REDLANDS v ARANA: Sunday Sep 14 11.30am at Creek Rd Carina
2003 Head to Head:
First Round: Redlands 24 def Arana 22
Chairmans Trophy: Redlands 34 def Arana 12
Second Round: Redlands 48 def Arana 10
2003 Qualifying Final: Redlands 38 def Arana 4
Head to Head 2001/3: Redlands 8 Arana 4
Last 4 Games: Redlands: Runaway Bay W 28-18; LB L 16-24; Arana W 38-4; LB L 10-16
Arana: bye; Redcliffe W 20-10; Redlands L 4-38; Souths W 26-18; LB L 26-40
The Minor Premiers Redlands meet the Defending Premiers Arana in this game for the right to meet Logan Brothers in the Grand Final, and what a game it should be. Redlands have had the wood over Arana this year, winning all four encounters, the last two by in excess of 30 points, but know they will still have to perform well to get over the top of the Panthers. Having had last week off, Arana should have just about a full strength side, with the exception of halfback Nash, and will want to prove that they are a better side than the last 2 results against the Parakeets would indicate. Both sides have some very talented players, including Australian reps Jay A (Redlands) and Alex T (Arana) who will both be looking for big games to help their team home. The head to head battle of the hookers should be a ripper with Brendan up against Struddie, and the clash of the outside backs should also be sparkling with both sides having fast elusive centres and wingers, running off skilful five-eights. Arana will have to be particulary wary of Trent I up the middle as the game wears on, as it was he who tore apart the tiring Runaway Bay side in last week's Foundation Shield Final, setting up Redlands come-from-behind win.
Hopefully the weather will be fine for what should be a fast open encounter, with neither of last year's grand finalists wanting to miss out on this year's decider.
"The Computer" tips Redlands by 12.
LOGAN BROS will play the winners of this game in the Grand Final on Sunday September 21
Redcliffe, Souths, Easts, Norths, Centenary, and Holy Spirit have been eliminated.
