IT was a big weekend in Gold Coast Rugby last week and after seven rounds of competition, the premiership has truly become a three-horse race.

In the battle of the top two, although Eagles were able to defeat Surfers, they were unable to grab a much needed bonus point and remain in second.

Surfers, picking up a bonus point for losing by less than seven, retain the top spot.

Looking closer at the table, this style of competition scoring is exactly what makes rugby union not only an exciting competition to follow, but also sets it apart from the other football codes.

Despite Eagles being undefeated, they sit in second place behind a side they got the better of.

This truly encapsulates the benefits of playing an exciting brand of rugby with the Surfers Paradise side being able to gain five bonus points in six games played and pip the undefeated Eagles by a single competition point.

In third place, Palm Beach– Currumbin were able to grab their fourth win in a row on Saturday, defeating Bond Pirates 26-15.

The Alleygators dedicated their win to club stalwart Murray Felstead who sadly passed away last Thursday.

Murray was instrumental in establishing the Alleygators in their current facility and has been a member of the club for more than 20 years.

Muz was also on the committee of Gold Coast Rugby and his highly-valued contribution to the code will be sorely missed.

Murray's funeral was held on Tuesday and perhaps as a sign of the value of his contribution, the service was attended by more than 500 people.

Palm Beach will take on Eagles at Currumbin this Saturday.

A win to the Alleygators will not only be heartfelt but it could catapult them into first position.

In the other matches, Nerang are at home to Helensvale at 3.15pm and Colleges host Bond Pirates at 4.15pm.