Stingrays’ title on the line
THE Gold Coast Stingrays are humming again and ready for the seventh successive defence of the Gridiron Queensland Sunbowl title.
The Rays play their final home-and-away game on Saturday, away to Griffith University Thunder at Bill Norris Oval in Beenleigh, but for a change do not go into the playoffs as warm favourites.
The Stingrays have built a wonderful record, having won the past six Sunbowls, 10 of the past 11 and 14 in all since 1994.
At the start of this year’s campaign the Stingrays’ proud record looked shaky after they lost 20-19 to the Bayside Ravens (Round 1) and 6-4 to the Brisbane Rhinos (Round 3).
Those were the men’s first losses since 2014 and came on the back of a couple of bigname departures, including Kevin Walsh. But things have turned around nicely and president Craig James believes the side is back to its best.
The Rays will finish third or fourth for the finals. On current standings, it looks like a Stingrays-Rhinos semi-final and the Rays are confident.
– TERRY WILSON