The Norths Devils have made their fourth Grand Final in five years after defeating the Wynnum Manly Seagulls 18-16 at Bishop Park.
In front of a packed-out home ground, the Devils’ captain Jack Ahearn put his side on the board first, crossing over in the 2nd minute to open the scoring.
Wynnum centre Delouise Hoeter would return serve in the 24th minute with an incredible leaping take over Jordan Lipp.
Both sides would score once more before the half through Tony Tumusa and Liam Sutton respectively, as the Seagulls finished the first half with a narrow 12-10 lead.
A try to Devils centre Jordan Lipp in the 52nd minute would be nullified by a Ronald Philitoga try in the 71st minute, as the Seagulls would once more earn a two-point lead, this time with nine minutes left in the game.
In the 78th minute, the Devils were be presented with one final roll of the dice to keep their season alive.
With the onus placed on Sean O’Sullivan to find the right play, the seasoned halfback threw a long cut-out ball to centre Jacob Gagan who then found Manase Kaho, as the winger flew over the tryline to send his side to yet another Grand Final.
Despite the Seagulls recovering the ball from a short kick-off, Jock Madden would send a game-tying field goal just wide of the posts, as Wynnum’s great season came to a dramatic end.
At UAA Park it was the Burleigh Bears who narrowly prevailed over a spirited Redcliffe Dolphins outfit, winning 18-16.
The visitors got off to a dream start, leading 14-nil after 23 minutes thanks to tries from Tray Lolesio and William Dobson, in addition to an early penalty goal converted by Will Partridge.
A try late in the first half to Cole Geyer would see the Bears claw back some ground, though the home side would still face a 6-14 deficit as they entered the sheds at halftime.
The resilient Dolphins’ defence would hold the Bears scoreless for the majority of the second half, with another penalty goal from Will Partridge extending the visitors’ lead to ten points.
However, a 73rd minute try to Bears’ fullback Creedence Toia saw Burleigh’s Grand Final dreams revitalised as a successful conversion from Josh Rogers reduced the deficit to four points.
On their final attacking set of the match, Cole Geyer would dart from dummy-half towards the tryline – drawing in numerous desperate Redcliffe defenders and securing a quick play the ball.
Paul Roache would then find the imposing Takitau Mapapalangi, who shoved off Joshua James to score the match-winning try.
Following their tenth-consecutive victory, the Bears will play the Norths Devils this weekend in the Hostplus Cup Grand Final at Kayo Stadium.
To secure your tickets for the Grand Final, click the link here.
