CENTENARY v REDLANDS: Friday March 14 8.15pm at Ipswich Rd
Last Encounter: 2002 Round 19: Redlands 30 def Centenary 6
Head to Head 2001/2: Redlands 2 Centenary 1
Last Competition Game: Centenary: Arana L 16-32 (2002 Preliminary Final)
Redlands: Arana L 24-26 (2002 Grand Final)Last year's second and third teams clash in the opening game of the 2003 competition although the gloss will be taken off this game somewhat with a number of players missing through school commitments and injury from the sides who between them provided 13 players to last year's Brisbane U14 side. Both teams have had a low key build up to the season with Centenary taking on non-A sides in all their trials, while Redlands only managed last week's match against Logan Brothers after 3 previous trials were called off for varying reasons. Redlands will miss Matt Smith who was concussed last week but will be hoping to have Brian back from an arm injury sustained playing 7s. Centenary have a number of players with school commitments plus exciting forwards Matt M and Nick W out with injury, and may struggle because of this.
"The Computer" tips Redlands by 4.
HOLY SPIRIT v SOUTHS: Friday March 14 8.30pm at Francis Rd
Last Encounter: 2002 Round 3: Souths 64 def Holy Spirit 10
Head to Head 2001/2: Souths 3 Holy Spirit 1
Last Competition Game: Holy Spirit: Redcliffe "B" W 14-10 (2002 14B0 Grand Final)
Souths: Centenary L 22-29 (2002 Elimination Final)Holy Spirit and Souths were involved in a great battle for the final semi-final spot in the 2001 U13A competition with Souths pipping then by 2 competition points, so may be a bit of revenge being sought by the Spirit boys in this match for that, plus the 64-10 thrashing the Magpies dished out to them before they were dropped to the B's last year. Holy Spirit were impressive in their last trial against Redcliffe, getting home by 2 points, whilst Souths have struggled with the loss of a number of key players. Souths have the recent experience in "A" grade, although a win by the home team would not surprise
"The Computer" tips Souths by 8.
EASTS v NORTHS: Sunday March 16 10.45am at Scott Park
Last Encounter: None
Head to Head 2001/2: None
Last A Competition Game: Easts: Logan Bros L 8-30 (2002 Round 21)
Norths: NoneThis should be an interesting match with Easts, having struggled last year, also having to cope with the loss of a number of players this year, against a Norths side blended together from a number of northside clubs. Neither side has shown great form in trials, but will be very keen to start the season with a win.
"The Computer" tips Easts by 2.
LOGAN BROS v ARANA: Sunday March 16 12.45pm at Civic Park
Last Encounter: 2002 Qualifying Semi (2v3): Arana 25 def Logan Bros 20
Head to Head 2001/2: Arana 4 Logan Bros 2 Drawn 2
Last Competition Game: Arana: Redlands W 26-24 (2002 Grand Final)
Logan Bros: Centenary L 14-24 (2002 Knockout Semi)Have had some great matches over the past couple of years including 2 draws in 8 clashes. Have tended to play a different style of game with Logan Brothers more forward focussed and Arana reliant on speed so should be an interesting tussle. Many will have these two teams as favourites for the title, with Arana perhaps having a slight edge in teamwork this early in the season, having had little turnover in the off-season plus solid wins over Souths and Redciffe in trials. Logan have been experimenting with combinations from 45 players in the trials and will also miss no-nonsense front-rower Albert who is still out of action after his nasty leg injury late last year. Should be the match of the round.
"The Computer" tips Arana by 2.
REDCLIFFE v MUSTANGS: Sunday March 16 1.30pm at Dolphin Oval
Last Encounter: None
Head to Head 2001/2: None
Last Competition Game: Redcliffe: Souths L 4-26 (2002 Round 21)
Mustangs: Sunnybank W 30-14 (2002 U14B00 Grand Final)Redcliffe's trial form has been a little patchy as they look to find combination under their new coach. Mustangs have yet to take on an "A" team so it is a little hard to establish their level, with the "mystery" surroundung them perhaps being to their advantage. Certainly is a long trip for the Chambers Flat boys in their first A grade encounter, and may be an even longer trip home if the Dolphins play to their potential.
"The Computer" tips Redcliffe by 10.
