Once again an abbreviated wrap this week as I am still away on business.
The Friday night game saw Easts, fresh from their victory over Arana, travel to Civic Park to take on Logan Bros. Unfortunately for the Tigers they left their good form from the previous week back at Scott Park and by half time they were trailing 28-0. To their credit however they fought back in the second half and despute being down to 11 players at one stage managed to hold the home side to a 2 point margin in the second stanza, resulting in the final score of 40-10.
With both teams still hopeful of a Chairman's Trophy position, Centenary and Springwood faced off at Centenary Highway Reserve in the first Sunday game. This game proved to be a real arm wrestle, with th teams going to the break locked at 6 all. Springwood jumped away to a 16-6 lead early in the second half but Centenary struck back narrowing the margin to 4 points with 10 minutes to go. Springwood regained a 10 point lead shortly thereafter, but a converted try in the dying moments were all that Centenary could manage, and for the third week in a row Springwood ran out 2 point winners 20-18.
Norths were playing to absolutely ensure their top position at the end of Round 1 against Souths at Brandon Park. Souths belied their position at the bottom of the table, holding Norths to a 2 point margin at half time 8-6. Norths kicked away in the second half however, going away to win 26-12, and wrapping up their Chairman's Trophy position comfortably.
Arana hosted Redcliffe at Dawson Pde, with Redcliffe needing a win to stop Springwood sneaking into the Chairman's Trophy Final in front of them. Arana stunned the Dolphins early and midway through the first half the home side led 4-0 courtesy of a Matt H try. The visitors struck back with 2 tries just before half time to go to the break leading 10-4. The Dolphins played the more controlled football in the second half to eventually run out comfortable 22-8 winners.
This completes the first round of fixtures, with Norths 12 and Redcliffe 10 qualifying for the Chairman's Trophy Final. Springwood on 10 missed out on for-and -against, whilst these three teams have now put a three point gap between themselves and Logan Bros and Centenary on 7. Arana 6, Easts 4 and Souths 0 are out of the top five at the moment.
See you all at Brandon Park next Sunday!!!
Brad T
3/5/2004
