By Alex Suchocki
2014 Colts Finals
Qualifying Final
Aspley v Surfers Sharks
Week two of the Colts Finals is set to be a cracker with Aspley hosting Surfers Shark in the qualifying finals.
Both teams will hope to stamp their authority on the game, looking to progress through to the preliminary finals in two weeks.
The finals standing after round 16 shows Aspley sitting at second ahead of Surfers Sharks at third. Aspley marginally have the upper hand based on percentage, as they each share 56 points for the season.
The tight ladder after the home and away season further reinforces the amount of talent in the mix to snatch the premiership.
These two teams have not met before, making for an electric atmosphere with a point to be proved.
Aspley will be looking to bounce back after letting a game slip against Wilston Grange back in Round 16.
Prior to this, they have strung together fourteen consecutive wins, putting on a clinic in seven of these games, blowing the margin out to 100 points.
Aspley at home will be a challenge conceding only a total of five points in their two losses.
Similarly, Surfers Sharks finished the home and away season on fourteen wins and two losses. They were also able to manage five 100 point victories on their way to clawing a spot in the finals.
Aspley will want to clamp down on Surfers Sharks offence with the likes of Warren, Beynon and Martinez-Patras in exciting form.
The trio sit in the top five goal kickers for the season, having slotted 54, 27 and 27 goals respectively.
It is set out to be a tight tussle from the get go, with the action kicking off at 3pm at Graham Road, Aspley.
Redland v Springwood
Redland and Springwood are set for battle as they go head to head in the qualifying final this weekend.
Expect sparks to fly as minor premiers, Redland look to uphold their prominence and extend their undefeated season into the preliminary final.
Redland sit at the top of the table at the end of the home and away season with 64 points, having knocked over every club in the league.
Springwood sits at fourth place on 54, falling short to Aspley and Surfers Sharks by a measly two points.
Redland had the better of Springwood in a tight affair back in round two, winning 78-53.
A dominant performance by Hukins was the difference last time these two teams met, who was prolific around the ground slotting five majors.
Springwood’s, Callum Eddy needs to be on Redland’s radar, after coming off 26 goals in his last four games. He is a damaging figure upfront and leads the competition with 56 goals.
Springwood have had a consistent season with thirteen wins, 2 losses and a washed out game (draw).
It is interesting to note that if Springwood had gotten over the line against Northern Rivers in the washed out game, they would have slotted into third place based on percentage.
With this in mind, Springwood will be looking to stake a claim in the prelims with Redland first in their sights.
The action will kick off this Sunday at 2.30 at Casheezi Park, Redland.
Elimination Final
Maroochydore v Sandgate
Both teams will be looking to keep their final aspirations alive as Maroochydore host Sandgate in a do or die knockout final this Sunday.
The middle of the ladder is fairly tight so not much separates the two sides, making for an exciting affair.
Maroochydore fell just outside the top four, finishing fifth on 52 points; followed by Sandgate who finished the regular season in ninth on 48 points.
In the first week of elimination finals, both teams started their finals campaign off with a bang.
Maroochydore sent Caloundra packing with a 102 point defeat; while Sandgate had the better of Southport winning 129-17.
Keleher is enjoying an accurate season at Maroochydore, giving them much needed firepower in attack, kicking 46 majors for the season.
With both teams pressing for a spot in the semi finals, it should make for a ferocious outing.
Catch the action from 12.30 at Graham Road, Aspley.
Morningside v Wilston Grange
Last Sunday’s elimination finals saw Morningside and Wilston Grange proceed to the second week of the elimination finals.
Both teams continue to walk the tightrope, competing in another knockout final in the hope of a semi finals spot.
Morningside sits at sixth at the end of the home and away season, whereas Wilston Grange stands at tenth.
After setting the tone from the start, Morningside over ran Burleigh 115-23 last week.
Evans was deadly in front of goal, slotting six for the match along with Rolls, Threapleton and Skillern all amongst the best for Morningside. They will look to build on there form from last week in trying to put Wilston Grange away.
Wilston Grange also enjoyed an impressive win, knocking out Mayne 77-53.
Gotts put on a solid display booting three majors for his team along with a best on ground effort from O’Callaghan.
History suggests that Morningside can get over the line at home, having taken the 4 points last time these two teams met 65-42.
Wilston Grange will look to restrict Rolls’ impact in front of goal as well as Threapleton’s prowess around the ground, who were contributing factors to the defeat back in round 12.
Kick off is at 12pm at Casheezi Park, Redland.
