Anothery blustery winter Sunday for Round 15 with all games played on the one day..
The first game of the day saw Springwood host Norths at Tallowood in the top-of-the-table clash. Norths opened the scoring however Springwood struck back with 2 tries to take a 10-4 lead midway through the first half. An injury to Matt Smith unsettled the home side however and the Devils struck back right on half-time to level the scores 10-10 at the break. Springwood were further hit by the loss of Daniel Isaac early in the second half and Norths put on three more tries to lead 24-10 before a late consolation try to Springwood made the final score 24-16, giving Norths sole possession of the competition lead.
It was a close opening 20 minutes at Dolphin Oval as well where Redcliffe hosted Logan Brothers. After the home side opened the scoring, the visitors scored two tries to lead 12-4 midway through the opening stanza. Three tries in ten minutes to the Dolphins however saw them go to half-time leading 20-12 and when they added another converted try early in the second half they really had the Bretheren on the back foot. Another converted try saw the lead blow out to 32-12 before Logan Bros managed a consolotion try. A penalty goal to Redcliffe finished the scoring and wrapped up an important 34-18 victory for the Dolphins who move level with Springwood in 2nd place.
Arana hosted Souths at Dawson Pde and were in the fortunate position of being able to rest inspirational Southeast Stinger second rower Matt Handcock with 20 players fit and available for selection for the first time this year. Souths were also without their Southeast representatives. The Panthers were a little rusty in the opening 12 minutes, although in that time they managed one try when Josh Bruce finished off a line break by Nash Rylands. From the point Rob Southwood barged over from a penalty in the 13th minute however it was all Arana and a further three tries saw them go to the break leading 20-0 despite not being able to kick a goal and running into the stiff south-wester. Four tries in the opening 10 minutes of the second half showed the Panthers were not going to let this one slip and eventually they ran out 52-0 winners, scoring 12 tries, with Josh Bruce contributing 20 points from 4 tries and 2 goals.
Minute by minute:
5th min: Josh B try; Arana 4-0
13th min: Rob S try; Arana 8-0
16th min: Dean B try; Arana 12-0
25th min Alex T try; Arana 16-0
30th min: Mitchell C try; Arana 20-0
FIRST HALF STATS: Penalties: Arana 4-3; Completions: Arana 11/15 (73.3%); Souths 8/11 (72.7%)
31st min: Alex T try/Josh B conv; Arana 26-0
36th min: Josh B try; Arana 30-0
38th min: Josh B try; Arana 34-0
41st min: Mitchell C try; Arana 38-0
46th min: Brendan A try/Josh B goal; Arana 44-0
49th min: Josh B try; Arana 48-0
54th min: Rob S try; Arana 52-0
SECOND HALF STATS: Penalties: 3-3; Completions: Arana 12/18 (66.7%); Souths 3/8 (37.5%)
TOTAL STATS: Penalties: Arana 7-6; Completions: Arana 23/33 (69.7%); Souths 11/19 (57.9%)
The final game of the day saw Easts host Centenary at Scott Park. These two teams have turned on some tough encounters and this one turned out no different. The first half was very close with few scoring opportunities, both sides managing only one try with a conversion seeing Centenary holding a 6-4 advantage at half-time. Easts also lost a player during the first stanza, with a send-off for an alleged dangerous tackle. Easts competed well in the second half despite being a man short, and when they scored to take a 14-12 lead with ten minutes remaining it looked as though they might be able to hold on. However the visitors rallied and two late tries saw them snatch a 22-14 victory, keeping their faint semi-final hopes alive.
Norths win takes them to 22 points and outright competition lead, with Springwood shading Redcliffe on for-and-against both on 20 points although Springwood have played an extra game. Arana on 16 leapfrog Logan Bros (15) into fourth pplace, although Logan Bros have a game in hand. Centenary on 12 are still a chance of making the finals, with Easts on 7 and Souths on 0 out of contention, but still with the capability of causing some headaches for the top teams on the way to the finals.
Brad T
18/7/2004
