Last 3 Games: Centenary: Redcliffe lof; Logan Bros L 10-52; bye; Arana L 12-32; Norths L 10-30
Holy Spirit: Easts L 8-10; Arana L 4-24; Redcliffe L 4-28
Centenary must win this game to keep their semi hopes alive, but unfortunately they may again struggle to field a full team. Holy Spirit seem out of the race but will still see this as an opportunity to score a win after a long run of losses. The last game between the two teams was a thrilling draw, and this one could again be close.
"The Computer" tips Centenary by 12.
ARANA (2nd) v REDLANDS (1st):Friday July 18 8.30pm at Dawson Pde
Last Encounter: 2003 Chairman's Trophy:Redlands 34 def Arana 12
Head to Head 2001/3: Redlands 6 Arana 4
Last 3 Games: Arana: Souths W 36-30; Holy Spirit W 24-4; Norths W 28-12
Redlands: Norths W 54-16; Souths L 16-26; Logan Bros W 20-12
Top of the table clash at Dawson Pde, but a very difficult one for Arana following the loss of Nash for the season and the unavailability of a number of other key players. They will still be desperate to defend their proud home record against the competition leaders with the added bait of the minor premiership still a possibility with a win. Redlands have won both games this season however, and definitely will want to wrap up top spot in this one.
"The Computer" tips Redlands by 14.
NORTHS (6th) v REDCLIFFE (5th):Friday July 18 8.30pm at Bishop Pk
Last Encounter: 2003 Round 7: Redcliffe 24 def Norths 16
Head to Head 2001/3: Redcliffe 1 Norths 0
Last 3 Games: Norths:Redlands L 16-54; bye;Arana L 12-28; Holy Spirit W 40-6
Redcliffe: Centenary wof; Easts L 22-24; Holy Spirit W 28-4; Souths L10-40
Redcliffe have struggled over the last few weeks, and have been further hit by injuries for this clash. Norths have been playing reasonably well, but turned in a disappointing second half against Redlands last week. Redcliffe have a semis spot parcelled up and may not be quite as desperate as Norths in this one with the Devils having to keep winning to hold Easts and Centenary at bay.
"The Computer" tips Norths by 12.
LOGAN BROS (4th) v SOUTHS (3rd): Sunday July 20 1.15pm at Civic Pk
Last Encounter: 2003 Round 7:Souths 36 def Logan Bros 26
Head to Head 2001/3: Logan Bros 5 Souths 3
Last 3 Games: Logan Bros:bye;Centenary W 52-10;Redlands L 12-20;Easts W 16-6
Souths: Arana L 30-36; Redlands W 26-16; Easts W 32-4
It was pretty much regarded as the upset of the season when Souths beat Logan Bros in Round 7, however the Magpies went on to prove it was no fluke, scoring seven victories in a row, including one over Redlands, before narrowly falling to Arana last weekend. Logan Bros started the season on fire but have fallen off in the last few rounds, and will want to get back to top form before the semis. This match is critical in determining 3rd place on the ladder, and the extra chances that brings in the finals, so both sides will be going all out for victory.
"The Computer" tips Souths by 4.
EASTS (7th)have a bye.
REDLANDS (1st) v ARANA (3rd):Friday May 2 8.30pm at Pinklands
Last Encounter: 2002 Grand Final: Arana 26 def Redlands 24
Head to Head 2001/2: Redlands 4 Arana 4
Last 3 Games: Redlands: Norths W 36-6; Redcliffe W 24-20; Souths W 32-0
Arana: Souths W 44-0; bye; Holy Spirit W 44-0; Centenary W 40-12
A great clash in store to open this round with last year's 14A Grand Finalists meeting for the first time since that epic match. Redlands will be keen to avenge their defeat in that match, plus their 24-23 defeat by Arana in the game at Pinklands last year. Arana also have plenty to play for, with a victory a must if they are to have any chance of making the Chairman's Trophy final. Both sides have been in great form, with Redlands strengthening from last season with the import of 4 from Slacks Ck plus the classy Vaughan from Logan Bros. Arana's only change has been the signing of Geoff from Mitchelton, however they are playing a different style of game with a new coach. It appears both sides will be at (or very near) full strength for what shapes as a great encounter - know it is a long way to go, but as there are no other games Friday night, it would be well worth a trip down to Pinklands for all of you to see this one!
"The Computer" tips Redlands by 6.
REDCLIFFE (5th) v NORTHS (8th):Saturday May 3 12.45pm at Dolphin Snr
Last Encounter: None
Head to Head 2001/2: None
Last 3 Games: Redcliffe: Centenary W 24-12; Redlands L 20-24; Easts W 20-16
Norths: Redlands L 6-36; Souths L 22-32; bye; Holy Spirit L 16-18
This match will be played as the main curtain raiser to the Redcliffe/North Queensland Queensland Cup match, so both sides will be anxious to put on a top perfromance in front of what should be a decent size crowd on the main field at Redcliffe. Norths have failed to win a match so far this season, although they have suffered two very narrow defeats. Redcliffe have just started to find form with a great second half against Redlands two starts back and a good win over a virtual full strength Centenary side away last week. A little more interest in this match as well in that there will be a number of Met North players opposing each other (5 Redcliffe / 4 Norths). Should be an interesting battle.
"The Computer" tips Redcliffe by 12.
SOUTHS (4th) v LOGAN BROS (2nd): Sunday May 4 10.45am at Brandon Pk
Last 3 Games: Souths:Arana L 0-44; Norths W 32-22; Redlands L 0-32
Logan Bros: bye; Holy Spirit W 24-10; Centenary W 24-14; Easts W 38-12
Souths at home are a much better side than away, and will have to rely on every bit of their home ground advantage if they are to topple Logan Bros. It is three weeks since Logan Bros last game so it will be interesting to see if they can click back into gear quickly. There should be a little extra feeling in this match with the defection of Kruize and Junior from Souths to Logan during the off-season. It is hard to see Souths being able to contain the Logan side even on their home patch.
"The Computer" tips Logan Bros by 16.
HOLY SPIRIT (9th) v CENTENARY (6th): Sunday May 4 11.30am at Francis Rd
Last Encounter: none
Head to Head 2001/2: none
Last 3 Games: Holy Spirit: Easts L 12-26; Logan Bros L 10-24; Arana L 0-44
Centenary: Redcliffe L 12-24; Easts W 26-4; Logan Bros L 14-24
The final game of the weekend sees Centenary travel to the Hornets nest at Bray Park. The Panthers will be disappointed at gettng beaten by Redcliffe last start and will be desperate to get a win on the board to stay in touch with the top teams. Holy Spirit perfromed very well in the second half against Logan Bros two starts back, but would have been disappointed in their loss to Easts, although they were short of personnel for that game. Should be an interesting tussle but Centenary may just have a bit too much class in their representative players.
