With the withdrawal of Mustangs from the competition, Redlands have been awarded a forfeit on Sunday to move to 6 points. All games for the weekend were therefore played on Friday night.
The early game saw Easts welcome Logan Brothers to Scott Park, with the Tigers happily having a full team this week. Whilst the Logan boys proved too strong for the home side, Easts put in a fine 60 minute effort to go down by 38-12 after trailing 22-4 at the break. Easts managed 3 tries which will be pleasing to their coach Gavin Payne, and he will be looking for a few more wins this season against some of the less fancied sides.
The battle of the Panthers was held at Centenary's home ground with the home side keen to repeat their victory at the same ground against Arana last year. It was not to be tonight however, with the Arana boys on their game, and boosted by the return of Rob S and Tim C for their first games this year, far too slick for the home side. Despite having Phippsy, Fresta and Zac out of the side, Arana started well, scoring 2 tries in the first 10 minutes to lead 10-0. Another try 5 minutes later extende their lead, however a well-worked try from a scrum move had Centenary back in touch at 14-6. Another try before halftime saw Arana with a 12 point break and they never looked back in the second half against a side weakened by the absence of star front-rowers Matt and Lagi and tough back Beau, eventually going on to win by 40-12. Once again it was a great team effort by Arana with everyone playing their part, although Alex T with 3 tries and 3 tough conversions shone as did Matt H who was his usual non-stop self in the forwards. Rob S also picked up 2 tries in his season debut, and Geoff was very impressive at five-eight showing he has really settled into this side well. Ironically the score of 40-12 was exactly the same as Redlands won by 2 weeks ago against the same side at the same location.
By the minute:
3rd min: Alex T try; Arana 4-0
7th min: Geoff try/Luke conv; Arana 10-0
14th min: Alex T try; Arana 14-0
18th min: Cent try/conv; Arana 14-6
23rd min: Brendan try; Arana 18-6 (HT)
36th min: Alex T try/conv; Arana 24-6
40th min: Rob try; Arana 28-6
44th min: Rob try/Alex T conv; Arana 34-6
47th min: Centenay try/conv; Arana 34-12
53rd min: Josey try/Alex T conv; Arana 40-12 (FT)
At Dolphin Oval Senior Redcliffe hosted Souths in what was a very tight affair in the first half with bith sides managing a converted try in the first half to be even at the break, not unexpectedly given 3 of the last 5 games between these two teams have ended in draws. Souths, despite losing Mase with a leg injury, eventually got on top and scored 4 tries in the second stanza to win 26-6. Souths are really going from strength to strength despite the loss of Kruize and Junior, with probably the most amazing stat being they have only conceded 14 points in 3 games, a far cry from their sieve like defence last season.
The final game of the evening (and weekend) was a tight affair between the two new northside teams Holy Spirit and Norths at the Hornet's nest at Bray Park. The contest was close throughout, locked at 10 all at halftime. Norths started the better in the second half and eventually notched up a converted try to lead 16-10, but Spirit showed plent of spirit to fight back eventually winning 18-16 to claim their first competition points of the season. Unfortunately the match ended in controversy and it is hoped this will not mar the season too much for both clubs.
The night's results sees Souths, Redlands and Logan Bros remain unbeaten on 6 points, with Arana on their own in 4th place on 4. Redcliffe, Centenary, Holy Spirit and Easts have a win apiece, with Norths yet to open their account, and of course, Mustangs have withdrawn from the competition.
Brad T
28/3/2003
