2004 BJRL U16A Grand Final Preview

Note for Previous Years' performances I have used Redlands for Springwood.

Time for the big one, and few would deny that Norths and Springwood deserve to be in the decider at the best Rugby League ground in the World, Suncorp Stadium.

NORTHS (1st) v SPRINGWOOD (2nd): Saturday Sept 18 10.10am at Suncorp

This Year:         Round 1:     Norths 40 def Springwood 16

  Round 8:     Norths 23 def Springwood 22

        Round 15:   Norths 24 def Springwood 16

  Major Semi: Norths 18 def Springwood 14

Head to Head 2001/4: Norths 4 Redlands/Springwood 2

Last 3 Games: Norths: Springwood W 18-14; Souths W 36-8; Centenary W 54-26

                       Springwood: Redcliffe W 26-18; Norths L 14-18; Centenary W 36-18

Norths go into this game having beaten Springwood in all of their four encounters this year, although the last three of those were closely fought. Springwood however showed just how hard they are to beat in finals, winning the preliminary final for the second year in a row when the opposition team seemed to have them on toast. Norths game will no doubt center around their brilliant halves, Jacob F and Josh C, on the back of forward charges led by Isaac S and a hard working forward pack, and the Springwood defence led by non-stop worker Jay A will have to be right on their game to contain them. Matt S will be better for his first run back last week, but the fitness of Daniel I will be anxiously monitored by Springwood coach Ross Strudwick as if the ankle injury he picked up last week rules him out a huge spearhead of Springwood's attack is missing. Having said that Matt R has been playing well and tiny winger Ashley K is always dangerous. Nathan S has also been running a little more from dummy half and was instrumental in their win last week. Norths coach Mick Whalley will want to make sure the occasion doesn't get to his charges, however Grand Finals are always different, and Springwood certainly have the upper hand in experince that area having appeared in all 4 in the combined Brisbane comp as Redlands or Springwood, as well as playing (and winning) the Foundation Shield Final at Suncorp Stadium last year,.

It should be a great game, and indeed a great day of footy at Lang Park, and I would suggest you all get out there early for this game and then stay and enjoy the Mixwell Challenge, Mixwell Cup and Queensland Cup Grand Finals.

Finally a tip, and THE COMPUTER, primarily on the strength of Grand Final experience is going, none too confidently, for a reversal of the season's form and tipping a Springwood win.

"The Computer" tips Springwood by 2.