Strong PNG Hunters close in on Intrust silverware

PNG Hunters only need one more win to secure a historic Intrust Super Cup minor premiership after beating the Blackhawks in Townsville.

The visitors were up 12-0 after just 10 minutes following tries to Stargroth Amean and Watson Boas, driving the nail in after Daniel Beasley suffered a potentially career-ending groin injury in the warm-up.

But the Blackhawks rallied to lead 16-12 at halftime and had all the momentum in the second half but failed to take advantage.

Six consecutive sets in attack yielded nothing for the home side and the Hunters broke their spirit with a try to Israel Eliab in their next set with the ball.

He scored a second eight minutes later to seal the game 24-16 by the 70th minute.

All the Hunters have to do is beat Wynnum-Manly at home on Sunday to lift their first piece of Intrust Super Cup silverware.

The Blackhawks essentially have sixth in the bag, with a bye and a guaranteed two points meaning Ipswich would have to rack up two cricket scores to catch them.

Easts climbed to third place with a commanding 46-10 win over Souths Logan Magpies yesterday, firing a warning shot to their title rivals.

The Northern Pride had a bye and could hand the wooden spoon to Tweed Heads with a win this coming Sunday.

The Seagulls, who lost 30-4 against Redcliffe on Saturday, sit on the bottom of the ladder, one point behind CQ and two behind the Pride with a much inferior points difference.