Easts hosted Centenary in the opening game of the round on Friday night, with a semi-final spot up for grabs for both sides. Easts had won their previous 2 games, whilst Centenary had returned to the winners circle the previous week for th first time in 3 months. Unfortunately for the Panthers only 11 players were available, and the loss of Lauchlan to a reoccurence of the ankle injury that ruled him out of the Qls team only added to their woes. Easts still had to overcome stern resistance nonetheless, but proved too strong in the end, running out 32-10 winners to sew up a spot in the finals.
The early Sunday game saw Redcliffe travel to Pinklands to take on competition leaders Redlands. It was a great first half with the less fancied Dolphins really taking it to the Parakeets and at the break the game was deadlocked at 6 all. Redlands opened the second half better and jumped away to a good lead before a converted try to Redcliffe gave them a glimpse of hope. The home side finished the stronger however running out 28-12 victors.
Norths went into their home match against Souths knowing a victory would ensure a spot in the finals, and they started well scoring first after only 8 minutes and narrowly missing another try 2 minutes later. Souths steadied however and eventually started to get on top, taking the lead with a converted try, then grabbing a stranglehold on the match with Mase scoring 2 tries in the final 2 minutes of the half giving them a 14 point lead. Souths went further ahead early in the second stanza but a converted try, plus further sustained attack had Norths back in the match. Souths once again steadied however to score the final two tries and run out 32-10 winners, to keep alive their chances of a 3rd place finish.By
By the minute:
8th min: Norths try; Norths 4-0
21st min: Souths try/conv; Souths 6-4
27th min: Souths try/conv; Souths12-4
30th min: Souths try/conv; Souths 18-4 (ht)
34th min: Souths try; Souths 22-4
38th min: Norths try/conv; Souths 22-10
44th min: Souths try; Souths 26-10
49th min: Souths try/conv; Souths 32-10 (ft)
Holy Spirit were forced to forfeit their last game of the season (they have the bye next week) to Logan Bros.
Redlands (32) have confirmed they will be Minor Premiers, whilst Arana (28) seemingly have 2nd spot in their keeping with a 2 point and hefty for-and-against lead over Logan Bros and Souths whose battle for 3rd seems certain to be decided on avaerages. There is now a 10 point gap back to Redcliffe (16), whilst Easts (14) have wrapped on a semi final spot. Either Norths (12) or Centenary (11) will be the last finalist decided. Holy Spirit on 5 are the only side out of finals calculations with 1 round remaining.
Brad T
27/7/2003
