The Logan Saints came up against the top-of-the-table Sunnybank Dragons on the weekend but failed in their efforts to secure an upset as they lost 24 – 18 at Homestead Park.

It was the boot of half-back Tim Burrows which kept the Saints in touch with the competition’s leading team as he kicked six penalty goals to score all of the Saints points.

But it was to no avail, as the Logan attack was effectively shut down by tight Dragon’s defence and while the Saints found it difficult with ball in hand, Sunnybank managed to cross the line four times to claim the win and a bonus point.

The strong Dragons side caused the Logan defence problems, and three of the visiting team’s tries came through the backline and their solid attacking display signalled to the Saints the standard which they’ll have to match if they are to have a chance in the closing stages of the season.

Logan were awarded a bonus point by losing by less than 7 points which places them on 48 competition points and clinging to fourth place and a potential finals place.

From the Saints’ perspective, the other vital match of the round was played between fifth-placed Brothers and Easts, with the Brethren taking out a bonus point 36 – 5 win which leaves them just a single competition point behind Logan.

The slim margin between the sides in terms of competition points means that this weekend’s final game of the regular season takes on a huge importance for the Saints, with nothing less than a bonus-point win being required if they are to be guaranteed of a semi-final place.

With Logan only enjoying a relatively small advantage in terms of for-and-against, it looks like the final say on who claims the last semi-final position could be determined by the bounce of a single ball this weekend.

Brothers will host the second-last placed Wests Bulldogs while the Logan Saints travel to take on their local rivals, the last-placed Redlands Mudcrabs at Judy Holt Park.