The Chronicle

HISTORY BECKONS IN INTRIGUING MATCH-UP

- Jason Gibbs

The Western Clydesdale­s have an opportunit­y to write an exciting chapter in their brief but amazing history this weekend.

Playing away against fourth-placed Souths Logan Magpies this Saturday, the Clydesdale­s can secure a finals berth in their inaugural BMD Premiershi­p season.

The Clydesdale­s, who currently sit in third, nine points behind Mackay Cutters (12) and Norths Devils (10), must finish in the top four to feature in the semi-finals.

Unfortunat­ely the Clydesdale­s will be without two of their stars, Shenae Ciesiolka and Ali Brigginsha­w, with the veteran duo unavailabl­e due to being named in the Queensland State of Origin squad.

Here’s our look at how the Clydesdale­s can qualify for the finals this weekend.

GROUND MAGPIES

A win against the Magpies will guarantee the Clydesdale­s a place in the finals regardless of any other result in the final round. In this scenario if the first-placed Cutters beat second-placed Norths Devils, the Clydesdale­s would finish second.

DRAWN MATCH

The Clydesdale­s can draw their match with Magpies and still qualify for finals provided other results go their way.

There are ‘scenarios’ in which 10 points would be enough for the Clydesdale­s to play finals.

If Brisbane Tigers (8th) beat Burleigh Bears (5th) every other result will not matter.

If Bears win, the Clydesdale­s would need one of the following results between Sunshine Coast Falcons and Wynnum Manly Seagulls: A Falcons and Seagulls draw; Seagulls to beat Falcons by less than 10 points; Falcons to beat Seagulls by less than 59 points.

CLYDESDALE­S LOSS

The Clydesdale­s can lose to Magpies but a lot needs to work in their favour.

Clydesdale­s must lose by less than 10 points;

Tweed Seagulls vs CQ Capras: The Seagulls (-38) currently have a worse points differenti­al than the Clydesdale­s (0 points difference). If the Seagulls win the Clydesdale­s finals spot will rest on points difference.

Wynnum Manly Seagulls vs Sunshine Coast Falcons: This game must finish as a draw.

Brisbane Tigers vs Burleigh Bears: Tigers must beat Bears and then points difference will determine the Clydesdale­s fate. Heading into the final round the Tigers currently have a -24 points difference.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia