CITIES have qualified for next Sunday's grand final after a thrilling victory over Miles at Bassett Park today.

Cities edged out the Devils 23-22 to book a meeting with Wallumbilla-Surat Red Bulls in the decider.

But it was touch and go as Miles launched a rousing fightback to push the Gladiators all the way.

A comeback did not look likely after the first 40 minutes when Cities kept the Devils while running in three tries of their own.

Cities sparkled early on and Daryl Parker opened the account on six minutes.  On 18 minutes Ben Maddock chased down his own kick to land a four pointer under posts. Shannon Irwin converted that as he also converted Will Clark's 28^th minute try to leave Miles reeling at 16-0.

Stout Cities defence kept Miles out for the remainder of the half but the Devils showed a new lease of life after the breaking level up the scores in an astonish seven minute period where they nailed three tries.

At 16-16 the momentum was now with Miles and when Anthony Crosland had a kickable penalty on 58 minutes it would have put them into the lead for the first time in the game. Crosland missed and Cities rallied with some great work by Floyd Daniels rewarded with Maddock's second try of the game.  Irwin added the extras to make it 22-16.

Back came Miles and on 65 minutes they capitalised on two penalties from Cities indiscipline to tie it up once more at 22-22.

As the second ticked away, both sides squandered chances to cross the try line. On 74 minutes, Maddock kicked a field goal on the last tackle to give Cities the slenderest of advantages.

They held on for six nervewracking minutes as successive Miles' attacks failed to penetrate the try line.

Cities just about deserved the victory and now have the chance to redeem themselves after their disappointing loss to the Bulls in the major semi last weekend.