Falcons to edge ‘Phins in tight Intrust Super Cup finish
Intrepid journo Matt Crowhurst examines the Intrust Super Cup Top Six, looks at each team’s last four games and tries to predict who will be standing where when the dust settles.
The PNG Hunters, currently placed first on 33 points. I expect them to collect four points (2 wins) from their last four games and end up on 37 points. Their final round game against the Tweed Head Seagulls will be crucial. A win here would send them to 39 points at a shot at the title. Unfortunately for Hunters fans, Piggabeen is a tough place to win at the best of times and mixed with the emotion of Aaron Zimmerles last game in charge I expect it to be tough for them. The Hunters to finish on 37 points.
Sunshine Coast, along with the Dolphins, are one of the competitions form teams and are currently sitting in second place on 31 points. With three games and a bye in their last four games I expect them to collect the maximum eight points and finish on 39 points. Their Round 25 clash against the Townsville Blackhawks promises to be both a blockbuster and decisive, a win here will see the Falcons lift the John ‘Cracker’ McDonald Minor Premiership Shield.
The Redcliffe Dolphins also have three games and a bye in their last four games, all they can do is keep on winning, which I expect them to do. They are currently in third place on 30 points and by collecting the maximum eight points over the closing rounds they will finish in second spot on 38 points. If the Blackhawks can upset the Falcons they would hand the Falcons the shield, however the Dolphins need to collect all eight points first.
The Easts Tigers currently sit in fourth on 29 points. They are another team with three wins and a bye to come and like the Falcons and Dolphins I expect them to keep on winning. Before last week’s slip up against Wynnum Manly they have been the competitions quiet achievers. Quietly, professionally racking up the wins and securing their finals spot. The loss of Gerard McCallum cannot be underestimated; however I still expect them to collect all eight points and finish on 37.
One of the surprise packets of the season, the Souths Logan Magpies, sit in fifth spot on 28 points. They have a full four games to complete the season so could accrue eight points, however they play the Tigers in Round 23 and I do not see them beating the Tigers. I expect them to get six points from 3 wins and finish on 34.
It has been an average season by the loft heights of the Townsville Blackhawks and they will be looking to finish strongly. Yet another team with three games and a bye to come. I cannot see them beating the Falcons however, I think they will collect the other six points on offer to see them finish their season on 32 points.
So, I think the final ladder will look like this;
Matt 2017 Intrust Super Cup Ladder.
- Sunshine Coast Falcons, Minor Premiers, 39 points.
- Redcliffe Dolphins, 38 points,
- Easts Tigers, 37 points – for and against will determine third and fourth place.
- PNG Hunters, 37 points.
- Souths Logan Magpies, 34 points.
- Townsville Blackhawks, 32 points.
*Note: all points quoted were prior to this weekend’s ISC round of matches
