IVANHOES can start plotting their Cairns District Rugby League finals campaign after sealing a spot in the top five with a 32-28 victory against Edmonton at Smithfield yesterday.

The victory moves Hoes nine points clear of the sixth-placed Storm and makes it impossible for them to be ousted from the five with only a month left in the regular season.

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With his side’s finals participation assured, Hoes coach Billy Beard said his players were planning on doing more than just making up the numbers come September.

"That’s the nature of footy," he said. "We don’t just want to be in there. We’re aiming to finish as high as we can.

"Semi-finals are a different kettle of fish. If you show you are good enough to get there then anything can happen.

"We definitely think we are finals contenders."

The attribute Beard admires most in his players is their grit and rarely has it been on show more than in yesterday’s match.

Hoes trailed 12-0 before the chips from the canteen had a chance to get cold but two tries late in the half had scores level heading into the break.

Using the simplest of game plans revolving around completing sets and playing field position, Hoes raced to a 32-18 lead in the second half before the Storm scored two late tries to narrow the losing margin to four.

Shaun Vidito (2), Gavin Johnson (2) and Marvin Ferris all crossed for the home side while Clifton Tildora (2), Travis Harrison and Cosmos Mallee scored four-pointers for the visitors.

Storm coach Tony Walker said yesterday was another example of a game his side let slip.

"Ivanhoes beat us on the day but we probably should have blown them off the park early," he said.

"We wasted a lot of opportunities. The biggest thing was that we didn’t play with an 80-minute intensity.

"At best we played with a 65-minute intensity."

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