It was a fine, hot day with a blustery southwesterly wind for the preliminary final at Creek Rd between Arana and Redlands. Arana won the toss and elected to run with the wind. Both teams played solid football for the first 15 minutes without troubling each other's line, but them Arana really clicked into gear racking up 3 tries in quick succession to Rodger, Luke and Matt. Unfortunately for the Panthers none were converted, but they held a 12-0 lead at the break after playing one of their best halves of the year, completing 17 of 20 sets to Redlands 7 of 12.
As expected Redlands came out firing in the second half and witihin 10 minutes they had drawn level with converted tries to Jay and Matt. The possession flow had well and truly turned around and further tries to Ben E on the wing and Jay from the base of the scrum saw Redlands take a 10 point lead with 5 minutes remaining.
Arana did not give in, and a try to Rob S brought some hope, and a last desperate play saw Luke break the line but his kick ahead was knocked into touch in goal by Jay with 3 Arana players in hot pursuit to end the match with the final score 22-16 to Redlands.
Matt Handcock turned in a great display for Arana, well supported by his second row partner Rob Southwood, and Rohan playing in the unfamiliar prop role. Brendan caused plenty of problems out of dummy half, and Alex Fresta put in his usual whole hearted performance off the bench. In the backs Geoff tackled himself to a standstill and Josh Bruce turned in a great performance in his first match back from a painful rib injury. Alex Tallon also turned in a good game, topping the hit-ups.
For Redlands, Jay Aston was a standout, both in attack and defence, whilst Matt Smith caused plenty of problems for the Arana defence, and Vaughan's goalkicking eventually proved the difference between the teams.
Stats:
Penalties: Redlands 7-4
Completions: Arana: 23/29 (79%); Redlands: 20/30 (67%)
By the Minute:
15th min: Rodger try; Arana 4-0
21st min: Luke try; Arana 8-0
28th min: Matt try; Arana 12-0 (ht)
32nd min: Redlands 13-try/4-conv; Arana 12-6
40th min: Redlands 6-try/4-conv; 12-12
46th min: Redlands 7-try; Redlands 16-12
53rd min: Redlands 13-try/4-conv; Redlands 22-12
58th min: Rob try; Redlands 22-16 (ft)
Arana's season has come to an end, one week short of an opportunity to defend their title, and it will be Logan Bros and Redlands who battle out the Grand Final next weekend - good luck to both sides and may the best team win!
Brad T
14/9/2003
