The last round of the season proved too much for the 2 Panther sides with both Centenary and Arana being forced to forfeit to Souths and Redcliffe respectively due to the large number of injuries afflicting both sides. It was less damaging from an overall perspective for Arana as they already had 2nd place sewn up, but for Centenary it put a sad full stop to what has been a very disappointing season for them, ensuring they missed the finals series.
The only Friday night game that went ahead saw Redlands prove far too strong for Easts Tigers at Scott Park, running away to record a 52-12 victory. Centenary's forfeit meant that Logan Bros had to beat Norths at home on Sunday to leapfrog Souths into 3rd, and despite some stern resistance from the Devils, Logan Bros were too good, winning 28-10 after leading 16-0 at the break. Unfortunately Albert Hunt's run of injuries continued having to have a number of stitches after a head clash - all the best to Albert for a quick recovery.
The preliminary rounds are now over with Centenary and Holy Spirit bowing out of the competition on 11 and 7 points respectively. Whilst Holy Spirit were always expectedto find the going difficult this year, Centenary's demise has been a real surprise after they made the Preliminary Final last year. A devastating run of injuries to key players had made things difficult from the start, although they only showed brief patches f form early in the season when they had a full contingent.
Sixth and seventh spot are filled by Easts (14) and Norths (12). Neither of these two teams have been able to defeat a top four side this year, although there have been some close calls, and both have a victory over 5th placed Redcliffe (18) to their credit. Redcliffe have not shown the form that many believe they are capable of, but could very well be a surprise packet in the semis.
Arana, Logan Bros and Souths have had a close battle all year with all 3 eventually finishing on 28 points, and having to be separated by for-and-against. Whilst it was expected that Arana and Logan would finish near the top of the table, Souths have been a real surprise packet this year, playing great team football despite the loss of key players to Logan Bros and back to the Ipswich competition. Indeed they were the only team to lower Redlands colours this year, admittedly against a weakened Parakeets due to representative commitments. All three teams realise they have a hard challenge ahead of them in the semis, to both see off the teams below them and challenge the in-form Redlands side.
Redlands (34 pts) have had a great year and will be looking for the "trifecta" . They already have the Chairman's trophy in their keeping and have booked a place in the Foundation Shield final against Runaway Bay in early September. The "big one" remains the Premiership, and they have had 12 months to stew over their shock defeat by Arana in last year's decider, despite seemingly having the game won against a side they had hammered only two weeks earlier. If any of the side needed reminding, many were in the Met East side that was defeated in the final seconds of the state titles by South Coast, so they will not want to have that feeling yet again.
The only cloud hanging over the final series is the number of injuries spread arounfd the clubs, including many that have been season ending. It is hoped that no more players succumb to such injuries, and those that are currently on the mend can return to their sides as the big games unfold.
All the best to everyone in the finals!!!
Brad T
3/8/2003
