The State Association Division 2 ladder is starting to take shape after 4 rounds, and Logan are sitting comfortably at the top following their win over Coomera last week. Currently undefeated, the Cobras have been impressive in the early stages of the year and will look to continue their dominance against Beenleigh in round 5. After their comfortable 6 goal win against Calamvale, Beenleigh have been another solid performer in the early stage of 2011. Logan’s Ash Witney will need to be contained after taking his season goal tally to 18 last week, while for Beenleigh, Andrew Graham and Andrew Soutar have been consistent performers.
On Saturday, Calamvale will be at home to Caboolture at Calamvale College. Both sides are coming off losses in round 4, with Caboolture going down in a 4 point nail biter against UQ. Michael Matthews was again a solid contributor for the Lions, while Grant Wilkinson provided admirable service in a losing side. Calamvale are still looking for their first win for the year, despite Alan Flower leading the competition goalkicking with another 5 last week against Beenleigh. His 24 goals this year have been a shining light and will need some assistance from Shaun Wilhelm and Jan Novak should they hope to come away with the 4 points this week.
The undefeated Nambour and Hinterland team will host Coomera this weekend after another fine outing in round 4. Glen Bauer and Simon Pickering bagged 3 goals each in their 37 point win against Ipswich, while Ben Hughes picked up best afield honours. Coomera will be disappointed by their 3 point loss to ladder leaders Logan last week and should not be taken lightly. Their 2-2 record so far this year is no indication of what this side is capable of, with Thomas Clough in brilliant touch, and Kirby Hibbons and Justin Borschmann looking to continue on their strong showing last week.
Lime Stone Park will set the scene for an interesting match between Ipswich and Redcliffe on Saturday. Both teams will be looking to tilt the win/loss ledger in their favour, with only percentage separating the sides and their 2-2 record for the year. Redcliffe managed an important victory against the lowly Griffith Moorooka last week, while Ipswich had a 6 goal loss at the hands of Nambour. Damien Brereton has been a reliable target for Ipswich so far this year with 10 goals for the season. He may very well be involved in a shootout with Bryan Edlond and Brendan Le Mescam this week, after both of these Tigers bagged 4 majors in their win last round.
The final game of the round will see cellar dwellers Griffith Moorooka take on UQ at home in the big university rivalry match. Griffith has had little to cheer about this year, but they will need to take advantage of the Red Lions’ poor defensive record if they are to notch their first win for the year. Barry Morris has been good for Griffith Moorooka all season, and the boys from Griffith Moorooka will need another solid showing from him again this week. UQ will be full of confidence following their first win of the season last week against Caboolture. Zac Bell and Dan Bruce were equally effective in the victory, while Jason Di Petro was an imposing target up forward, kicking 4 goals.
