Exhibition Wednesday and 4 games played, all at 7.15pm. The game of the round was at Creek Rd Carina where Logan Bros held their "home" match against Arana. Arana seemed intent on self-destruction, and their completion rate of 45% was half of what they achieved against Souths the previous Friday. In fact by half time, Arana had already completed 30 more tackles than they had in the whole match against Souths. To Logan's credit they took advantage of the Panther's errors and played an entertaining brand of football with big Albert playing havoc in the forwards and 5/8 Vaughan leading the backs around the park and having a fine kicking game. Arana defended well on their line, particularly in the opening 15 minutes, but weight of possession was too much, and at half-time Logan led 14-6. The second half started disastrously for Arana, with Logan Bros scoring fom yet another dropped ball, and the 20-6 scoreline looked tough to haul back. An fine individual try to Alex T brought the score back to 20-12, but only 2 minutes later Logan scored from a freakish bounce from a centre kick that looked sure to go dead and they were again safe at 26-12. Zac crashed over for his first try of the season to again bring the margin back to eight, but a "controversial" try to Logan with 7 minutes remaing wrapped up the match 30-18. As well as scoring his maiden try, Zac topped the hit-ups in a fine performance. The forwards had to do plenty of tackling with Brent, Brendan, Zac, Matt and Rohan all topping the 20 mark.
By the minute:
14th min: Logan Bros try; Logan Bros 4-0
20th min: Logan Bros try/conv; Logan Bros 10-0
26th min: Brendan try/Alex T conv; Logan Bros 10-6
30th min: Logan Bros try; Logan Bros 14-6 (HT)
34th min: Logan Bros try/conv; Logan Bros 20-6
43rd min: Alex T try/conv; Logan Bros 20-12
46th min: Logan Bros try/conv; Logan Bros 26-12
50th min: Zac try/Alex T conv; Logan Bros 26-18
54th min: Logan Bros try; Logan Bros 30-18 (FT)
In the game at Redcliffe, a tight first half, with Centenary leading 12-10 gave no hint of the runaway that was to follow, with the home team keeping their semi-final chances well and truly alive with a 28 point second half blitz, while holding the Panthers scoreless, to win 38-12. Centenary have hit a hole at the wrong end of the season and the loss sees them slip to 4th spot behind Logan Bros.
In a disappointing game at Usher Park, with both teams guilty of numerous handling errors, Souths picked up a vital 2 competition points against the improved Slacks Ck team winning 24-14 after leading 14-6 at the break. The Magpies will need to improve to get into the semis over Redcliffe, but will be relieved to get past this danger game. In the final match, Redlands all but wrapped up the minor premiership, scoring at a point a minute in both halves to defeat Easts 60-4. By virtue of the Lions loss, Easts have avoided the wooden spoon, abd they will no doubt be disappointed with this performance.
With two rounds to go Redlands have a 3 point lead at the top on 34, with Arana on 31 and Logan Bros on 29 looking in the box seat to take out the critical 2nd and third positions. Centenary have slipped to 4th on 28 and look set to play either Souths or Redcliffe in the knockout semi, with the Dolphins and Magpies remaining locked together in 5th place on 23 points. Easts remain on 10 and Slacks Ck on 6 prop up the table.
Brad T
14/8/2002
