2003_1_Preview

ARANA v Centenary: Friday March 26 7.15pm at Dawson Pde

PREMIERSHIP ODDS: Arana: 13/4 ($4.25) in from 7/2 ($4.50); Centenary: Steady at 4/1 ($5.00)

Last Encounter: 2003 Round 12: Arana 32 def Centenary 12

Head to Head 2001/3: Arana 5 Centenary 1

Last 2 Games: Arana: Logan Bros W 30-10; Souths W 44-10

Centenary: Redcliffe W 23-22; Easts W 10-4

Both teams have opened the season with 2 wins, although Centenary have scraped home in both, whilst Arana have been very impressive. Both teams play a similar open style of football so this promises to be a very entertaining encounter. Once again some interesting match-ups around the field, particularly in the halves and centres. Tim Mc's kicking game was instrumental in getting Centenary home last week and Arana will have to watch this. Arana will certainnly want to continue their impressive home record of only 3 losses in 3 years.

"The Computer" tips Arana by 4.

REDCLIFFE v NORTHS: Friday March 26 8.30pm at Dolphin Oval

PREMIERSHIP ODDS: Redcliffe: Steady at 5/1 ($6.00); Norths: Steady at 4/1 ($5.00)

Last Encounter: 2003 Round 16: Norths 10 def Redcliffe 6

Head to Head 2001/3: Redcliffe 1 Norths 1

Last 2 Games: Redcliffe: Centenary L 22-23; Logan Bros W 24-20

Norths: Easts W 44-24; Springwood W 40-16

Trigger must still be shaking his head at how Redcliffe let the game slip against Centenary last Sunday after storming home the previous week against Logan Bros - football is a funny game. This week they take on Norths in what should be a tight, tense battle. There was little between the two teams last year and both have strengthened for this season with Redcliffe just sneaking home in a 30 minute trial in the pre-season. Norths halves Jacob and Josh have been sensational in the first two rounds, but their Dolphin counterparts are no slouches and this match-up could decide the match.

"The Computer" tips Norths by 2.

EASTS v SPRINGWOOD: Friday March 26 8.30pm at Scott Park

PREMIERSHIP ODDS: Easts: Steady at 15/1 ($16.00); Springwood: Steady at 7/2 ($4.50)

Last Encounter: 2003 Round 18: Redlands 52 def def Easts 12

Head to Head 2001/3: Redlands 5 Easts 0

Last 2 Games: Easts: Norths L 24-44; Centenary L 4-10

Springwood: Souths W 32-28; Norths L 16-40

Easts have led both their competition matches this year at half-time but failed to go on with it in the second half and will feel that a full 60 minute effort here may trouble the stuttering Springwood side, whcih were hammered by Norths before struggling to beat the Magpies last Sunday. Springwood should be starting to improve their combination and will be looking to click into top form against the hard-hitting home side in this battle of the Tigers.

"The Computer" tips Springwood by 8.

SOUTHS v LOGAN BROS: Sunday March 28 12.30pm at Brandon Park

PREMIERSHIP ODDS: Souths: Steady at 33/1 ($34.00); Logan Bros: 5/2 ($3.50) out from 9/4 ($3.25)

Last Encounter: 2003 Round 16: Logan Bros 28 def Souths 22

Head to Head 2001/3: Logan Bros 6 Souths 3

Last 2 Games: Souths: Springwood L 28-32; Arana L 10-44

Logan Bros: Arana L 10-30; Redcliffe L 20-24

Souths surprised Logan Bros in the corresponding match last year, in what was pretty much the upset of the season and they will be looking to knock over their near neighbours again, with another of the Magpies' star players, Mase, having made the move to Civic Park in the off-season. Souths struggled against Arana but they are a different side in the wide open spaces of Brandon Park as they proved in nearly knocking over Springwood, but Logan Bros will be desperate to open their season account after opening with losses to Redcliffe and Arana.

"The Computer" tips Logan Bros by 10.