IPSWICH’S Host Plus Cup campaign has come to a heartbreaking end after the Jets fell four points short in a gripping elimination final against the Central Queensland Capras in Rockhampton.
The Jets fought back from an early 10-point deficit and briefly hit the front in the second half, but a late Capras surge proved decisive in a 28-24 victory at Aurizon Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Ipswich refused to go quietly, with Max Feagai crossing in the 76th minute and Brenton Baira converting to reduce the margin to four points and set up a frantic finish.
But the Capras held on through the closing stages to book their place deeper into the Hostplus Cup finals and bring Ipswich’s late-season charge to an end.
Central Queensland had made the stronger start, with Nixon Putt opening the scoring in the 10th minute before Blake Moore crossed five minutes later to give the home side a 10-0 advantage.
But trailing just 16-12 at the break ensured the Jets remained firmly in the fight.
Late in the second half the Jets were close at 28-24 but late errors proved costly.
Baira finished as Ipswich’s standout on the scoreboard with two tries and four conversions from four attempts for 16 points.
The defeat ends a strong late-season revival from Ipswich, who entered the finals carrying momentum and defeated Mackay 32-18 in the opening week.
