Redcliffe (5th) v ARANA (2nd): Tuesday May 20 7.15pm at Dolphin Oval
Last Encounter: 2002 R17: Arana 28 def Redcliffe 10
Head to Head 2001/2: Redcliffe 6 Arana 1
Last 3 Games: Redcliffe: Holy Spirit W 15-8; Norths W 24-16; Centenary W 24-12
Arana: Norths W 32-18; Redlands L 22-24; Souths W 44-0
Has been a fair bit of "to-ing and fro-ing" over where and when this game will be played, but eventually back to its originally scheduled time date and venue! Like most games this week, may be dependent on how players pull up after the State Championships with nearly 20 players between these two sides having competed. Important game for Arana as a win will wrap up a Chairman's Trophy spot. A Redcliffe win could see them as high as equal second at the end of the first round, an unlikely scenario 4 weeks backl after their slow start to the season. These two teams met earlier in the year in a trial which Arana wn comfortably after trailing early.
"The Computer" tips Arana by 6.
CENTENARY (6th) v SOUTHS (4th): Tuesday May 20 7.15pm at Ipswich Rd
Last Encounter: 2002 Elim Semi: Centenary 29 def Souths 22
Head to Head 2001/2: Centenary 3 Souths 1
Last 3 Games: Centenary: bye; Holy Spirit D 28-28; Redcliffe L 12-24; Easts W 26-4
Souths: Easts W 20-12; Logan Bros W 36-26; Arana L 0-44
Not as many players from these two teams involved in state championships, but injury cloud hanging over 2 key players following those games - Nick Wright for Centenary and Mase Laulu for Souths. Centenary will be hoping to welcome back Matt Marshall for this encounter, and they need a win to stay in touch with the leaders. Souths form away from home has been a pit patchy but this is an important match, and a win is a must if they are to have a shot at Chairman's Trophy or Foundation Shield. Home ground advantage may just tip this one's Centenary's way.
"The Computer" tips Centenary by 2.
REDLANDS (1st) v EASTS (7th): Tuesday May 20 7.15pm at Pinklands
Last Encounter: 2002 Round 23: Redlands 60 def Easts 4
Head to Head 2001/2: Redlands 3 Easts 0
Last 3 Games: Redlands: Logan Bros W 30-22; Arana W 24-22; Norths W 36-6
Easts: Souths L 12-20; bye; Holy Spirit W 26-12; Centenary L 4-26
Redlands player have had a tough few weeks with games against Logan Bros and Arana and 11 players competing in the State Titles so may have some very tired boys on the field for this one. Easts have been competing well, and this will be their best chance to date to upset the undefeated Parakeets. Redlands inflicted the Tigers greatest defeat last time they met, but it should be much closer this time, although the home side should get enough talent on the field to topple the Tigers.
"The Computer" tips Redlands by 16.
NORTHS (9th) v LOGAN BROS (3rd): Tuesday May 20 7.15pm at Bishop Park
Last Encounter: none
Head to Head 2001/2: none
Last 3 Games: Norths: Arana L 18-32; Redcliffe L 16-24; Redlands L 6-36
Logan Bros: Redlands L 22-30; Souths L 26-36; bye; Holy Spirit W 24-10
It will seem like a long time since a win for Logan Bros as they have lost both their games against Redlands and Souths since their 6th Round bye. Need a win to have any chance of grabbing a Chairman's Trophy spot that seemed inevitable two weeks ago. Norths have yet to win a match this year, but stretched Arana at Dawson Pde last start and are improving with every outing. Norths could really struggle if any of their rep players can't play, although Logan's depth should cover any injuries.
"The Computer" tips Logan Bros by 14.
HOLY SPIRIT (8th) have a bye.
