The Logan Saints came up against the top-of-the-table Souths Magpies on the weekend and went down 29 - 14 despite a spirited performance.

Logan had been enjoying a recent run of solid form and were looking to continue their winning ways against the top side of the competition.

A victory would have stamped the Saints as genuine title contenders and brought them closer to the hotly contested top four.

Instead, it was the Magpies who used the fixture to advance their claims for a 2010 premiership, as they ran in four tries at Chipsy Wood Oval.

Both of the Magpies halves crossed the line to score five-pointers, and tries also went to the Souths outside centre and blindside flanker.

The Saints displayed their ability to produce dangerous attacking rugby against one of the best defences in Brisbane rugby, and their efforts were rewarded with a try to prolific winger Quinton Matika.

Half-back Tim Burrows contributed with three penalty goals, but these efforts weren't enough as the Magpies demonstrated how they had earned their place at the top of the pecking order in first-division rugby.

The loss leaves the Saints six points outside the top four with only four fixtures remaining in the season, leaving Logan in a situation where they are effectively playing knockout football every week chasing their goal of premiership success.

The Logan Saints continue their first-division rugby union campaign next week with matches against Norths-QUT at Homestead Park.