The final round of the Holcim Cup saw Easts Tigers bow out of the competition, while fans also got see next weekend’s grand final contenders go head-to-head.
Tweed Seagulls and West Brisbane Panthers will meet again in the three v four final, after the two teams shared the honours with one win each per half in their full game in Round 5; while Burleigh Bears took the bragging rights in their game against Souths Logan Magpies.
The two powerhouse clubs will battle it out in the main game next Saturday at 2.10pm at Pizzey Park in what should be another thrilling contest.
On Saturday, the Bears had a strong start against the Magpies; with winger Jodeci Nicholson crossing for a try after eight minutes of play.
The game also saw the return to action of Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons forward Chelsea Lenarduzzi who made her presence felt with some hard-hitting defence.
Overall, Burleigh proved too slick and too strong in their half and posted a 12-0 win; with Souths Logan left to lament their errors which handed the ball over to their opposition.
On demand: Holcim Cup Round 5
In the second game of the day, the Bears continued their formidable form against the Tigers with Nicholson again the first on the board early in the match.
While Easts tried hard and pushed the Bears early, they were not able to capitalise when they had the ball in good position.
Instead, the Bears were able to make the most of their opportunities and went in for their second try of the match after a good run from halfback Zahara Temara who was able to pass inside to in-form forward Tazmin Gray to run in under the posts.
A try to experienced fullback Karina Brown followed in quick succession before Nicolson got her second of the half and her third of the day after earlier being denied due to a double movement, with the match finishing as a 20-0 win to the Bears.
The Tigers then backed up with another tough clash and faced off against the Magpies.
They started well by employing a clever and successful short kick-off, and they played with gusto for their last half of the competition, throwing the ball around.
However, the Magpies were able to absorb their early energy and then went to work on scoring some points.
The first try came from Therese Aiton from dummy half; with the play set up after a good run down the right-hand side of the field from Jamie-Lee Lewis who was deployed in the centre for the weekend.
Her centre partner Meg Ward then scored a quick double, the first after an excellent take of an Ali Brigginshaw cross-field kick.
They closed out the half with young forward Lyllian Mikaio going over for a well-deserved try with only moments left to go in the contest.
Host club Tweed Seagulls had the better of West Brisbane Panthers in the first half of their match; while the Panthers were able to fight back to end the second half with winning momentum leading into their upcoming play-off match.
The Seagulls started well and scored a cheeky try early in the game when they attacked the short side and a pop pass from Tarryn Aiken to winger Olivia Fine resulted in a try in the opening minute.
While it was a fast start to the game; the Panthers were able to settle it down into a tough arm wrestle and there were no further points scored in the half, with Tweed winning 4-0.
The second half was a polar opposite to the first, with the Panthers this time able to get themselves on the board first with hard-working forward Bri Clark crashing over in the second minute.
Full Holcim Cup Round 5 results
While Tweed were able to get on the board next after some trademark Aiken footwork on her way to the line, that was their final try of the afternoon.
West Brisbane however shook off their sluggish play of recent weeks to work themselves into strong form and finished the half strongly with impressive forward Taimane Levu forcing her way over under the posts; while hooker Michaela Peck sealed the win with her four-pointer with two minutes left to go; taking out the game 18-6 after Clark was successful with all three conversion attempts.
Next weekend, the final action will be played at Pizzey Park on Saturday, September 5 and will be broadcast via QRL.com.au and the QRL Facebook page.
Holcim Cup finals matches
Team 3 v Team 4: West Brisbane Panthers v Tweed Seagulls – 12.30pm
Team 1 v Team 2: Burleigh Bears v Souths Logan Magpies – 2.10pm
