Unfortunately only three games of footy played in the 14A comp over the weekend due to forfeits by Holy Spirit and Brighton to Centenary and Redcliffe respectively. This is a disappointment for all concerned and it is hoped the uncertainty surrounding the competition can be resolved in the next few days, as things are now very difficult, particularly for Logan Bros, Easts and Slacks Creek. In the only game played on Friday night Logan Brothers defeated Slacks Creek 40-4, after leading 34-0 at halftime. This would indicate that just splitting the comp in two is not going to remove lopsided scorelines!!!
The two Sunday games were entertaining affairs, with Easts at home to Arana, and Souths at home to Redlands. In the first of these, Easts really pushed Arana and only a lapse in defence close to line by Easts and some slick backline work by Arana allowed the visitors to get away to an 8-0 lead halfway through the first half. Easts then hit back with a fine try and Arana were looking a little shaky clinging to an 8-4 lead, but a brilliant individual try by Nash R (back into his 2001 position of halfback) allowed Arana to get away to 12-4 lead at the break. A wellplace crossfield kick by Alex T early in the second half saw Luke score after a scramble in the in-goal area and Arana were more comfortable at 18-4. Easts hit back soon after to only trail 18-10 and for the next ten minutes really applied the pressure to the Panthers - another try to Easts at this stage could have spelt real problems for Arana, who were struggling with a mounting injury toll from what was a very physical contest. The Panther defence held however and when Brendan A burrowed over for his second try 8 minutes before fulltime the contest was effectively over. Phippsy, who had a great game was rewarded with a late try to bring up the final score of 26-10. In the forwards, Rohan had his usual strong game, well supported by Josey and Matt H, with Josey showing his versatility by also spending some time at 5/8 following injuries to Dean and Alex T - Brendan A always looked dangerous around the rucks. Unfortunately Brent sustained a nasty knock to the eye area - it is hoped it is not too serious but it certainly didn't look good. In the backs, Nash had a blinder at halfback, and Alex F and Luke also had strong games. Josh was solid in defence and made a couple of blockbusting runs as well. For the Tigers, Corey P had a great game, particularly offloading in tackles, and David T also played well in the centres.
The Souths/Redlands game was a real "tryfest" with Redlands getting away to an early lead before Souths pegged them back to only trail 22-16 at halftime. The 2nd half was a repeat with Redlands charging away to a 38-16 lead before Souths hit the accelerator to get back to 38-30, with another Magpie try looking to be "on" as the hooter went. Both teams showed they are capable of great attacking football and Redlands will certainly be happy to get away with the 2 points.
Next week sees the selection trials and (hopefully) five U14A games in a row at Mitchelton starting at 9am Sunday. With the talent available to the representative selectors, some positions could well be decided on form on this day, so everyone will want to be at their best!!
The first game should be a beauty with Souths taking on Arana - on selection day last year Arana tore the Maggies to shreds, but it is hard to see that happening this year, as Souths are a much better side than they were at this time in the season. Arana still seem to have patches where they "switch off" so they will have to watch this against Souths who, with Mase and Junior so dangerous, and a big, mobile forward pack, can rack up points very quickly. This really is anyone's game and should provide an entertaining start to the day's activities.
The second game should also be a close affair with Logan Brothers taking on Easts - this takes on some extra interest given the proposal to send these 2 teams to the A2 competition. This should be a very physical encounter, and the side that controls the ball best could very well be the winner. Both teams will be anxious to prove they have the talent to be A1 sides and their certainly will be no quarter asked or given.
It is hoped the next 2 games can be played with Holy Spirit scheduled to play Redcliffe and Brighton to play Slacks Creek, given the 2 forfeits over the weekend. It is hard to image anything but a huge Redcliffe victory in the first game, and Slacks Creek should be able to pick up their first competition points of the season in the second (perhaps only to lose them if the split goes ahead!) against what has been a disappointing Holy Spirit side.
The final game of the day should be a real cracker with the defending Premiers Redlands up against the "new boys on the block" Centenary. The Parakeets have already had their feathers plucked by one Panther team this year, and will be anxious to avoid a repeat. There should be some great individual clashes in this game with potentially some representative spots on the line - the match up between locks Nick Wright and Jay A, and the Qld 5/8s of the last 2 years, Tim Mc and Matt S, are two that spring immediately to mind. There is an absolute wealth of talent in these two sides, and both teams will have to be at their absolute best on the day to take away the points. It will certainly be interesting to see how Centenary shape up to this challenge, given their rise to this Division this year.
I hope everyone enjoys their footy this Sunday, and I wish you all the very best for an injury free, enjoyable day.
Brad T
14/4/2002
