By Finn Morton; Photo – Brendan Hertel/QRU Media

Going back-to-back is commonly believed to be one of the toughest challenges in sport.

But after winning eight in a row, Jeeps are setting themselves up with the chance to do just that with finals less than eight weeks away.

The Gallopers started their season with a loss to Easts, but reversed that result in round 11 with a tight 24-22 victory at Yoku Road. The match was decided by a late try to Jeeps hooker Maile Ngauamo.

While only two points separated the teams at the final whistle, Jeeps coach Elwee Prinsloo was very “impressed” with his side’s performance.

Prinsloo was particularly happy with the Gallopers attitude after backrower Mitch King was shown a yellow card.

“It was a pretty tight game as the score line suggested. Easts came out firing and I thought their breakdown work was really accurate and that certainly effected the way we wanted to play. They adapted better to the referee’s interpretation at the tackle and breakdown so that really helped them to gain better field position at crucial times and put pressure on us,” said Prinsloo.

“I thought we missed some opportunities to convert early on which kept them in the game going into the second forty [minutes].

“I was impressed with our overall attitude especially in the last ten minutes of each half. Although Easts scored on the bell of halftime we managed to keep them out for ten-minute phase after phase so we took some confidence out of that going into the break.

“The best example of our attitude and composure came in the last three minutes of the game. To stay calm and score with fourteen men on the field with twenty seconds to go is a testament to the mental toughness and belief of our group.”

The Gallopers still sit second on the ladder behind Brothers, but only just.

So with the Minor Premiership within reach, how important is it?

Prinsloo was modest in saying that it wasn’t everything.

“To be honest we haven’t even thought of Minor Premierships. All of our energy is invested in winning enough games to make the [top] four.

“The top two would obviously be a bonus.”

In the other matches, Sunnybank earned an upset victory over Wests at home, which marks the first win of Evan Willis’ time in charge.

UQ have all but ended Bonds chances of a finals birth after defeating the Gold Coasters 29-17 at St Lucia.

Brothers defeated Souths 38-26 to hold their spot at the top of the ladder, bringing an end to the Magpies run of five-wins in a row.