Wynnum-Manly Seagulls and Burleigh Bears will feature in the BMD Womens rugby league championship trophy decider after posting epic semi final victories at Davies Park Brisbane last Sunday.
The Seagulls edged out the previously undefeated Souths Logan Magpies 30-28 in the morning clash before the Bears sent Mackay Cutters tumbling out of premiership calculations with a nail-biting 22-18 triumph.
An impressive Burleigh staved off a determined Mackay challenge to book a berth in the decider.
The Bears dominated the opening stanza and opened up a commanding 22-4 lead at the interval following tries to Sienna Laing, Sophie Buller, Shaianne McGlone and Riley Jorgernson.
Elusive winger Katie Green scored the lone try for Mackay, who paid dearly for defensive lapses.
But in a tantalising twist, Marco Peters’ gallant Cutters outfit produced a stunning second half revival – keeping their rivals scoreless but to no avail.
Talented centre China Polata, interchange Vanique Malayta and second rower Romy Teitzel crossed for the Cutters to set up an enthralling finish.
Finishing with four tries each, goal kicking proved the difference with Mackay managing just a single conversion.
Northern Pride edged out Mackay 16-12 in an absorbing Hostplus Cup tussle last Saturday at Barlow Park Cairns.
It was the Cutters’ eighth loss from as many fixtures as the Pride came from behind to post their fourth win of the season.
After conceding an early try to prop Jayman Moore, the Cutters found their groove with centres Blake Paskins and Josh Smith and back rower Isaiah Cooper-Tetevano all nabbing four pointers as Mackay led 12-6 at lemons.
Pride hooker Chris Oswald fooled the defence to score after 46 minutes with Will Partridge adding the extras to level the scores at 12-all.
Second rower Ewan Moore proved the match winner for Pride when he burst through tackles to grab his side’s third try with four minutes left on the clock.
MACKAY recorded their second victory in the Hastings Deering Colts competition after toppling Pride 32-28 in the curtain raiser.
The Cutters led 28-0 at the break after Henri Stocks, Tyrese Parter, Ethan Roberts, Levi Love and Kobe Bone notched tries with Stocks booting four goals. Toby Strecker posted the Cutters sixth try after the interval after a Pride revival.
Mackay host the second placed Burleigh Bears this Saturday in Hostplus Cup action at BB Print Stadium at 3pm with Colts fixture at 12.45pm.
