The Burleigh Bears have progressed to next week’s grand final qualifier against the Redcliffe Dolphins following an entertaining win over the Central Queensland Capras at Pizzey Park.
It was the return of their flying winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira that seemed to spark the Bears X-factor in attack.
The home side looked dangerous from anywhere on the field, scoring five of their six tries from more than 40 metres out with Khan-Pereira scoring three from within the Bears half.
Similar to recent weeks, errors and penalties were present in the Bears' performance, however, they were able to hold out the Capras on a number of occasions despite giving away cheap field position.
Bears winger Tony Francis is the greatest injury concern for the minor premiers after leaving the field in the 59th minute due to a shoulder injury which will require scans this week to determine the extent of the damage.
Match: Bears v Capras
Finals Week 2 -
home Team
Bears
1st Position
away Team
Capras
5th Position
Venue: UAA Park, Gold Coast
Bears coach Rick Stone was impressed by his side’s performance without the ball.
“I was really happy with our resolve defensively, particularly at the back end of the second half when they scored a try to make it 20-16," Stone said.
"Our boat was sort of rocking a little bit and we were a little bit vulnerable, but the boys dug in and stuck at it and got to a position where we scored a couple of tries and defended pretty strong to finish the game, which was nice to see.
“We knew the opposition were going to keep coming and they did. We probably changed a bit of our game plan and we looked a bit like 'Burleigh' attacking again, playing to some of our strengths."
The Bears will now prepare to take on a rested Redcliffe Dolphins side at Moreton Daily Stadium next weekend.
The two sides have not met since Round 3 this season where the Bears walked away 18-6 winners.
“Reddy at Reddy is always a tough ask... we’re not scared about it but we understand it’s a pretty decent task," Stone said.
"They’re a pretty good team and they’ve have had a week off and we need to dust ourselves off and get our injuries sorted.
"We’re looking forward to going there, it’s always a good place to play and is a nice little stadium now, so we’ll see how we go.”
