ARANA (7th) v EASTS (5th): Friday March 21 8.30pm at Dawson Pde
Last Encounter: 2002 Round 20: Arana 30 def Easts 18
Head to Head 2001/2: Arana 3 Easts 0
Last Game: Arana: Logan Bros L 26-30
Easts: Norths W 26-24
A danger game for the defending premiers following their tough loss to Logan Bros in round 1 and having had most of the team play Met North trials the day before the game. Easts will be confident after their first up win over the Devils and will be keen to keep on their winning way. Last year's final game was a close encounter so Arana will not be taking this game lightly - should feature some bright attacking football.
"The Computer" tips Arana by 10.
NORTHS (6th) v CENTENARY (9th): Friday March 21 8.30pm at Bishop Pk
Last Encounter: None
Head to Head 2001/2: None
Last Game: Norths: Easts L 24-26
Centenary: Redlands L 12-40
Both teams opened the competition with a loss and will be keen to get points on the board. Norths were a little unlucky not to snatch a win at the death against Easts and should have extra resources at their disposal this week with the Brothers recruits available and ISaac available. Centenary were ambushed by a red hot Redlands in the first half last Friday and will be looking to get off the mark a lot better this week, and will be buoyed by the selection of seven reps in the Met West side. Norths may also suffer with a number of players backing up from Met North trials.
"The Computer" tips Centenary by 12.
LOGAN BROS (4th) v REDCLIFFE (1st): Sunday March 23 12.00pm at Civic Pk
Last Encounter: 2002 Round 19: Logan Bros 32 def Redcliffe 14
Head to Head 2001/2: Redcliffe 5 Logan Bros 2
Last Game: Logan Bros: Arana W 30-26
Redcliffe: Mustangs W 42-4
Both teams opened the competition with wins although in contrasting styles - Logan Bros wore down Arana to notch up a thrilling 4 point win, whilst Redcliffe won in a canter over the debutant Mustangs. Redcliffe won the first 5 encounters between these 2 teams, but Logan Bros have won the last two, and given Redcliffe's somewhat shaky pre-season form and with new coach Terry Webb still settling on a side it is hard to see anything but the Brethren bringing up their hat-trick on what should be another steamy day in Woodridge.
"The Computer" tips Logan Bros by 10.
SOUTHS (3rd) v MUSTANGS (10th): Sunday March 16 1.00pm at Brandon Pk
Last Encounter: None (Trials not included)
Head to Head 2001/2: None
Last Game: Souths: Holy Spirit W 22-8
Mustangs: Redcliffe L 4-42
These two teams played a draw in the trials, but it was a composite Souths side which has strengthened significantly for this encounter. Mustangs found the going tough in their first match in the top grade but will be better for the experience, and at least they won't have to get up before dawn to get to the other side of the world for the game this week!! Souths demonstrated an improved defense against Holy Spirit and should have the edge in this encounter.
"The Computer" tips Souths by 18.
REDLANDS (2nd) v HOLY SPIRIT (8th): Sunday March 23 1.45pm at Pinklands
Last Encounter: 2002 Round 2: Redlands 62 Holy Spirit 0
Head to Head 2001/2: Redlands 3 Holy Spirit 1
Last Game: Redlands: Centenary W 40-12
Holy Spirit: Souths L 8-22
Last time these two teams played early last season Redlands were far too good winning 62-0, but Holy Spirit were one of the few teams to beat Redlands in the U13s so have the talent to spring a surprise. Redlands started the season brilliantly against Centenary and will be looking to maintain this form, whilst Holy Spirit were guilty of a series of errors early in the second half against Souths which cost them any hope of a win - the Hornets will have to maintain a high competion rate to have any chance against the Parakeets.
"The Computer" tips Redlands by 12.
