IPSWICH Eagles have suffered a heartbreaking end to their QFA Division 3 Brisbane South campaign, falling just two points short against Redland-Victoria Point in a gripping preliminary final.
The Eagles went down 59-57 at Ern and Alma Dowling Sports Ground on Friday night, with little separating the sides throughout a tense second half.
Ipswich made the stronger start, booting three goals in the opening quarter to take a 20-12 advantage into the first break.
But Redland-Victoria Point responded strongly in the second term, holding the Eagles goalless while adding two majors and three behinds to turn an eight-point deficit into a four-point halftime lead.
With a grand final berth on the line, Ipswich fought back after the main break.
The Eagles kicked three goals in the third quarter and closed the margin to a single point, trailing 43-42 heading into the final term.
From there it became a battle of nerves as both sides kicked two goals in the fourth quarter, but Redland-Victoria Point’s two additional behinds ultimately proved the difference as the Sharks held on for a 59-57 victory.
Ipswich’s Cameron Hermansson led the Eagles’ attack with three goals, while James Body and Dan Bushett each kicked two.
Christian Thavenot, William Beardsley, Matthew Hardess and Mohammed Keita were also among the Eagles’ goalkickers.
The result brings Ipswich’s season to an agonising end after the Eagles entered the final quarter just one point away from a place in the decider.
Two points were all that separated Ipswich from keeping its premiership dream alive.
