A big Saturday of games in Round 11 of the Hostplus Cup saw some close matches played out, with some great performances throughout.
The Burleigh Bears maintained their position on the top of the ladder following a 32-22 victory against the second-placed Sunshine Coast Falcons with in-form winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira scoring a hat-trick.
Match: Falcons v Bears
Round 11 -
home Team
Falcons
2nd Position
away Team
Bears
1st Position
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
The Bears had a 26-4 lead at the break, with the Falcons fighting back in the second half to make it a close game.
Up in Barlow Park in Cairns, a similar second-half fightback from Northern Pride was not enough to overcome a 20-12 deficit, with Norths Devils holding on to record a 26-22 victory.
Match: Pride v Devils
Round 11 -
home Team
Pride
11th Position
away Team
Devils
4th Position
Venue: Barlow Park, Cairns
The Devils only scored one try in the second half through Brisbane Broncos-contracted forward Brendan Piakura, but it was enough for the defending premiers to record their sixth win of the season.
A double to Central Queensland Capras winger Brandon Roberts helped his side to victory against Townsville Blackhawks at Browne Park.
Match: Capras v Blackhawks
Round 11 -
home Team
Capras
3rd Position
away Team
Blackhawks
9th Position
Venue: Browne Park, Rockhampton
It was a close opening half with the home side leading 12-10 at the break, with Townsville halfback Shaun Nona making things interesting by scoring tries either side of halftime to keep the game close.
However, the Capras were able to continue their winning ways and have now won six games this season.
The Redcliffe Dolphins also continued their winning momentum in Round 11, but were pushed all the way by Mackay Cutters at BB Print Stadium.
Match: Cutters v Dolphins
Round 11 -
home Team
Cutters
10th Position
away Team
Dolphins
8th Position
Venue: BB Print Stadium, Mackay
The Dolphins led 16-8 at halftime, but three late tries to the Cutters in the final nine minutes of the match made it an exciting finish, with the home side just falling short in the end.
Elsewhere in the competition, Tweed Seagulls overcome a spirited performance from Ipswich Jets who were equal with their highly fancied opposition 16-16 at halftime before the Seagulls claimed the win in the second half.
Read the full report below:
The PNG Hunters were also winners in their game, overcoming a similarly close tussle against Souths Logan Magpies at Runaway Bay.
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Round 11 concludes today with the Brisbane Tigers taking on Wynnum Manly Seagulls.
Watch the match via Qplus.tv, 9Now, Kayo Freebies and Hostplus Cup Facebook.