The final "derby" weekend of the year with one game on Friday night and the other 3 on Sunday.
A big crowd gathered at Dolphin Oval No 1 to see the top-of-the-table clash between Redcliffe and Norths and what a match it turned out to be. The first half was characterised by desperation defence with both sides having numerous chances to score (including long distance intercepts by both sides, and four held up in the in-goal area) but superb defence thwarting these. In fact it eventually took a cross-field bomb in the 27th minute to see the huge Redcliffe winger leap brilliantly and put the ball down brilliantly for the only points of the first half. A great individual effort by Matt Gillet early in the second half saw the home side extend its lead top 10 points and take a firm hold on the match. Norths were not to be denied however and after a repeat set they spun the ball wide on the fifth tackle to go over in the corner, with Josh's conversion bring the margin back to 4. With ten minutes remaining a fifth tackle clearing kick from the Dolphins went out on the full presenting Norths with good field position and Jacob did the rest to level the scores with the conversion from beside the posts giving Norths the lead for the first time. Redcliffe threw everything at Norths in the final stages and with 30 seconds remaining looked to have snatched the match, however the referee ruled correctly that Asher E had lost the ball in trying to place it over the line and Norths had survived for a 12-10 victory in what was a sensational game of rugby league.
Minute by minute:
27th min: Redcliffe 17-try; Redcliffe 4-0
FIRST HALF STATS: Penalties: Norths 4-3; Completions: Redcliffe 14/17 (82.3%); Norths 12/17 (70.6%)
34th min: Redcliffe-3 try/1-conv; Redcliffe 10-0
40th min: Norths-5 try/7-conv; Redcliffe 10-6
49th min: Norths-6 try/7-conv; Norths 12-10
SECOND HALF STATS: Penalties: Redcliffe 3-2; Completions: Redcliffe 13/19 (68.4%); Norths 11/14 (78.6%)
TOTAL STATS: Penalties: 6-6; Completions: Redcliffe 27/36 (75.0%); Norths 23/31 (74.2%)
The early Sunday game saw underdogs Souths host Logan Brothers at Brandon, but it was the home side who started the best jumping away to a surprise 12-0 lead. The Logan side bounced back however to lead 24-12 at half-time. The second half was all the visitors, and despite a gallant effort by the Magpies they went down 46-12.
Arana hosted an injury-ravaged Centenary team at Dawson Pde. The visitors started with 13 but were soon down to 12, then 11, with injury. They struggled through the game however with the injured players eventually returning to the field. The first 25 minutes was a hard fought battle, although there was a noted lack of intensity, a good Alex Fresta offload presenting Geoff with the only try in this time. The home side took advantage of the tiring defence in the last 5 minutes of the half however with Dayne finishing off a backline move well and Geoff scurrying through for his second to hold a comfortable 14-0 lead at the break. They extended this to 20-0 five minutes into the second half when Nash scored from the scrumbase, and when he scored again to take the lead to 26 with 16 minutes remaining it looked as though a big win was on the cards. To their credit however, Centenary fought back and were rewarded with the final 2 tries of the match resulting in the final score of 26-12. Unfortunately the game was marred by a shoulder injury to Tom Whalley who put in his best game for the club before leaving the field.
Minute by minute:
19th min: Geoff H try; Arana 4-0
25th min: Dayne P try; Arana 8-0
30th min: Geoff H try/Josh B conv; Arana 14-0
FIRST HALF STATS: Penalties: 3-3; Completions: Arana 10/14 (71.4%); Centenary 8/14 (62.2%)
35th min: Nash R try/Josh B conv; Arana 20-0
43rd min: Nash R try/Josh B conv; Arana 26-0
48th min: Cent-11 try/9-conv; Arana 26-6
58th min: Cent -9 try/conv; Arana 26-12
SECOND HALF STATS: Penalties: Arana 2-1; Completions: Arana 10/15 (66.7%); Centenary 10/13 (76.9%)
TOTAL STATS: Penalties: Arana 5-4; Completions: Arana 20/29 (69.0%); Centenary 18/27 (66.7%)
The final game of the day saw Easts hosting Springwood at Scott Park in a late starting match. Easts tried hard but Springwood always had their measure and after leading 16-0 at the break, drew away to win 44-10.
The weekend's results see Norths take the competition lead on 26 points (with a game in hand) Springwood and Redcliffe are 2 points back with Springwood in front on for and against, with Logan Bros on 19 making up the four, 1 point clear of Arana who have played two extra games. Centenary' slim chances have now been snuffed out with them four behind Arana, followed by Easts on 7 and Souths yet to register a competition point.
Brad T
1/8/2004
