REDLANDS v ARANA: Sunday Sept 8; 12.30pm at Scott Pk
First Round: Arana 15 def Redlands 14 Second Round: Arana 24 def Redlands 23
Third Round: Redlands 26 def Arana 10 Head to Head 2001/2: Redlands 3 Arana 3
Last 3 Games: Redlands: Slacks Ck W 26-6; Redcliffe D 26-26; Easts W 60-4
Arana: Logan Bros W 25-20; Centenary W 14-10; Easts W 30-18
Scott Park will be the venue to decide who is first into the Grand Final. Arana surprised everyone except themselves with a hard fought win over Logan Bros in the qualifying semi on Sunday, another tough win following their slog in the mud versus Centenary. These games have taken their toll physically but have certainly hardened the team and lifted the players' spirits. Redlands have not played a final five team since their win over Centenary nearly a month ago, and have also had the week off, so whilst they should be fresh the lack of tough football must be of some concern. The last times these two teams met was three months ago in the Chairman's Trophy where Redlands jumped well and won convincingly, although Arana won each of the two encounters earlier in the year by a point, and the teams are 3-3 in their encounters in the last two years. Redlands will start favourites but should not take the Panthers lightly.
"The Computer" tips Redlands by 12.
LOGAN BROS v CENTENARY: Sunday Sept 8; 1.45pm at Pinklands
First Rnd: Centenary 34 d Logan Bros 28 Second Rnd: Logan Bros 24 d Centenary 12
Third Rnd: Logan Bros 30 d Centenary 16 Head to Head 2001/2: Logan Bros 2 Centenary 1
Last 3 Games: Logan Bros: Arana L 20-25; Easts W 30-8; Slacks Ck W 40-6
Centenary: Souths W 29-22; Arana L 10-14; Souths W 40-26
Logan Bros and Centenary return to Pinklands this weekend for the knockout semi. Centenary outlasted Souths in an exciting elimination final on Sunday which went down to the last minute, whilst Logan Bros looked good early but a poor start to the second half saw Arana jump to a lead that they couldn't run down. Both teams will be better for Sunday's tough clashes and this is an intriguing match, with both teams having power up forward and talented backlines. Centenary won the first clash this year, but Logan Bros were comfortable winners in rounds 2 and 3. Expect some big hits and plenty of desperation from both sides as both still have hopes of winning the competition.
"The Computer" tips Logan Bros by 12.
The first week of semis set the scene for the rest of the finals - hope the games this week are just as exciting.
Brad T
2/9/2002
