QCup Rd 15 Burleigh 12 Ipswich 16

by NRL

Bears were left to rue another missed opportunity after their semi-final aspirations were all but put to bed today at the hands of the Ipswich Jets.

With their season on the line in the round 15 clash at Pizzey Park, the Bears mustered a spirited performance but couldn't land the knock-out blow.

The Jets were able to grind out a tough 16-12 win, but not before enduring a number of close calls against a Bears side that had clearly come to play.

Despite trailing 10-0 after 20 minutes and then 16-6 early in the second half, the Bears wouldn't go away and set up a grandstand finish when Anthony Don leapt high to snatch a high ball for a smart try that was converted by Jordan Rankin.

When Burleigh halfback Brad Bennett broke the Ipswich line and sprinted clear to ground the ball soon after, excited Bears fans thought they were about to play from in front for the first time in the match.

However, the movement was called back by referee Shane Spicer, who ruled an obstruction against the Burleigh side.

The Jets clung on in the final 15 minutes, despite numerous attacking raids from the desperate Bears.

Ipswich co-coach Ben Walker was relieved to come away with the win after losing halfback Ian Lacey in the opening minutes with a suspected broken collar bone.

Walker was disappointed with his team's execution at pivotal moments.

"That was our worst performance in two years," he said.

"But the positive thing is we only conceded two tries for the second week in a row."

Ipswich was again well served by giant winger Ramon Filipine, who crossed for two first-half tries.

The Queensland Residents hopeful also made a staggering 22 hit ups in an eye catching performance.

Burleigh was willing all day, but their cause wasn't helped by the loss of fullback Michael Brophy for an extended period of the match.

In Brophy's absence, Rankin slipped back to fullback and he caused a number of headaches for the Jets.

However, his failure to defuse a tricky grubber kick early in the second half proved costly when Ipswich hooker Michael Fisher capitalised on the prominent field position following the error to dart over the line for the try that gave the Jets a 16-6 advantage.

Both Ipswich and Burleigh will be involved in 'catch up' matches next weekend, with the Jets to do battle with Souths Logan and the Bears to play arch rivals Tweed Heads.

IPSWICH JETS 16 (Ramon Filipine 2, Michael Fisher tries; Brendon Lindsay 2 goals) def BURLEIGH BEARS 12 (Anthony Don, Todd Seymour tries; Jordan Rankin 2 goals) at Pizzey Park.

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