The five winners from Round 1 continued on their winning ways in Round 2, although Centenary just held off Logan Brothers and Redcliffe got home by 2 points against the Tigers courtesy of a last gasp try. Redlands and Souths were untroubled in defeating Holy Spirit and Brighton respectively and it looks as though it could be a long season for these 2 northside teams.
Arana ventured to Slacks Creek for the first time, and in very wet conditions found an opponent desperate to improve on their performance the week before versus Redcliffe. It was a tightly contested first half, with Arana's cause not being helped by some dropped ball inside their own half, plus a number of penalties against them. They were indeed happy to go in at half time with a 14-4 lead. Arana's experiences shone through (if that is the correct word in the rain!) and they eventually pulled away to record a 38-10 victory. Lock Josey turned in a stellar performance for the Panthers, scoring 4 tries in addition to topping the forwards' tackle count. He was well supported in the forwards by Matt H, Rohan A and Brent A. Out in the backs, Alex T and Nash R got through their usual power of defence and fullback Luke was eye-catching, both in attack and defence, and his 11 hit-ups total was equal top in team. Slacks Creek definitely have some size and talent and should certainly improve as the season progresses.
After the Easter break, all teams should be raring to go this weekend, particularly with the battle for representative spots to be decided in the next few weeks. First game on Friday night is Centenary v Brighton and it is hard to see this being anything but a cakewalk for the southside team, even though it is at Brighton. Centenary have been recruiting to improve their depth and this should make them an even more dangerous combination. Holy Spirit will also be at home to Souths on Friday night, and will have to show vast improvement to trouble the Magpies. Once again a southside victory seems assured. The final Friday night game is the top of the table (on percentages!) clash between Arana and Redlands. Redlands have been devastating in their 2 victories to date, putting 62 points on Holy Spirit without reply in the wet in round 2. Arana have not been quite so clinical and will have to be at their best to challenge the reigning premiers. There should be some great individual clashes in this match Alex T v Matt S; Josey W v Jay A; Rohan A v Brian P; and Brendan A v Nathan S immediately spring to mind - see you at Dawson Pde for this one!!
The two JnrA2 Grand Finalists from last years, Easts and Slacks Ck clash on Sunday. Easts will be disappointed with, but encouraged by, their narrow loss to Redcliffe and will be looking to repeat their grand final win; although no doubt by more than a 2 point margin. This will certainly be a great gauge as to which of the teams has stepped up their games since last season, and I think the Tigers have done a little better in that area. The final game for the weekend will see Redcliffe travel to Logan Brothers. Redcliffe were lucky to get out of jail last week but will be a better team for the experience. Logan Brothers will be encouraged by their performance against Centenary and will be absolutely desperate to get 2 points on the board. Redcliffe may be weakened by school rugby commitments as well, and this will be a great opportunity for the Logan boys to gain revenge for their preliminary final loss last year.
Hope everyone has an enjoyable, injury free weekend.
Brad T
1/4/2002
