CENTENARY v ARANA: Tuesday July 9 7.15pm at Ipswich Rd
First Round Result: Arana 26 def Centenary 18 Head to Head 2001/2: Arana 1 Centenary 0
Last 3 Rounds: Centenary: Souths W 38-30; Redlands W 30-18; Easts W 44-0
Arana: Easts W 34-4; Souths W 28-22; Redlands L 10-26
The first round clash between these two teams was an entertaining affair, with Arana scoring 2 late tries to get home 26-18, after surrending an early 18-0 lead. Centenary will be without Brisbane forward Matt Marshall who has returned home to Mt Isa for a week after the Townsville carnival, but will be lifted by Lagi's inclusion in the Queensland team. Arana will miss nippy hooker Brendan but should be fired up after the long break. Should be an entertaining match between the two panthers.
"The Computer" tips Arana by 4.
SLACKS CK v REDLANDS: Friday July 9 7.15pm at Usher Park
First Round Result: Redlands 52 d Slacks Ck 0 Head to Head 2001/2: Redlands 1 Slacks Ck 0
Last 3 Rounds: Slacks Ck: Logan Bros L 6-52; Easts L 4-24; Redcliffe L 10-44
Redlands: Redcliffe W 44-0; Centenary L 18-30; Arana W 26-10
Redlands have seven players backing up from the state titles (if they all play) and this may be the Lions best chance to knock over the Parakeets. They will need to maintain pressure for the full 30 minutes each half if they are to do so. With 5 Qld players in the Redlands side, their strikepower should shine through.
"The Computer" tips Redlands by 32.
EASTS v LOGAN BROTHERS: Tuesday July 9 8.15pm at Scott Pk
First Round Result: Logan Bros 30 def Easts 12 Head to Head 2001/2: Logan Bros 1 Easts 0
Last 3 Rounds: Easts: Arana L 4-34; Slacks Ck W 24-4; Centenary L 0-44
Logan Bros: Slacks Ck W 52-6; Redcliffe W 22-14; Souths W 46-30
For Easts to keep their chance of a semis berth alive, they are going to have to start to beat some of the teams in the five, and would love to start with this one at home. The last time these two clashed was at the Brisbane selection trials, and Easts were very disappointing that day. Since that time, Logan Bros have gone from strength to strength and were looking devastating before the break. They may suffer from the loss of Albert who took a bad head knock in Townsville, but they should still prove too strong for the Tigers.
"The Computer" tips Logan Bros by 14.
REDCLIFFE v SOUTHS: Tuesday July 9 8.15pm at Dolphin Junior
First Round Result: Sths 32 d Redcliffe 8 Head to Head 2001/2: Redcliffe 1 Souths 1 Drawn 2
Last 3 Rounds: Redcliffe: Redlands L 0-44; Logan Bros L 14-22; Slacks Ck W 44-10
Souths: Centenary L 30-38; Arana L 22-28; Logan Bros L 30-46
This is a big game for both these teams as they are starting to lose touch with the top four. Souths have been scoring plenty of points led by Mase was was outstanding for Brisbane, but their defense has been letting them down and they will be keen to work on that facet of the game. Redcliffe have been struggling to field a full strength side, but the break should have helped them, and they will be looking to this game as a "fresh start" to the season hoping to recover their form of last year. Should be a ripper!!!
"The Computer" tips Souths by 6.
Hope everyone had an enjoyable break, and let's get back into it!!!
Brad T
7/7/2002
