Last-minute try ends Panthers season

THE glum expression on Centenary players' faces told the whole story.

The Panthers devastatingly bundled out of the Brisbane Second Division Rugby League Southside 2 finals on Saturday after a last-minute try by Southern Suburbs stole victory away from the Panthers at Grosvenor Park, Browns Plains.

It was a cruel way to exit, but the Panthers only had themselves to blame.

Silly mistakes and errors at crucial stages of the heated elimination semi-final cost the Panthers dearly as Southern Suburbs raced in for late tries to record a 26-22 victory.

The first half was a slug fest and at times resembled a boxing match with rival players coming toe-to-toe on numerous occasions.

The referee's decision not to send a player off after the first fight showed a lack of authority and a few minutes later it erupted again with players exchanging more blows.

Still the referee felt it was not necessary to give a player his marching orders.

When there weren't any fisticuffs, some football was played.

Southern Suburbs dominated the first half, scoring three tries to one, including one on the brink of half-time.

After some stern words from coach Peter McIlwain, the Panthers regained some momentum after the break.

Panthers livewire Henry Talataina crossed for the first of a trio four-pointers in the space of nine minutes to hold a 22-16 advantage with 14 minutes remaining.

But against the run of play, Southern Suburbs brought the spectacle to a grandstand finish, scoring against the run of play.

Panthers winger, Adam Palmer, looked to have touched down for the winner when he latched onto a cleverly placed grubber by his brother Luke.

But the europhic celebrations turned into sheer disbelief as the officials ruled a knock-on.

From the players' dug-out it looked good, but supporters closer to the action insisted the referee made the right call.

Then Southern Suburbs posted the winning try at the death to advance into the next stage of the finals, while the Panthers crashed out.