SAINTS BATTLE FOR DRAW
22 April 2009

Logan Saints have escaped with a 15-all draw against Norths-QUT to remain one of the 4 undefeated sides in the Brisbane first division.  A late try to fullback Luke Leeming from a well placed Tim Burrow bomb with 6 minutes to go rescued what was an unlikely draw for the Saints.

"The lack of preparation really told on our performance today, (Logan have been able to muster only one training session in 3 weeks due to councils field closures for wet weather) but that can't be used as an excuse. We lacked composure and direction at vital times and that cost us dearly. Now that we are back to a more regular training routine I am expecting some considerable improvements" said Coach Mark Forrester.

Forrester pointed to exactly where he expects the improvement to come from. "Our backline misfired today. We simply didn't apply pressure to the areas we targeted. With our new style of backline play we are in a transition period. When it works like the games against the Sunny Coast and Wests we're at the top of our game. When it doesn't we are relying on our forwards. It's really about building confidence in our game plan and our ability to execute it under pressure."

Saints forwards dominated from the start and kept Logan within striking distance after falling to an 8-nil deficit. Just before halftime a Tim Burrow try and a penalty to Jay Staunton (pictured) levelled the scores at 8-all before Norths struck back  to lead 15-8 deep into the second half.

"Our forwards generally dominated the set piece, however it was hard to say too much about the general play as it was very much a one or two phase game and I think both sides became frustrated with that and the refereeing of the breakdown."

"To be honest I was impressed with both sides discipline in difficult circumstances. All we really want as coaches and players is consistency from the referees which we have experienced through the state cup and the first round. We will go back through the proper channels and get some clarification but I'd prefer to think it was a one off and we just move on."

Logan were best served by hard working back rowers Sonny Wainohu and Jay Staunton, with the latter pulling off two try saving covering tackles late in the game, while impressive lock David Temperley continued his great form from the state cup. Front rower Stew Cameron made some important contributions around the field and in the set pieces.

The saints take on Sunnybank this weekend with the local derby sure to be a very physical affair.

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