By John Devine (BRL Premier A Grade correspondent)
With only three rounds left in the BRL’s CAOS Premier A Grade Competition, all eyes will be on Frank Lind Oval this Saturday as the undefeated West Brisbane take on second-placed Bulimba.
A win for the Panthers will secure them the minor premiership while a win to the Bulldogs will keep alive their slim hopes of snatching top spot on the ladder.
Bulimba have locked in a top two finish and a home semi-final.
These two sides last met in Round 7 in a wet clash, with the Panthers grinding out a 24-22 win at Balmoral. This weekend’s rematch will be played at 3pm.
Last year’s premiers, Valleys, will also play host to Pine Rivers at 3pm.
The Bears have lost their last four games and are now likely to miss the finals.
Valleys, as they did in 2021, have started their title defence run with three wins on the trot.
A Diehards win will give them a chance of two shots in the semi-finals.
The Diehards prevailed in a fiery encounter last week against Normanby, while the Bears were smashed by the Panthers last week at Samford.
Normanby meanwhile could make Wynnum Manly Juniors’ finals run a mess, with a win at Ber St Claire at 4.45pm.
The Hounds’ season is over and the Seagulls are in the top five for now – but one loss could derail their march.
The Seagulls have won five in a row and will not want that run to end as they sit in equal third with the Diehards.
Normanby have beaten sides higher on the ladder before and it will come at no surprise if they take down the Seagulls.
Souths Juniors also have the chance to ruin Beenleigh’s first foray into finals footy when the Magpies host the Pride at Brandon Park at 4.45pm.
Souths have faded away in many of their games but with only three weeks before the off-season, the Maggies would like to finish on a high.
The Pride come off a draw and a two-point loss in two hard hit-outs against the Bulldogs and fatigue may set in for the Maggies to swoop.Elsewhere, Brighton need to win all their remaining games if they are any chance of getting to September.
They will host Carina at 4.45pm at Jim Lawrie Oval.
The Tigers ran away against the Magpies last week and could put the Roosters out too.
Brighton came close against the Seagulls but will need to find another gear to stay alive in 2022.
