Redlands proved their 32-16 first round win over Redcliffe was no fluke with a comprehensive 32-12 win in the BJRL U13 JA1 Chairmans Flag at Emerson Park. Unfortunately the game was marred by a number of unsavoury incidents (on and off the field) with the worst resulting in one of the Redlands players being knocked unconscious in a very nasty high hit. Fortunately he has recovered and should be able to take his place in the Brisbane team at the State Carnival in Warwick next month. Unfortunately the alleged perpetrator was a Brisbane team-mate - at this stage his fate is in the hands of the Judiciary with the case against him to be heard June 13.
(Note: 22/6/01: After originally being suspended for 8 weeks by the Judiciary, the Redcliffe player appealed successfully and was exonerated)
Redcliffe scored first, but this did not deter the Redlands boys and by half time they had skipped away to a 16-6 lead. A tough Redlands defensive line ensured that the scoring in the 2nd half was the same resulting in the 32-12 final score.
Here is a summary of the match from Phil and Debbie (parents of Jay Aston from Redlands), regular readers of the Arana Home page:
Expectations were high, this was the game everyone had been talking about. "Could Redlands possibly do it again ?"
Redlands knocked off Redcliffe in the first round and boy, was it a shock to their system, for both Redcliffe as well as ours! Firstly for Redlands in believing in themselves that they could do it, and not just beat them, but beat them convincingly despite all the sledging, bad attitudes & poor behaviour that went on that night on & off the field with not only the players but the Redcliffe parents! Guess what ? Redcliffe experienced their first loss, & this is how they handle it...NOT !!
To Redlands, it meant more to them than just a win! It was like they had won Gold Lotto !
As you can appreciate, this is a brand new team, with about 6 new players & for some of the other players, this is their first taste of playing in an "A" Grade side, so what a huge & wonderful surprise for them they have come this far & be in equal first position after the first round!
Today, Redcliffe came out all fired up for the big one "The Chairman's Trophy" & thought they would square it up to be 1 all, but alas that did not happen. Redcliffe lost that game themselves & now have to handle seeing a 2 Nil Score Line now.....haha , especially seeing another convincing win by Redlands 32 to 12 ! So it definately is no fluke as the rumour mongers are saying!
Redlands won this game purely on their defence and having the right attitude. Each & every player can all stand up & be counted for by their full commitment & today, everyone was the Best Player !
Unfortunately the game was marred again by the display of Redcliffe. If we thought our first encounter was bad, this took the cake! It was disgusting to say the least & all who witnessed what happened are still in shock.
Redcliffe would be a good team if they were taught how to tackle low and how to play the game fairly, not dirty.
All we can say to the Redcliffe Parents is: "Go back to the club you come from in shame".
We would like to thank all the Redland Supporters as well as a BIG thank you to Arana for coming out & giving us their support as well.
Phil & Debbie
