The second full round has been completed (14 games) with Redlands skipping away to lead the Competition by 3 points from Redcliffe. There is then a further 4 points back to Logan Brothers and Arana on 17 points. Holy Spirit hold down 5th place on 14, followed by Souths on 11, Aspley on 8 and Wynnum yet to register a point. Big improvers in the 2nd round were Souths who picked up 9 points in these 7 games compared with 2 points in the first 7, with Arana and Redcliffe slipping the most, with both picking up 3 points less in Round 2 than they did in Round 1.
Arana's highlight in the Second round was definitely the big win over Holy Spirit, with the last minute score to secure a draw against Logan Brothers also being a high point. Disappointment of the round was the dreadful performance against Souths, and also letting Redlands win after establishing a big early lead was also not good.
Redlands good form has continued and they are deserved competition leaders. During the second round they also won the Chairman's Trophy. Redlands only loss during the second round was to the highly inconsistent Holy Spirit team who also beat Redcliffe during the second round but lost to Souths and Aspley.
Souths have definitely been the big improvers and will be a danger to all teams in the run up to the semis - they will be keen to secure a finals spot, particularly now that it has been confirmed that a final five series will operate. Logan Brothers are seen by many as the "quiet achievers" of the competition and are definitely a danger team. Aspley's poor form has continued but the win over Holy Spirit will boost their spirits for the run home, even though they and the winless Wynnum are seemingly out of finals contention.
Once again I haven't seen all the games so far, but I thought I'd throw in a few of my own unofficial "BAT" awards from the games I have seen in the second round (feel free to comment in the guest book):
Try:
For timing, the last minute try against Logan Brothers to secure a draw
Hit:
The Aspley attempted shoulder charge on Alex T that only succeeded in knocking over 2 of his own players
Hardest Head:
Alex T for breaking Brent's arm (again!) against Holy Spirit.
Best Referee:
Undoubtedly Arana v Holy Spirit - will have to find out his name!!!
Brad T - July 12 2001
