Well the first round of the competition has been completed, and already there have been two "thrillers" which augers well for a great competition.
Friday night saw the competition open with Holy Spirit returning to the A comp, hosting semi-finalists from last year Souths. The first half was a see-sawing affair with both teams playing a high standard of football and some excellent ball work from both sides. Holy Spirit managed to hit the lead twice, but on both occasions the Magpies hit back quickly, resulting in an 8 all halftime scoreline. The opening 10 minutes of the second half proved to be disastrous for the home team, with firstly a brilliant individual effort from Mase seeing Souths take the lead for the first time, then consecutive errors inside their own quarter presenting the Magpies with opportunities which they were quick to capitalise on to jump away to a 22-8 lead. Holy Spirit consolidated, but Souths defence which was their achilles heel last year, held well to blot out any scoring opportunities for the rest of the match. The match certainly indicated that Holy Spirit will be competittve in this years comp.
In the second Friday night game, what was expected to be a close match, turned into a cakewalk for Redlands as they raced away to a 26-0 lead over their hosts Centenary, minus hard working forwards Matt and Nick. New recruit from Logan Brothers Vaughan stepped into 5/8 for the injured Matt Smith made every post a winner and the Parakeets were just too slick for the Panther defence. Centenary put in a better performance in the second stanza holding the visitors to a 14-12 scoreline but the final score of 40-12 was a warning to everyone in the the comp that the baysiders are keen to erase the memory of last year's grand final defeat.
In the early game on Sunday, Norths, minus a few recruits who are subject to a transfer wrangle, travelled to Scott Park to confront the Tigers. Easts started well and were first on the board after only 3 minutes capitalising on a Norths error. Norths settled and with some slick attacking play scored a try of their own, which was converted by Luke (who kicked brilliantly on the day for his 4/4 from wide out) to take a 6-4 lead. Neither team troubled the scorer till just on half-time when Easts scored after receiving a rather fortunate penalty to take a 10-6 lead to the break. Easts started the second half much the better, scoring two tries in the first 10 minutes to widen the margin to 14 points, however when Norths score their second try to get back to 20-12 they still looked to be a chance. Easts scored another try however to give them some breathing space, up 26-12 with 10 to go. Norths were not done, and 2 quick converted tries got them back within 2 points and despite three sets on the Easts line at the end they could not crack it for the winning points and Easts were delighted with their 26-24 victory.
Arana travelled to Woodridge to kick off their premiership defence in hot and oppressive conditions and looked to be picking up from where they left off last year with 2 tries in the first 8 minutes givim them a 10-0 lead over the Brethren. Logan Brothers got on the board in the 15th min after an Arana error, but 2 more tries in the 10 mins before the break saw the Panthers up 20-6 at halftime, with the only worry a mounting injury toll which saw Rohan and Zac on the sideline. The teams exchanged tries in the first 9 minutes of the second period leaving Arana up 26-12 but the big Logan pack using frequent interchanges was starting to take its toll in the sauna like conditions. Converted tries to the Brethren in the 42nd and 46th minute brought them back within 2 pts and the next 8 mins saw Arana desperately trying to hold on. Eventually the defence cracked with 5 mins remaining to give the home side their first lead of the day 30-26, which they maintained to the end despite some desperate attack from the Panthers. Once again this was a great clash between these two teams, once again a game of two halves decided by less than a converted try. Arana whilst disappointed with the loss showed no lack of heart having run out of reserves with 15 mins to go and they will be aware that there will not be a tougher game this year. Matt H shone topping the tackles and the hit-ups and Luke had a great game at fullback. Josh in the forwards also put in a great performance. Matt S was dangerous for the Brethren and they are certainly looking impressive with Brisbane front-rower Albert still to return.
By the minute:
4th min: Josey try/Luke conv; Arana 6-0
8th min: Mitchell try; Arana 10-0
15th min: Logan Bros try/conv; Arana 10-6
20th min: Alex T try/Luke conv; Arana 16-6
26th min: Mitchell try; Arana 20-6 (HT)
35th min: Logan Bros try/conv; Arana 20-12
39th min: Dean try/Luke conv; Arana 26-12
42nd min: Logan Bros try/conv; Arana 26-18
46th min: Logan Bros try/conv; Arana 26-24
54th min: Logan Bros try/conv; Logan Bros 30-26 (FT)
In the final match of the round Redcliffe hosted new boys Mustangs but showed them no mercy holding them scoreless in the first half before going on to win 42-4 to take the ealry lead on the table on for-and-against.
An interesting start to the season with some great footy played. See you all in Round 2!!!
Brad T
16/3/2003
