By Tim Mosey

GPS, UQ and Souths all sit on 34 competition points in a three way tie at the top of the Premier Rugby ladder moving into round 13.

While Easts and Bond look as though they’ll battle it out over the final rounds to clinch a playoffs birth.

University of Queensland vs Sunnybank

Sunnybank would rather forget last weekend’s fixture against GPS at Yoku Rd. They gave up the Bunter Bowl and were outclassed by a clinical GPS outfit.

The Bankers travel again this weekend to face fancied rivals University of Queensland.

“Stade de Heavy” has not been a happy hunting ground for the Dragons over the past few years.

UQ Flyhallf  James Dalgleish had a solid game against Bond University last week and his goal kicking and general option taking will be crucial in this fixture.

The Students also welcome back Josh Birch who scored a try off the bench last week in his return.

As finals approach, matches like this one become more important for sides like UQ but Sunnybank will not want to lay down entering the back part of the year.

Tip: Uni by 10

Brothers vs Souths

Brothers scored some brilliant tries against Easts at home last wee but their phase defence will have head coach Carl Marshall concerned.

Too many times The Filth were found wanting two or three wide of the ruck on the third or fourth phase.

Easts’ ruck ball speed was too much for them and they found holes in the Blue and White butcher stripes at will.

Souths would be a little concerned that their red hot attack had water poured on it by Norths last week.

The Magpies struggles for continuity and weren’t as clinical as they have been so far in 2018.

Both teams are coming off a loss and would have been frustrated by their round 12 performances.

But Souths have more to lose than Brothers and I think they will strike back with venom this weekend.

Tip: Souths by 20

Easts vs Bond University

This is an intriguing match.

Easts gave up a number of points last week against Brothers, though the result never really looked in doubt.

The Tigers clicked last week and their young halves pairing of Jack Frampton and Phoenix Hunt look remarkably well suited to first grade footy already.

Bond University will be looking to bounce back after their loss to UQ in round 12.

A bonus point win would put them one point shy of the top four. A loss may see their finals hopes left on tender hooks.

With a noisy crowd in their can bar and a dark Saturday afternoon with the sun setting behind the grandstand, the Tigers at home are favorites

Tip: Easts by 9

Norths vs Wests

Norths recorded a deserved win against Souths last week.

Coach Nick Fogarty has been working hard all season and his chargers produced one of their more memorable performances of the year.

Away from home, the Eagles benefited from the inclusion of Reds pair Kane Douglas and Duncan Paia’aua, and kicked a penalty goal in the dying stages to snatch victory.

This week they are back at home against Wests who are fresh off the bye.

But Norths are playing well. Their set piece has been strong and their three quarter attack has been exceptional.

Wests will need to turn things around at scrum and lineout time if they are to get their backs some clean ball.

Based of form though, I think the Eagles will get the better of the Doggies this week.

Tip: Norths by 7