This weekend sees some fantastic matches for Round 3 of the Allied Pickfords Cup, headlined by two of the undefeated teams University & Souths.
The two teams last matched up at South Park in the 2011 Elimination Final where University ran out comfortable winners, ending the hopes of another Grand Final appearance for the red & black. Despite a turnover of a few key personnel, including a new coach they will no doubt be out for redemption this time around.
Souths kicked off their season with a big victory over the Lockyer Valley, holding them scoreless until the final 10 minutes before defeating preseason champions Coolaroo by 14 points prior to Easter. James Kratzmann has been in fine form since returning from Dalby this season and will look to get first hands on the ball, along with the bigger body of Trent Saxelby who has stepped his game up another notch in 2012. Matt Waltisbuhl has also been in fine form but will miss this clash, no doubt knocking back a few fruity, watermelon flavoured beverages to celebrate his birthday.
University started the season off with a bye but had a convincing victory of Goondiwindi prior to Easter with the forwards having a field day not just up forward but through the midfield as well. Skipper Al Reilly kicked 5 in the win and was instrumental in the final last year up while Luke Brumley would put Bruce Lee to shame after heavily hitting the gym over the summer.
The Bombers look slightly ahead in pre-match favouritism with the crucial losses of Corey Balnaves, Christopher Davis and Barry Janetzki leaving some holes in the ability of University to win the contested ball.
No doubt the winner of this clash will assume VERY early premiership favouritism and signal a serious warning to the rest of the competition. The match will also feature the second Reserves game of the season kicking off at 5pm.
In other matches, the Toowoomba Tigers host Coolaroo in a match both clubs will be desperate to win. The Tigers escaped against Warwick to remain undefeated, but Coolaroo will be keen to not fall 2 games back this early in the season.
Highfields upset Warwick last week to elevate themselves into serious finals contention and play the Lockyer Valley Demons, while Warwick travels out to Dalby where both clubs will look to get their first W for season 2012.
Last Modified on 18/04/2012 11:39
