In the first game of the round, Norths really let the competition know they are a different team for the second half of the season, demolishing Holy Spirit 40-6 and bringing up their third win on the trot after losing their first 8 games. Admittedly their opposition has been in the lower half of the draw but the manner of the wins shows that no team will want to take them lightly.
Both Panther teams were below strength for the clash at Dawson Pde with a smattering of U14s in both sides. It was a difficult night for football with the damp conditions making handling a nightmare and both sides struggled to complete their sets in the first half. Arana opened the scoring early when Nash dashed through a gap and Luke's conversion gave them a 6-0 lead after as many minutes. The next 15 minutes was a saga of lost opportunities for the home side with a combination of resolute Centenary defence and poor finishing keeping them from extending their lead. Eventually Rodger crashed over in the corner to give them a 10-0 break, but the visitors struck back with a well constructed try before the break to only trail by 6 at the break. Arana's handling was atrocious in the first 10 minutes of the second half, but eventually they got an opportunity from a scrum with Will McKean from the U14s bursting through for a great try. A mistake from the kickoff gifted Centenary an opportubity to score which they did, and they were once again back within a converted try. A smart one-on-one steal by Mitchell saw Luke score soon after, but once again a mistake from the kickoff saw Centenary reply, but Tim Mc again surprisingly missed the conversion (admittedly from wide out) and Arana led by 8 with 10 to go. The home side finally wrapped up the match 32-12 with 2 tries in the last 5 minutes against the tiring visitors, who did not have any reserves available. Thanks to the U14s Will, Russell, Daniel, and particularly Shaun who put in a great effort with 9 tackles and 4 hit-ups in the second half.
Stats:
Penalties: Arana 8-5
Completions: Arana 20/33; Centenary 17/28
By the minute:
5th min: Nash try/Luke conv; Arana 6-0
20th min: Rodger try; Arana 10-0
26th min: Centenary try; Arana 10-4 (ht)
40th min: Will try; Arana 14-4
43rd min: Centenary try; Arana 14-8
47th min: Luke try/Mitchell conv; Arana 20-8
49th min: Centenary try; Arana 20-12
54th min: Brent try/Luke onv; Arana 26-12
58th min: Luke try/conv; Arana 32-12 (ft)
On Sunday at Brandon Park, Souths once again showed what a good team they are at home, running over the top of the visiting Redcliffe side. Souths began well jumping out to a 16-0 lead on the back of a glut of possession, but the Dolphins gave themselves some hope with a converted try to trail by 10 at the break. Souths were not to be denied however and raced away in the second half to score a 40-10 win.
In the final Sunday game at Civic Park, Logan Bros were expected to be far too strong for Easts, but the visiting Tigers really put in a top effort despite only starting with 13 and eventually ending the game with 11 players. At half time it was 8-0 to the home side, but Easts got back to within 2 early in the second half. The Logan Bros side eventually wore them down however and two late tries saw them run out 16-6 victors. Easts continue to trouble the top sides, but just cannot get points ob the board, but it would not surprise to see them come up with an upset in the next few weeks.
Redlands, with a bye, remain 4 points clear at the top on 24 points. Arana and Souths remain locked in second place on 20 with 2 points back to Logan Bros now 6 points clear of 5th place. Redcliffe are 5th on 10 with the improving Norths jumping into 6th place on 8. Centenary are on 7, with Easts on 6 and Holy Spirit on 5 at the tail of the field.
Brad T
15/6/2003
