MOUNTIES suffered a major setback in the Bundaberg Red Cup, going down 20-12 to the Bankstown City Bulls in a catch-up match at Mounties Sportsground last Sunday.

The scores were locked up at 12-all at half-time, but the homeside failed to cross the tryline in the second half. They succumbed to an eight-point defeat.

This time last year Mounties were planning a premiership assault, but after the weekend's loss, the club has fallen into sixth position, but remain one point outside the top four.

They play host to Southern Districts at 7pm on Saturday before a crucial final round battle against the second placed Bulls away from home on Sunday, August 9.