Three of the four Junior Statewide Competitions had their semi-finals last weekend, with stellar displays of talent and teamwork being put to show.
Past inclement weather meant that postponed matches were played this weekend, causing finals and regular season matches to be played concurrently in the Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga Cup presented by Ford.
Harvey Norman U19s - Semi Finals
Western Clydesdales 24 def Mackay Cutters 8 at BB Print Stadium.
In a stunning upset, the Western Clydesdales demonstrated their resolve by overcoming the second-placed Mackay Cutters.
Despite entering the match as heavy underdogs while sitting in ninth place on the ladder, the Clydesdales delivered an impressive performance.
Tries from Mia Byrnes, Libby Dunn, Sophia Wright, Ella Waters, and Lille Merlow propelled them to victory.
Aaliyah Murray’s two successful conversions added to the scoreline, ensuring their spot in the Grand Final.
The Cutters struggled to capitalize on their previous form, with Caitlin Tanner and Ebony Temple each scoring a try, but they could not find any success with their goal attempts.
Brisbane Tigers 28 def Tweed Seagulls 12 at Totally Workwear Stadium.
The Brisbane Tigers showcased their strength and skill in their semi-final against the Tweed Seagulls.
With a dominant display, the Tigers secured their position in the Grand Final with tries from Porche John, Chloe Maxwell, Liliele Vaitolo, Orianna Clark, and Kayleen Takai.
Lishainah Ulugia was instrumental, converting four of those tries for a total of 28 points.
The Seagulls put in a valiant effort, with Phoenix-Raine Hippi and Joshalynn Walker scoring tries for their side, but Savannah Roberts-Hickling’s two conversions were not enough to close the gap.
Harvey Norman U17s - Semi Finals
Sunshine Coast Falcons 20 def Central Queensland Capras 16 at Totally Workwear Stadium.
In a closely contested match, the Falcons shut down the table topping Capras with strong performances from Aamira Renouf, who contributed both tries and goals to secure the win.
Alongside her, Kirra Pamenter with a double and Tahlee Donald also finding the try line, solidifying their lead.
Despite a valiant effort from the Capras, including tries from Macey Evans, Madeline Johnson, Alexis Bukowski, and Isabelle Jensen, they fell just short.
Brisbane Tigers 38 def Tweed Seagulls 14 at Totally Workwear Stadium.
The Tigers showcased their dominant form, with multiple tries from Ebony Tziros and solid contributions from Lily Sumner, Riley-Jay Henry-Purcell, Enah Desic, and Leilani Taofinuu.
Enah Desic’s impressive kicking added to the tally with five successful goals.
The Seagulls, despite fighting hard with tries from Diamond Graham and Eadee Damro, couldn't keep match the power of the Tigers.
Mal Meninga Cup presented by Ford - Round 7
Redcliffe Dolphins 30 def Burleigh Bears 20 at Kayo Stadium.
In a thrilling Round 7 matchup of the Mal Meninga Cup, the Redcliffe Dolphins showcased their dominance over the Burleigh Bears.
The Dolphins secured a solid victory with standout performances from Jeremiah Patea, Reeco Kirk, Jake Carsburg, Cody Starr, and Patrick Kailahi, each crossing the try line.
Noah Fien was instrumental with his accurate kicking, successfully converting five goals to add to the team’s score.
Despite a valiant effort from the Bears, who saw Antonio Verhoeven score three tries and Jett Bryce adding another, they fell short.
Marley McLaren converted two goals, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Dolphins' lead.
Ipswich Jets 26 def Tweed Seagulls 24 at North Ipswich Reserve.
The Ipswich Jets pulled off a narrow win against the Tweed Seagulls in another exhilarating Round 7 clash.
Clinton Smith was the star of the show, contributing three tries to the Jets’ total score, while Melchizedek Nonu also added a try to solidify their lead.
Nathan Fraser’s five successful conversions proved crucial as the Jets edged out the Seagulls.
The Seagulls fought hard, with Taj Lateo and Hadley Smith each scoring two tries, and Billy Wellard adding another.
Javon Andrews’ four goals kept the match competitive, but Ipswich held on for a thrilling two-point victory.
Mal Meninga Cup presented by Ford - Round 8
Burleigh Bears 38 def Ipswich Jets 12 at North Ipswich Reserve.
The Bears celebrated a solid win with tries from Antonio Verhoeven, Cooper Humphreys, Bailey Trew, Jett Bryce, Braydan Wong, Marley McLaren, and Anton Whaiapu, while Marley McLaren converted four tries.
The Jets' scoring came from Mostyn Bowen and Lachlan Coburn, with Nathan Fraser kicking two goals.
Redcliffe Dolphins 46 def Western Clydesdales 10 at Kayo Stadium.
The Dolphins had a strong showing, with tries from Braelan Marsh, Carter Ford, Brian Pouniu, Callum Bowles, Seth Carpenter, Cody Starr, and Amare Wynyard.
The Clydesdales responded with tries from Mitchell Dabin and Ethan Brose, along with a successful conversion by Tait Cameron.
Norths Devils 42 def Mackay Cutters 10 at BB Print Stadium.
The Devils' impressive performance included tries from Tyrese Tovao (2), Lachlan McCall, Ryan McPherson, Adaquix-Jeramiah Watts-Luke, Keyarn Pene (2), and Jahrel Iselin-Jansen.
Kurt Jones converted five tries.
The Cutters managed to score through Kayne Smith and Flynn Battaia, who also converted a try.
Souths Logan Magpies 30 def Townsville Blackhawks 20 at Jack Manski Oval.
The Magpies secured their victory with tries by Harlem Tata-Paki, Xzavier Timoteo (2), Jayden Solien, and Jackson Streader, supported by five successful conversions by David Bryenton.
The Blackhawks touched down through Bruce Baudu (2) and Terence Mosby, with Jye Olsen kicking two goals.
Tweed Seagulls 48 def Northern Pride 4 at Piggabeen Sports Complex.
The Seagulls continued to lead the competition with tries from Javon Andrews (2), Sunny Kama, Sam Stephenson (3), Billy Wellard, Taylan To'a, and Taj Lateo.
Javon Andrews converted four tries, and Taj Lateo added two goals, while Davidson Benioni scored the lone try for Northern Pride.
Wynnum Manly Seagulls 38 def CQ Capras 12 at BMD Kougari Oval.
The Seagulls showcased their strength with tries from Braithen Scott, Roman Dunne, Isaak Mezzen, Jaycob Kingston-Francis, Matthew Schultz, and Thomas Morcom. Harley Yates successfully converted five tries.
The Capras scored through Joshua Nilon and Anasta Tamwoy, with Isaac Walker kicking two goals.
Brisbane Tigers 38 def Sunshine Coast Falcons 16 at Totally Workwear Stadium.
The Tigers dominated the game with tries from Joseph McGahan, Jack Tuite, Quinn Timperon, Montoia Maea, Levi Rusin, Jackson Connor, and Kayliss Brown.
Jaffahl Skillington added five conversions for the Tigers.
The Falcons' points came from Malakye Blow and Nate Thompson, with Ellyjah Birve converting twice.
Cyril Connell Cup presented by Ford - Round 7
Burleigh Bears 40 def Redcliffe Dolphins 18 at Kayo Stadium
In a decisive match, the Burleigh Bears showcased their dominance over the Redcliffe Dolphins with a commanding 40-18 victory.
Treleque Boyce-Silimaka led the charge with two tries, supported by Fynn Laffranchi, Simione Tauelangi, Tupou Francis, and Isaac Fidock, who also crossed the line twice.
Harvey Smith was accurate with the boot, landing five goals, while Lennox Whaiapu added another conversion for good measure.
The Dolphins struggled to keep pace, managing three tries from Seuifalemua Seuao, Siai Papani, and Lennox Ngata-Faofua, with Max Carriage converting two.
Norths Devils 36 def Tweed Seagulls 0 at Piggabeen Sports Complex
In a dominant performance, the Norths Devils blanked the Tweed Seagulls, securing a 36-0 win.
Lisiate Fa'aoso opened the scoring, with Harry Bate contributing two tries of his own.
Billy Spicer and Elijah Rauluni also crossed for the Devils, while Ethan Grimshaw rounded out the scoring with a try.
Timahna Tandy was perfect with the boot, adding four goals to the tally.
The Seagulls were unable to mount any offensive threat, leaving the field scoreless as the Devils celebrated a comprehensive victory.
Cyril Connell Cup presented by Ford - Semi Finals
Mackay Cutters 40 def Sunshine Coast Falcons 10 at BB Print Stadium
In a surprising turn of events during the Cyril Connell Cup semi-final, the Cutters showcased their dominance, decisively defeating the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
Will Hamblin led the charge with an impressive three tries, while Adam McSherry, Zachary Carroll, Grange Womal, and Lawson Mifsud also crossed the try line.
Grange Womal kicked six goals, contributing significantly to the scoreboard.
The Falcons, who had a strong season, were unable to keep pace, with Ashyr Kelso and Kaidan Jarrett scoring tries and Taj Kuhl adding two goals.
Burleigh Bears 24 def Wynnum Manly Seagulls 20 at BMD Kougari Oval
In the second semi-final, the Burleigh Bears triumphed over Wynnum Manly with a score of 24-20 at BMD Kougari Oval.
Kingston Seve was the standout player for the Bears, scoring three tries, while Tyrell Schwenke and Harvey Smith added to the tally with tries of their own.
Smith also successfully converted two goals.
Wynnum Manly fought hard, with Dean Tauaa scoring two tries and Daniel Cash also crossing the line, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Lachlan Hooker’s four goals kept Wynnum in the game, but ultimately, the Bears proved why they sit atop the ladder, advancing to the grand final next week to face the Mackay Cutters.
The grand final will take place at Totally Workwear Stadium at 12:00 pm.
