THE Norths Devils today booked their spot in the Queensland Cup finals with a hard-fought 30-18 victory over the Ipswich Jets at Briggs Road.
The thrilling final round match, played in energy-sapping heat, capped off an outstanding regular season.
After 22 incredible rounds, the make up of the top six hinged on the outcome of the clash between the Jets and the Devils.
A Norths loss would have resulted in Burleigh qualifying for the finals but the Bears have now been sent packing, despite finishing the season with a convincing 36-12 victory over the Central Comets on Saturday night.
With their season in the line, the Devils were forced to dig deep after the spirited Jets had hit the front 18-14 with 20 minutes remaining.
Norths led 14-4 at half-time but the Devils were on the back foot early in the second half against the Michael Ryan inspired Jets.
Norths finally shrugged off the Jets in the final 10 minutes to secure fifth spot and a shot at the Northern Pride in the opening week of the finals.
Tweed Heads finished in sixth spot after running out comfortable 34-10 winners over the Mackay Cutters at Cudgen on Saturday.
NEXT WEEK'S FINALS MATCHES
QUEENSLAND CUP
Saturday 29 August
Qualifying Final 1
SOUTHS LOGAN MAGPIES v TWEED HEADS - Meakin Park 2.00pm*
Qualifying Final 2
NORTHERN PRIDE v NORTHS DEVILS - Barlow Park 8.00pm
Qualifying Final 3
CENTRAL COMETS v SUNSHINE COAST - Browne Park 7.00pm
* Two lowest ranked losers eliminated
