Vikings Win Chairman's Trophy

THE inaugural South East Queensland Division Chairman?s Trophy reached a thrilling climax last Saturday at Currumbin when the Gold Coast Vikings hosted Brisbane in front of a good crowd.

With both teams securing wins over Ipswich, the victor in this game would receive the silverware.

Brisbane started with great enthusiasm and surprised the home team to lead 4-0.

But against the run of play, Gold Coast winger Scott Mulligan raced the length of the field to equal the score.

Brisbane skipper Steve Franciscus then set up his team?s second before a mistake saw Mulligan scoop up the loose ball and cross for an early double to level the score at 10-all.

Vikings skipper John Flint handed his team the lead for the first time with a strong try, but the inspirational Franciscus started a movement that ended with him scoring under the posts as the half-time siren sounded to lock the score up at 16-all.

Gold Coast started the second half with renewed vigour after a halftime address from coach Sam Stewart, a former New Zealand International.

The result was an early try for a handy 22-16 advantage.

Brisbane however matched the Vikings and the game remained in the balance with only desperate defence from both teams halting the scoring opportunities.

A late try and penalty goal finally saw the Gold Coast take out a 30-16 victory.

The Gold Coast now advance to the XXXX Challenge semi-final round and take on Toowoomba at Gatton?s Cahill Park on Saturday for a place in the grand final.

Townsville earned a spot in the final with a hard-fought 30-20 semi-final win over Bundaberg in their clash last Saturday.

The state winner will progress to the national final which is a curtain-raiser to Origin II in Brisbane.

Source: http://www.qrl.com.au