TIGERS’ SHEAR GRIT
THE Rugby League Gold Coast top five has been decided, but not before a dramatic final clash that could have changed everything.
Southport yesterday needed a win to claim a spot in the finals, in turn knocking defending champions Burleigh out of the race.
In the way of the Tigers stood Ormeau, winless for two seasons but desperate to send retiring Aati Su’a out as a winner.
Southport ultimately triumphed to crush the hopes of the Bears players in attendance to cheer on an unlikely Shearers upset.
SOUTHPORT coach Mark Ross says the script could not be written any better for next weekend’s elimination final after his side beat Ormeau 60-10 to seal their return to the playoffs.
“We have got two bluecollar teams, you have got an ex-Tugun coach and exTugun players up against Tugun in a knockout semifinal with both coming into a bit of form,” Ross said.
Ross coached the Seahawks in the 1990s after retiring from a first-grade career that included stints at Penrith, Souths and Gold Coast, while Tigers captain Tu Whakatihi and playmaker Chris Thomas are back at the club after time at Boyd St.
Southport’s 50-point margin against the Shearers yesterday afternoon not only guaranteed their place in finals ahead of Burleigh but also lifted them to fourth place to earn home-ground advantage for next weekend.
“That was a big thing … if we go to Tugun in a semi, it’s
a 20-point start,” Ross said. The result condemned Ormeau to a second straight winless season, despite their best efforts to send retiring front-rower Aati Su’a out with a victory.
Currumbin meanwhile have clinched the minor premiership after they defeated Bilambil 36-24 and Tweed Heads lost 32-16 to Runaway Bay.
That means the Eagles will have a much-needed week off as they try to return their injury-hit list to fitness, while Tweed and Bay will again square off at Bycroft Oval in the major semi-final.
Currumbin took first in reserve grade and under-19s.