Affiliate wrap: Jets fly high as Seagulls fall short in thriller

Round 7 delivered mixed results for the Gold Coast Titans’ Hostplus Cup affiliates, with Ipswich claiming an impressive win, while Tweed fell short in a heartbreaker.

The Ipswich Jets produced one of their strongest performances of the season, downing the Mackay Cutters 28-18 to hand the competition leaders a setback and surge into second on the ladder.

Titans winger Tony Francis was a standout, racking up a game-high 247 running metres, while fullback Jaylan De Groot proved a constant threat, scoring a try and recording two line breaks.

The Titans provided the bulk of the Jets outside backs with De Groot at fullback, Dean Ieremia and Francis on the wings, while Max Feagai slotted into the centres. 

Josh Patston was the lone Titans forward, playing lock and scoring a try of his own. 

At Piggabeen Sports Complex, Tweed Seagulls were left to rue a narrow defeat after a gripping contest with the Central Queensland Capras.

With a host of Titans in their team list, Tweed shot out an 18-4 halftime lead before the Capras rallied.

With both sides locked at 24-all inside the final minute, it was the visitors who iced the result with a late penalty goal to snatch a 26-24 victory.

Despite the result, there were strong individual efforts across the park.

Hooker Luke Sommerton led the defensive workload with 41 tackles, while winger Allan Fitzgibbon made a strong impact with 167 running metres - the most for his side.

Other Titans to feature for the Seagulls were Jensen Taumoepeau, Sunny Kama, Zane Harrison, Adam Christensen and Bodhi Sharpley.

At the conclusion of round 7, Tweed sit 11th on the ladder, while Ipswich’s win sees them climb into second.

Both sides will enjoy a bye in Round 8 before returning in Round 9, with Tweed set to host the Towoomba Clydesdales on Sunday and Ipswich travelling to Rockhampton to face the Capras on Saturday.