SPORTS IN
EVERY FLAVOUR

The AIHL title race remains impossible to separate. For the second straight week, Newcastle and the Mustangs matched each other stride for stride, leaving both sides level on 50 points atop the ladder. Behind them, Canberra continued its excellent late-season form, while Melbourne Ice kept its finals hopes alive in another high-scoring weekend.

Round 21 delivered another pivotal weekend in the race towards September, with the Panthers strengthening their grip on the minor premiership, South Sydney keeping their finals hopes alive, and Canberra producing one of the most dominant performances of the season. Elsewhere, the Roosters pinched a thriller in Newcastle, the Bulldogs stayed in the top-eight hunt, and the Sharks dismantled Manly at Brookvale.

The Melbourne Mustangs produced another flawless weekend to draw level with Newcastle at the top of the ladder, while Canberra continued its late-season charge and Melbourne Ice reminded everyone they remain a dangerous finals contender.

This week saw the Brisbane Broncos producing one of the biggest upsets of the season, the Sydney Roosters strengthening their top-four credentials, and the New Zealand Warriors overcoming a controversial contest to cement their place near the top of the ladder. Elsewhere, Canberra held off a spirited South Sydney comeback, while the Dolphins and Titans enjoyed important victories.