REDLANDS (1st) v ARANA (2nd): Sunday June 8 12.00noon at Kougari Oval
Previous Encounter3:
2003 Round 7: Redlands 24 def Arana 22
2002 Grand Final: Arana 26 def Redlands 24
2002 Major Semi: Redlands 40 def Arana 0
2002 Chairmans Trophy: Redlands 26 def Arana 10
2002 Round 2: Arana 24 def Redlands 23
2002 Round 1: Arana 15 def Redlands 14
2001 Round 3: Redlands 32 def Arana 24
2001 Round 2: Redlands 28 def Arana 20
2001 Round 1: Arana 22 def Redlands 14
Total Head to Head 2001/3: Redlands 5 Arana 4
Last 3 Games: Redlands: Holy Spirit W 30-12; forfeit; Easts W 38-10; Logan Bros W 30-22
Arana: Easts W 18-6; Logan Bros W 32-10; Recliffe W 18-10
Current streak (byes/forfeits not included): Redlands: won 9 Arana: won 4
Last loss: Redlands: v Arana 2002 Grand Final 24-26 Arana: v Redlands Round 7 22-24
The stats above show just what a great match should be in store at Kougari Oval on Sunday. Of the nine games between the 2 sides since 2001, seven have been decided by 8 points or less, with 4 of the last 6 being decided by 2 points or less. As would be expected mid-season, both teams go into the match with some players carrying niggling injuries, but it appears only Dominic from Redlands will be missing altogether due to an unfortunate injury sustained during the State Championships - it is certainly hoped the 15 or so players from both sides involved in rugby on Saturday come through unscathed.
The two sides are very similar in composition and tactics, with mobile, rather than large, forward packs and backs who are keen to spread the ball. Redlands kicking game has proved superior to Arana's in previous encounters and the Panthers will have to cope with this in what is forecast to be breezy conditions at Kougari.
In last year's Chairman's Trophy, and in fact in the last 4 games between the two teams, Redlands have started much the better, getting out to at least 10-0 leads on each occasion, however in the last 2 games, including their memorable Grand Final win, Arana have finished on stronger. Arana have the challenge of starting better; Redlands of finishing better on Sunday.
With most players now having experienced Chairman's Trophy, Grand Final or Rep football now, the occasion should not be too much of a problem, so a great game of football shouldbe the outcome.
An added bait for both sides is a place in the Foundation Shield semi-final, with Redlands also wanting to keep their undefeated season record going, aiming for 10 wins in a row.
Should be a great game - see you all there (and don't forget to get there early to see Logan Bris v Souths Toowoomba at 10.30am).
"The Computer" tips Redlands by 6.
