Easts pip Falcons in Storm feeder derby

Easts Tigers held off a fast finishing Sunshine Coast Falcons to claim bragging rights in the Storm feeder derby.

The Tigers four unanswered tries in the first half to take a 24-nil lead into the break.

It was a tale of two halves though as the Falcons charged home to score five answered of their own after the break.

However the reliable boot of Brodie Croft (five from five) helped to kick the Tigers to a two-point win with a penalty in the 68th minute to all but secure themselves a finals birth in the Intrust Super Cup.

Easts were led up the middle by Albert Vete (game-high 152 metres) and Sam Kasiano, who was playing his first game back from injury.

Kasiano ran for 116 metres and scored the first try of the game when he powered over from a Brandon Smith pass out of dummy half.

"Sam was jumping out of his skin to get out there," Easts coach Scott Sipple said.

"He was really good for us, he came up with a great attitude, had good energy and got through about 48 minutes. He was very good."

EASTS TIGERS 26 (Sam Kasiano, Brandon Smith, Albert Vete, Shane Neumann tries; Brodie Croft 5 goals) def SUNSHINE COAST FALCONS 24 (Iliesa Ratuva, Christopher Lewis, Ryley Jacks, Harry Grant, Thomas Eisenhuth tries; Christopher Lewis 2 goals) at Sunshine Coast Stadium.