Wests, UQ and Bond all staked their claim for finals with important wins in round fifteen while Sunnybank claimed their third victory for the season.

Catch a review of the action below.

UQ 27 v Easts 26

UQ stabilised their second spot on the ladder with a gripping win against Easts at St Lucia over the weekend.

The visiting Tigers got out to a fast start with the first two tries of the contest before UQ stamped their authority on the game with four five pointers in twelve minutes to lead 27-12 at half-time. 

Easts’ halves combination of Pappin and Pilz set up the first two tries with beautifully weighted passes. The Tiger’s momentum was short-lived as UQ responded with a Tj Siakasini and some individual magic from outside backs Nicholas Jooste and Mac Grealy.

With it all to do in the second stanza, Easts showed their grit and determination to come just one point shy of victory. The Tiger’s forward pack threw their weight around at set piece to draw two yellow cards and a penalty try against UQ. The Student’s ultimately held on for a hard-fought win that sees them maintain second spot for now.

UQ will play Bond in a final’s shaping contest while Easts will need to overcome Brothers to maintain their chance for September action.

GPS 22 v Wests 34

Wests displayed why they are on top of the ladder with a strong win over GPS at Yoku Road on Saturday.

The Bulldog’s marginally had the better of the opening forty and led 17-12 at the break. The two Vaihu’s crossed early for Wests and a long-range Carter Gordon penalty conversion helped extend their lead to twelve points. GPS lock Dan Byrne vitally scored just shy of half-time to bridge the gap on the scoreboard.

Wests’ capitalised on a yellow card against Byrne in the second half to run in the two defining tries of the contest. Conor Anderson continued his stellar form with yet another try from set piece before Carter Gordon dashed over. Tempers flared toward the end of the contest as GPS produced a consolation try for Matt Mafi.

Wests’ achieve some retribution from last year’s semi-final loss and extend their grip on the top spot going into the bye while GPS’ place in the top four is in a precarious position ahead of a meeting with Norths.

Souths 23 v Bond 47

Bond have kept their top four aspirations well and truly alive after a comfortable victory over Souths at Chipsy Wood Oval.

The Bull Shark’s scored three tries to Souths’ one in the first half as they led 21-8 at the interval. Enterprising play from back’s Hayden Sargeant, Tyler Campbell, and Spencer Jeans epitomised Bond’s daring style throughout the afternoon. Souths’ scrumhalf Jakob Morrison showed his footy smarts with a crafty try in his final game for the Magpies.

Bond’s hooker George Blake crossed for a double early in the second half as the Bull Shark’s piled on more points. Souths’ didn’t relent in their efforts as winger Harry McMahon also ran in two five pointers.

Bond are equal fourth alongside GPS and play fellow top four contender Easts next week while Souths will face Sunnybank.

Norths 26 v Sunnybank 43

Sunnybank secured their third victory for the season against Norths at Hugh Courtney Oval over the weekend.

An entertaining first forty saw Sunnybank leading 19-14. Norths’ scored two of the first three tries of the match through lock Sosifa Funaki and winger Shai Wiperi before Sunnybank produced some magical football. David Feliuia Lene regained possession from the kick off and chipped over the top for himself in a majestic opening five pointer for the Dragons, a play he recycled minutes later for winger Puni Aupuni to score.

The Dragon’s continued their rollicking play as No.13 Feliuia Lene scored three more times in the second half to make it four for the match. Norths’ two tries in the final ten minutes provided some solace for the home side.

Sunnybank and Souths will clash next weekend while Norths will meet a determined GPS’ side.