By Finn Morton; Photo – Brendan Hertel/QRU Media 

Jeeps fell just short of the Minor Premiership, placing second overall despite defeating UQ 59-32 last Saturday.

With Jeeps and UQ having secured a spot in the top four, both teams were hoping to continue their strong run of form heading into finals.

The win saw Jeeps bring an end to the Student’s run of six wins in a row while the Gallopers extended their unbeaten run to five.

Coach Elwee Prinsloo was pleased with his sides victory over rivals UQ, stating that it was a bonus to “get one over” a team they have a lot of respect for.

“UQ is a quality team and Mick is a quality coach so it’s always good to get one over them,” said Prinsloo.

“The rivalry between Jeeps and UQ is as strong as ever and they are a team that we have massive respect for.

“Confidence is good but that comes from being accurate under pressure in some areas that are important to us and our game.”

Prinsloo remains confident in his side’s defence despite conceding 32-points last time out.

Jeeps have performed strongly in defence throughout the season, having conceded the least amount of points in the competition.

Instead they’re focused on handling pressure better in preperation for the big games ahead.

“[We were] Far from flawless. I don’t think I’ve ever been lucky enough as a coach to be part of a flawless performance. It was pleasing to score some points.

“We have conceded the least amount of points in the competition so we are very confident in our defence.

“We will certainly look at sharpening up in some of those areas before the weekend though.

“Momentum is good but I think it’s as important as you want it to be. We haven’t really made a big issue out of it.

“Our focus is more on getting confidence in our ability to handle pressure and change of momentum during games. We have been reasonably good in part of our last few games in doing this but we will certainly look at improving again for this Sunday’s game.”

The Gallopers now prepare to face Brothers in the Major Semi-Final on Saturday.

Jeeps are the only side to not have lost to the Filth this season, defeating them more recently in round 17.

Despite their form against the Minor Premiers, Prinsloo was adamant that those victories “count for nothing” as they head into finals.

“It counts for nothing in my mind.

“They will be as keen as we are to win and they would have prepared very well as they always do.

“It’s an exciting challenge that we are really looking forward to.”

In the other games, Brothers kicked a match-winning penalty with less than four minutes left on the clock to defeat Easts away 23-20. Brothers also secured the Minor Premiership with the victory. Both teams’ seasons are still alive as Easts take on UQ in the Minor Semi-Final.

Sunnybank finished their 2019 season with one of their better performances, defeating Bond 41-29 at Bond University. The Dragons also claimed the Bunter Bowl with the victory.

Souths handed Norths their fourteenth loss of the season, defeating the Eagles 42-24 at Chipsy Wood Oval.