Arana, minus Rohan, Brendan and Alex T, travelled to Scott Park on a damp Friday evening to take on Easts, which unlike the first round had the numerical advantage in player numbers this time. Arana started well enough with Luke scoring in th 3rd minute off a good break from Geoff. Easts struck back quickly however and the game was locked at 6-all after 9 minutes. Arana had a number of opportunities to score in the next 10 minutesbut last ditch defence stopped them, before a sweeping passing move capped off with a good run by Jozey put the visitors back in front. Poor handling let the Panthers down for the rest of the half and they went to the break leading 12-6. The second half opened in a similar manner to the first, and despite losing Zac with a suspected broken wrist (again), Jozey was once again first to cross the line off a good pass from Geoff. The conversion was to be the last points of the match, as the Tigers, despite excellent ball security were unable to breach the Panther defence and Arana's poor handling, coupled with a hammering in second half penalties, meant they were unable to sustain pressure n the home side, leaving the final score 18-6. Matt and Brent did a power of work in defence for Arana with Nash, Geoff and Jozey shining in attack in the dismal conditions.
Stats:
Penalties: Easts 7-2
Completions: Arana 16/32; Easts 27/32
By the minute:
3rd min: Luke try/conv; Arana 6-0
8th min: Easts try/conv; 4-4
17th min: Jozey try/Geoff conv; Arana 12-6 (ht)
33rd min: Jozey try/Luke conv; Arana 18-6 (ft)
At Ipswich Rd Centenary, once again relying on a number of U14s, hosted the improving Norths side, looking to make it 2 wins from as many starts. In what was a high quality first half, Norths proved too strong for the home side and dashed away to a 22-0 lead. Centenary put up an improved showing in the second half but still went down 30-10.
In the final Friday night game, Logan Bros, having lost 3 of their last 4 games, travelled to Dolphin Oval in an attempt to arrest their slide down the ladder against the inconsistent Redcliffe side. With state player Matt S leading the way, Logan Bros turned in a superb defensive effort, and despite a number of opportunities the Dolphins were unable to breach the visitor's defence, eventually going down 22-0 after trailling 12-0 at the beak.
In Sunday's only game, Holy Spirit had the last opportunity for a home side to win this weekend, but that would be a tough ask against the undefeated competition leaders Redlands. The Hornets provided spirited resistance at times, but were outclassed in the end with the Parakeets triumphing 30-12.
The weekend's results see Redlands remain undefeated on 22 points with 4 points back to Arana and Souths on 18. Logan Bros have retained 4th on 14 jumping 4 points clear of Redcliffe in 5th on 10. Centenary is 6th on 7, with Norths jumping into 7th place on 6, level with Easts. Holy Spirit on 5 have slipped to last.
The competition now has a week off, with next week's Chairmans Trophy and Foundation Shield match taking centre stagfe at Kougari Oval on Sunday. Good luck to all competing.
Brad T
1/6/2003
