ROUND 8 PREVIEW:
Arana will join Logan Brothers on the sideline this weekend with byes for their previously scheduled games against Brighton and Holy Spirit respectively. The 2 points they receive will move Arana 4 clear at the top of the table, and Logan Brothers equal to Centenary on 8 points, pending the results of the 3 games to be played.
On Friday night the in-form Magpies travel to Slacks Creek, and it is hard to see anything but a big Souths win, cementing their 3rd position on the ladder which they grabbed in Sunday's big defeat of Redcliffe. Slacks Creek failed to trouble the scorer against the Redlands boys last Friday night, and will be looking for an improved effort this week.
Redlands are away again on Sunday, this time at Scott Park, to take on the Tigers, itching for a game after their 2 consecutive byes. Easts were disappointing in their last outing against Logan Brothers at Mitchelton, and will be looking to show the better form they had previously displayed against competition leaders Arana. Redlands, however, have done nothing wrong since their narrow loss to Arana and they should be able to tame the Tigers.
By the kickoff of the 3rd game of the weekend, Centenary will know if their faint Chairman's Flags hopes have been totally extinguished by a Redlands victory, but, whatever happens, their clash with the Dolphins at Redcliffe will be the game of the round. Both teams were undefeated for the first 4 rounds (Redcliffe for the first 5), but have since failed to register a win, both struggling with injuries. With the two side desperate for a win, it could come down to who makes the least mistakes - hard to separate these 2 teams, but the home ground advantage may just favour the 'fins.
Happy footballing to all !!!
Brad T
6/5/2002
ROUND 7 WRAP:
Round 7 has been completed with Arana remaining undefeated on top of the table, and booking themselves a spot in the Chairman's Flag Final in June, courtesy of a "Jekyl and Hyde" 26-18 win over Centenary. Redlands continued their good form with a 52-0 whitewash of Slacks Creek in the rain on Friday night, and Souths showed they are hitting top form with a 32-8 victory over an injury hit Redcliffe. East and Logan Bros had the bye. These results see Arana on 14 points, Redlands on 12, Souths and Redcliffe on 10 and Centenary on 8. Logan Bros and Easts are on 6 with Slacks Creek on 4.
Arana started brilliantly against their fellow panthers (despite the absence of Rohan) jumping away to an 18-0 lead in even time, courtesy of an early long distance try by Alex T, 2 bustling efforts by Josey and the neat fielding of an Alex T cross-kick by Roger. Suddenly it appeared that their mind went off the game and mistakes started to creep in, allowing Centenary, who were playing a man short, back into the game. After scoring just before half-time, Centenary's confidence had lifted and they opened the second half in fine fashion, storming back at the home team to eventually draw level. Arana finally got their mind back on the job, and a well deserved try to Alex F, who had a great game, with 6 minutes to go steadied the ship. Josh sealed the win with a last minute try. Whilst happy with the win, the Arana boys will be disappointed with their effort and concentration against the depleted Centenary side, and will have to improve on that to be a threat in the Chairman's Flag, no matter who they play.
Still it is a great effort for the Arana boys to remain undefeated after 7 rounds, and earn their first appearance in a Flag final - well done!!!
Brad T
5/5/2002
