Falcons surge back secure draw with Jets
IPSWICH co-coaches Shane and Ben Walker have bid farewell to the Intrust Super Cup in fine fashion after holding ladder leaders Sunshine Coast to a 28-all thrilling draw yesterday afternoon.
The ninth-placed Jets looked as if they were going to cause the upset of the season as they jumped out to a 28-10 lead with 20 minutes to go.
However, a late surge by the Falcons allowed them to get back into the contest, including a try to Melbourne Storm centre Curtis Scott with four minutes to go to make it 28-all.
The draw secured the Falcons’ minor premiership title – the first in the club’s history – following their incredible 21 wins, one loss and one draw this season.
Sunshine Coast coach Eric Smith said it was a nice reward for the team’s effort throughout the season.
“It’s a great thing for the club after working so hard all year to get here,” Smith said.
“We’ve got to make the most of this position now going into the finals.
“Every game from here on is going to be a challenge.
“(The Jets) asked a lot of questions of us early on in the game just from the nature of their attacking style of football.”
The nailbiter encounter at Sunshine Coast Stadium was the last game for Ipswich cocoaches Shane and Ben after both announcing they would be stepping down from the role at season’s end.
In similar fashion to the NRL’s finals draw, the Falcons will host the fourth-placed Blackhawks this weekend while second-placed Wynnum Manly Seagulls will play Burleigh.
Norths copped a reality check ahead of their first finals campaign since 2012 after going down 30-6 to Seagulls yesterday.
They will be hoping to turn things around when they play Easts Tigers this weekend while the Tweed Seagulls will look to continue their form surge against the Redcliffe Dolphins. Sunday 11.40am: Tweed Seagulls v Redcliffe Dolphins (Piggabeen Sports Complex) 1.10pm: Norths Devils v Easts Tigers (Bishop Park) 2pm: Sunshine Coast Falcons v Townsville Blackhawks (Sunshine Coast Stadium) 2pm: Wynnum-Manly Seagulls v Burleigh Bears (Kougari Oval)