Queensland Cup - Week 2 -Semi Finals - Review

Minor Premiers Burleigh clinched a grand final berth with a thrilling 26-24 win over Redcliffe in the ABC Television clash at Pizzey Park. An early Bears mistake led to big prop forward Shane Tronc off-loading for Danny Burke to score and the Dolphins were ahead 6-0 after only ninety seconds. A penalty goal extended Redcliffe?s lead before the experienced threequarter pairing of Reggie Cressbrook and Aseri Laing combined for a try in the corner. The Bears hit the front 12-8 after 30 minutes when Laing notched his second try, a strong effort from a Cressbrook pass, and the home team added a penalty goal which saw the score 14-8 at half-time.

Burleigh increased this margin after 55 minutes when second rower Stan Berryman crashed over for a try and a few minutes later replacement forward Afa Gafa scored for the Bears to lead 26-8 with the match appearing to be safe. A try to Redcliffe hooker Jason Campbell narrowed the gap to 26-14 and when winger Phil Shilvock scored it was 26-18 with five minutes remaining and the Red and White army sensed a fightback. A try to Aaron Barba in the dying seconds gave the final scoreline but the Dolphins ran out of time.

Wynnum ended the depleted Ipswich?s season with a 42-12 thumping at Bendigo Bank Oval. Winger Scott Marks gave the Seagulls a flying start crossing for two tries for a 10-0 lead after four minutes. Wynnum had to withstand a physical Jets outfit to build a 22-6 advantage at half-time with five eight Denny Lambert notching a smart try. When Lambert crossed for his second try after only five minutes of the second half the Seagulls led 28-6 and the brave run of the injury ravaged Jets appeared set to end. Other try scorers for Wynnum were fullback David Seage, who had an outstanding match, Greg Bourke, Jimmy Ahmat and skipper Jason Keough.

The Seagulls meet Redcliffe on Saturday to determine who will take on Burleigh in the 2003 Queensland Cup Grand Final on Saturday 20 September at Dolphin Oval.