Dominant first half sends Gold Stars to the grand final

Despite three late tries from Burleigh, the 30-point deficit midway through the second-half proved too big a margin for the home side. 

The Gold Stars were able to crack the Bears defence early, with an offload resulting in a try to Sarah Field after just five minutes. 

Second phase football became the story for the visitors in the first half, with Hagiga Mosby being the beneficiary of a Romy Teitzel pass to extend the Gold Stars lead to 10 points after 13 minutes. 

A double to Alicia Martin and one to Jordii Mahendrarajah shortly after sent North Queensland into the sheds with a 24-0 lead at the break. 

When the Destiny Brill went over for the Gold Stars’ sixth try just after the break, it looked to all but be over, but the Bears didn’t give up, going on a run of their own.  

Tries to Tazmin Gray, Tiana Raftstrand-Smith and Felice Quinlan inside 12 minutes reduced the margin to 14 points, but it proved to be too little, too late.

The Gold Stars advance to their first grand final and will take on the Central Queensl

and Capras next Saturday at 2pm in Redcliffe.