Three games on Friday night this weekend, one on Sunday, with Arana picking up the 2 points for the bye.
The early game on Friday night saw Redcliffe whose form has been pretty patchy this year host the equal competition leaders Redlands who most expected to win easily. An excellent first half from the visitors, aided by a heavy penalty count in their favour, saw the game apparently going to this script with Redlands going to the break leading 20-6, although this score was only set up to two tries in the last three minutes before halftime which in the end proved crucial. When Redlands scored again just after the break to make it 24-6 it appeared as though it was just going to be a matter of what score the visitors would rack up. However as the rain started a change came over the game, with Redcliffe starting to get a bit more possession and the penalties starting to flow their way. Despite losing a player to the sin-bin they were able to continue to put pressure on the Redlands line and eventually crossed to get back within 12. With their confidence growing, and Jay off the field for the Parakeets with a dislocated finger, the Dolphins continued to pressure the Redlands line and were rewarded with another try with five minutes remaining - the conversion went wide allowing Redlands to maintain an 8 point buffer, and despite Redcliffe scoriing again as the final hooter sounded they were able to win 24-20. The second half will certainly give Redcliffe a boost for after the holidays as they proved they still have the ability to match it with the best teams in the competition.
The second northside Friday night game saw Holy Spirit host the other joint competition leaders Logan Bros at a wet Francis Rd field, although the heavy rain which fell before the game eased up as the match commenced. Holy Spirit started well, forcing a mistake from the kick-off and scoring from the resultig possession to lead 6-0. Unfortunately for the home time this was the only bright spot of the first half, with Logan Bros getting on a roll from this point forward and racking up 4 tries before halftime to lead 20-6 at the break. To the Hornet's credit however they rallied in the second half, and it was an absorbing contest. There was a lot of dropped ball, but this was caused more by the tough defence of both sides than individual error. In fact it took 27 minutes for the first score of this half when Logan finally got over wide out, but Holy Spirit were fittingly rewarded for their efforts with the final try of the match to level the second half at 4-4 and make the final score 24-10. As with Redcliffe, this effort should give the Spirit boys more confidence for the games ahead.
The final Friday night game saw Centenary (finally with a reserve!) host Easts at Ipswich Rd in what was expected to be a tight encounter. The first half proved to be so with some excellent defence displayed by both sides with signs that the Panthers were just getting on top to lead 12-4 at the break. The home side did go on with the job in the second half, with Easts falling away a little, to eventually get the score to 26-4 and maintain their undefeated record against the Tigers.
Norths travelled to Brandon Park for the late Sunday afternoon game against Souths, and started well jumping away to a 16-4 lead. The Magpies fought back however to trail by only 2 at halftime. Norths managed to score another try, however the home side finished the better to score a 32-22 win, this game again showing that the teams lower down te ladder are definitely improving as the season progresses.
The weekend's results sees Redlands and Logan Bros remain unbeaten on 10 points, with Arana and Souths sharing 3rd place on 8. Redcliffe have been joined by Centenary on 4 points with Easts, Norths and Holy Spirit all on 2 points.
Hope you all enjoy your Easter break and see you all on Anzac Day for round 6!!!
Brad T
13/4/2003
