Redcliffe Dolphins booked the first spot in the 2018 decider with a win over the Burleigh Bears in a tight affair at Dolphin Oval.
The game was a complete opposite to the Final Series’ earlier game. That game at Suzuki Stadium saw 70 points, this one at Dolphins Oval saw a mere 19 points. All but one point before the 50th minute.
Redcliffe opened the scoring through Tom Opacic in the 14th minute, and when Sami Sauiluma who crossed in the 29th minute for Burleigh. A penalty goal to Redcliffe was the half’s only other score and the half time score 8-6.
The only second half try went to the Dolphins through Josh Beehag scoring in the 50th and giving Redcliffe that dangerous 6 margin ahead of the Bears for most of the second half.
Both sides tried, but there was just a field goal to show for the rest of the game after that 50 minute, giving Redcliffe the passage into the Grand Final.
The game featured some strong defence, which invariably led to an error from the opposition. However Redcliffe’s defence did the better job as they held onto their 6 point lead for all of the second half, and sealed the game with a field goal in the 74th minute.
Burleigh will now get home final next weekend against the red-hot Tigers to decide Redcliffe’s opponents.
Given the way Burleigh thrashed Easts on the final day of the season, and the Tigers super form this finals series, it should be a cracker for a neutral.
THE RESULT
REDCLIFFE DOLPHINS 13
Tries: Tom OPACIC (14m) Josh BEEHAG (50m)
Goals: Bryce DONOVAN 1 Conv, 1 Pen
Field Goals: Bryce DONOVAN (74m)
BURELIGH BEARS 6
Tries: Sami SAUILUMA (29m)
Goals: Jamal FOGARTY 1 Conv