By Daniel McKenzie
QAFA (B)
North
Glasshouse Hinterland VS Gympie
Sat 5 Apr 2pm: Landsborough Sports Club
Glasshouse Hinterland will be hoping to bounce back this week following a comprehensive round 1 loss to Maroochydore. Their opponent Gympie, who had a 63 point victory last week, will be a tough task for the Lions at home.
Pomona VS Bribie Island
Sat 5 Apr 2pm: Pomona
Pomona kicks off their season this Friday night, following their week 1 bye. The Demons will be confident of beating the side from Bribie Island who found the going tough in round 1 against Gympie. The Bulldogs, who had a scoreless opening quarter last week and kicked only 3 goals for the match, will be out to start the game strongly.
BYE: Maroochydore
Central
The QAFA (B) Central competition kicks off this Friday night. The amateur competition features 11 teams from across the Brisbane region. Season 2014 features 3 clubs entered into the competition for the first time, Sandgate, Wynnum and Greater Springfield.
Kenmore VS Woodsmen
Fri 4 Apr 7:30pm: Western Districts Oval
Kenmore host Woodsmen in the first game for the season. The Bears, who finished second last in 2013 will want a strong performance to set the tone for an improved season. The Magpies finished third last year and will be confident of building on their 11 win season, starting with a win against the Bears.
Wynnum VS Kedron
Fri 4 Apr 7:30pm: Leyshon Park Yeronga (Oval 2)
Competition newcomer Wynnum faces 2013’s sixth placed side Kedron. The game has been moved from Wynnum to Yeronga following a lighting issue. The Vikings will want to get off to a great start in their first game but Kedron’s experience will give them confidence of coming away with a win at the neutral venue.
Zillmere VS Yeronga
Fri 4 Apr 7:30pm: O’Callaghan Park
Round 1 sees a 2013 Grand Final replay when Zillmere clash with Yeronga South Brisbane. Yeronga will be focussed on avenging their 59 point hiding in last year’s decider but Zillmere, who went through last season undefeated on their way to the premiership, will be expected to start the season with a win.
Collingwood Park VS UQ
Fri 4 Apr 7:30pm: Redbank Plains Recreational Reserve
Collingwood Park kicks off their season at home this week against UQ. The Power, coming off a seven win season last year, will be confident of putting away the UQ side. The Red Lions, who had a torrid season in 2013 which netted only 1 win, will need to be on their game this week if they hope to have an improved 2014 season.
Sandgate VS Jimboomba
Fri 4 Apr 7:30pm: Lemke Road
Another competition newcomer in Sandgate gets a chance to start 2014 with a win this week against Jimboomba. The Hawks, who are fielding a team in this competition for the first time, are a proud club and will be expecting a strong first season. Their opponent, the Redbacks, had a 10 win season in 2013 and will be striving for a top 3 berth this year.
BYE: Greater Springfield
South
The QAFA (B) South Competition also gets underway this week. The six team competition features clubs from the Northern Rivers of NSW and the Gold Coast.
Byron Bay VS Bond University
Fri 4 Apr 7:30pm: Schultz Oval
Last year’s minor premiers Byron Bay host Bond University in round 1 this week. After a dominant season last year, the Magpies were a shock loser to Tweed Coast in the Grand Final. They get their chance to atone for that loss this week against a Bond University side they beat by over a hundred points in each of their meetings last season.
Robina VS Lismore
Fri 4 Apr 7:30pm: Scottsdale Drive
Reigning wooden spooner the Robina will face Lismore in their first game for the season. The Roos, coming off a miserable season in 2013, will be confident of netting a win against a Swans outfit they match up relatively well against. With a host of new faces, the Swans are confident heading into 2014.
Ballina VS Tweed Coast
Sat 5 Apr 2:00pm Fripp Oval
Round 1’s only Saturday fixture sees Ballina take on reigning premier Tweed Coast. The game, which will be played at Ballina’s home ground, will be a good indication of where both clubs will be heading this season. The Tigers were unexpected premiers last year but will now have expectations for a repeat in 2014.
