REDLANDS v LOGAN BROS: Sunday Aug 17 12.45pm at Emerson Pk
Last Encounter: 2003 Round 13: Redlands 20 def Logan Bros 12
Head to Head 2001/3: Redlands 7 Logan Bros 1
Last 3 Games: Redlands: bye; Easts W 52-12; Redcliffe W 28-12; Arana W 48-10
Logan Bros: Arana W 40-26; Norths W 28-10; wof; Souths W 28-22
Rescheduling of the Rugby has meant both teams will have their rep rugby players available (if tired!) with the finals scheduled to be completed at 12pm. Even given Redlands higher numbers affected they still should be a little too skilled for the Logan Bros side, who have only won one of their previous eight encounters. Logan Bros are not without a chance however and if they control the ball could wear down a fatigued Parakeet side.
"The Computer" tips Redlands by 8.
ARANA v SOUTHS: Sunday Aug 17 2.00pm at Emerson Park
Last Encounter: 2003 Round 15: Arana 36 def Souths 30
Head to Head 2001/3: Arana 7 Souths 1
Last 3 Games: Arana: Logan Bros L 26-40; lof; bye; Redlands L 10-48; Souths W 36-30
Souths: Redcliffe W 40-24; Norths W 32-10; Logan Bros L 22-28
Arana are slowly getting some players back, but will be anxiously awaiting arrival of up to 3 players on completing Rugby duties at Indooroopilly before this game. Arana have had the wood on Souths winning 7 of their 8 encounters, and will be lifted by their gutsy performance despite losing to Logan Bros last Sunday. Souths showed they can pile on points quickly, after trailling at half-time to Redcliffe last week, and have not been at full strength for any of their 3 3 losses (including a trial) against the defending premiers this year, and will be quietly confident of a victory.
"The Computer" tips Arana by 6.
REDCLIFFE v EASTS: Saturday Aug 16 5.15pm at Suncorp Stadium
Last Encounter: 2003 Round 14: Easts 24 def Redcliffe 22
Head to Head 2001/3: Redcliffe 3 Easts 2
Last 3 Games: Redcliffe: Souths L 24-40; wof; Redlands L 12-28; Norths L 6-10
Easts: Norths W 21-10; Redlands L 12-52; Centenary W 32-10
Last throw of the dice for these two teams this year, and what an interesting match in store as a curtain raiser to the Broncos. It is somewhat remarkable that Redcliffe have in fact only won one match "on the field" in the second round (against Holy Spirit) with their other two victories in that time coming from forfeits. They have been decimated with injury, losing centre Brad last week to add to their mounting toll, although up to 4 players should be back from illness this week. Easts have taken it right up to Redcliffe in their previous encounters and in fact won their last match in Round 14 so they will not be overawed by the Dolphins. Easts played solid semi-final mistake free football last week to get over the top of Norths and a similar performance here could see Redclifee in trouble.
"The Computer" tips Easts by 2.
Norths, Centenary and Holy Spirit have been eliminated.
