2003_16_Wrap

Finals football has finally arrived, and a very pleasant, if slightly warm conditions greeted the four teams playing today.

In the first game at Centenary, Minor Premiers Norths seemed certain to go behind to Springwood early, however a timely 80 metre intercept try saw them lead 6-0 after 9 minutes. The Tigers struck back quickly however with a try wide out however the conversion went wide leaving the trailling by two. Springwood had the better of play for the opening twenty minutes, however mistakes were proving crucial and Norths started to become more dominant the further thr half went. Eventually they were rewarded with two excellent tries in the 10 minutes before halftime to take a commanding 18-4 lead to the break. Springwood dominated possession in the second half, with a string of penalties going against the Devils and they closed the gap with 2 tries, however Norths had a big enough lead to hold on and be first into the Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium with an 18-14 victory.

At Dawson Pde, Redcliffe have hardly started better with a converted try after only 2 minutes giving them a 6-0 lead over the big Logan Bros side. Another try took the Dolphins to a 12-0 lead in even time and they seemed to have the measure of their opponents, however Logan Brothers started to fins some form and a converted try midway through the half brought them back within a converted try. This spurred Redcliffe on and two further tries saw them go to the break leading 20-6. Logan Brother were not ready to saw goodbye to their 2004 season quite yet, and 2 tries in the second half saw them once again get back within 6 points. Redcliffe steadied however and two converted tries saw them jump away to a 32-14 lead before a consolation try marked the end Logan Brothers challenge this year with a 32-20 Dolphin victory.

These results see Norths move through to the Grand Final on Saturday week, to play the winner of next Sunday's Springwood v Redcliffe preliminary final.

Brad T

5/9/2004