An abbreviated wrap this week as I am away on business.
The first Sunday game saw Souths travel to Redcliffe looking to maintain the record of tight matches against the Dolphins. Unfortunately for the visitors it was not to be with the home side putting on 5 tries in the first half to lead 24-0 at the break. The Magpie defence put in a better effort in the second half but were unable to stem the tide, with Redcliffe winning 44-4 in an important boost for their for-and-against.
Springwood hosted Logan Bros in what was expected to be a tough close encounter but by half-time the score was 22-0 to the home side who looked to be doing it easy. A penalty goal early in the second hald extended their lead to 24-0 but this seemed to be the switch to turn Logan Bros on, and they stormed back, closing the gap to 24-22 with a few minutes remaining. They looked to have taken the lead with 2 minutes to go when the referee inexplicably ruling that they had taken the corner post out scoring a try, despite Springwood touch judge Phil Smith saying it was a fair try (well done Phil)!!! The home side then held on to maintain their 24-22 advantage to the end, for what is an extremely important victory.
Norths hosted Centenary in the top of the table clash at Bishop Park and it turned out to be an absolute ripper. Centenary got the better of the first stanza taking a 12-6 lead to the break, but Norths scored two tries early in the second half to take an 18-12 lead. The Devils then turned on some desperate defence to repel a number of Centenary raids, however they eventually cracked with six minutes remaining to let in a try wide out, but the conversion attempt swung wide leading the home side clinging to a 2 point lead. Despite some desperate attack the Centenary side were unable to breach the defence in the closing stages with Norths hanging on to record an 18-16 win, the 12th margin of a converted try or less in the first 6 rounds of this enthralling competition, and all but guaranteed themselves a spot in the Chairman's Trophy, with only the Magpies to face next week.
Arana travelled to Scott Park to take on Easts, with the Panthers needing a win to keep their Chairman's Trophy hopes alive. Unfortunately for the Panthers they ran into a Tigers side that really "came-to-play" and within 15 minutes they were behind 14-0. A try just before halftime got them back to 14-6. Another try early in the second half narrowed the margin to 4 points, but that was as close as they would get, a field goal with 5 minutes remaining sealing the Tigers 21-14 victory. The loss ended Arana's hopes of being in the top two at the end of the first round. Thanks again to Shaun from the U15s who had a great game, but it is clearly going to be tough for the Panthers, until they get some of their unavailable players back.
What one set of fixtures remaining in the first round, Norths lead the competition on 10 points and a for-and-against record of +61, with Redcliffe (8+75), Springwood (8+24) and Centenary (7+23) still in contention for a Chairman's trophy berth. Arana on 6 are clinging to a position in the top 5 with, Logan Bros on 5 and Easts on 4 breathing down their necks. Souths remain in 8th position, yet to record a win this season.
Brad T
26/4/2004
