to ten points.
Despite the renewed energy from the Cairns-based side, Brisbane held their line with trademark resilience.
Their defensive organisation and composure under pressure ensured there would be no late comeback, sealing yet another victory in a flawless campaign to date.
At Davies Park the following day, Burleigh Bears secured their place in the grand final with a hard-fought 24–12 win over Souths Logan Magpies.
The Magpies opened the scoring through Keira Rangi in the seventh minute, sparking hopes of knocking off the number two ladder sitters.
They continued to threaten with tries to Sienna Ibrahim before halftime and Bella Alo late in the second half.
But Burleigh’s attacking strike power proved decisive. Moana Cook crossed twice, at the 13th and 69th minutes, while Deleni Paitai also bagged a double either side of the break.
Ebony Laing added her name to the scoresheet to ensure the Bears stayed in control.
Conversions from Zara Canfield and Shaianne McGlone kept the scoreboard ticking and gave Burleigh the edge in a physical contest.
The results mean the BMD Premiership grand final will see the Brisbane Tigers face the Burleigh Bears.
The Tigers enter with an unblemished record and the weight of favouritism, while the Bears arrive from third place on the ladder with momentum and belief after a powerful finals’ series.
The showdown promises to deliver a compelling contest between the competition’s standout performers.
