ARANA v LOGAN BROS: Sunday Sept 1; 10.15am at Pinklands
First Round: Arana 30 def Logan Bros 28 Second Round: Arana 20 drew Logan Bros 20
Third Round: Logan Bros 30 def Arana 18 Head to Head 2001/2: Arana 3 Logan Bros 2 Drawn 2
Last 3 Rounds: Arana: Centenary W 14-10; Easts W 30-18; Logan Bros L 18-30 Logan Logan Bros: Easts W 30-8; Slacks Ck W 40-6; Arana W 30-18
Logan Bros are arguably the "form" team of the competition, coming into the semis on the back of five straight victories, including a 30-18 defeat of Arana in the third last round. They have a big pack suited to finals football, with Vaughan in fine form at five-eight and Matt Sepelini always dangerous in the backs. Arana lost to Logan Bros in the knockout semi-final last year and will be looking for revenge in this game. They put on a fine defensive effort against Centenary and will be keen to repeat this on Sunday. These teams have always had tight encounters with Arana holding a 3-2 advantage over the past season with 2 draws. This season, both sides have notched up one victory with one draw. Should be a great encounter.
"The Computer" tips Logan Bros by 4.
CENTENARY v SOUTHS: Sunday Sept 1; 9.00am at Pinklands
First Rnd: Souths 36 def Centenary 6 Second Rnd: Centenary 38 def Souths 20
Third Rnd: Centenary 40 def Souths 26 Head to Head 2001/2: Centenary 2 Souths 1
Last 3 Rounds: Centenary: Arana L 10-14; Souths W 40-26; Redcliffe L 12-38
Souths: Redcliffe W 26-4; LCentenary L 26-40; Slacks Ck W 24-14
Centenary fall into the semis, having lost 4 of their last five games, although ironically their only win in that period was a 40-26 victory over Souths, after they were well behind at half-time. The Magpies have been walking the semi-final tightrope for the last 8 or 9 weeks and having got there, will be keen to erase the disappointment of their extra-time loss to Logan Bros in the corresponding semi-final last year, when they seemingly had the game well and truly won. Mase is in superb form and the Panthers will have to keep him well and truly uder control to win this one. The Centenary props are as good as any in the comp, and they will be relying on the go-forward of Matt M and the guile of big Lagi to lead from the front. The second round encounter was decided by the goal kicking of Tim Mc and his boot will be valuable in the semis - another superb match in the offing.
"The Computer" tips Centenary by 6.
Looking forward to some great finals football!!
Brad T
25/8/2002
