Bartercard Cup Round 12 Part 2

A fairly slim weekend of Bartercard Cup action as this weekend sees only three games played in part two of the split Round 12. One further ?catch up? game will be played on Wednesday July 27 between the Counties Manukau Jetz and the North Harbour Tigers. This match venue is yet to be advised.

Tonight, Massey Park, Papakura, is the venue for the match between the Jetz and competition leaders, Mt Albert Lions. The Lions looked a little shaky at times last week, in their victory over the Tigers and the final score line of 28/14 flattered them to a degree. Given that both of those teams were playing so soon after losing a player each, in tragic circumstances, then it?s probably best not to read too much into it. The Jetz are in fourth spot on the table despite having only played ten rounds going into tonight?s match. The NZ TAB has the Jetz at a very generous $3.50, frankly I think it will be closer than that suggests.

Curtain raising the Warriors / Raiders match at Ericsson Stadium on Saturday, the Otahuhu Ellerslie franchise takes on the Canterbury Bulls. The Otahuhu outfit have a couple of young guns out, with Stand Off, Darrin Kingi and Winger, Cooper Vuna, on Junior Kiwi duties in Australia. The Bulls are moving along very well in third spot on the table, but can be upset when playing away from home. I think they will be too strong for the local side though.

On Sunday, the Central Falcons take the show around their area when they take on the Marist Richmond Brothers at Otaki. I?m struggling to recall any game of any note being played at Otaki, so, good on the Falcons for taking it to their own heartland. The Central side has faltered a bit after a really good start to the season, although they did manage a draw last week against Wellington. The Brothers are one point behind them on the table and have some disappointing results recently. In fact, with only four rounds left in the season proper, it?s probably fair to say that their year is gone. The Falcons in a close one.

Friday 22 July 2005

Counties Manukau Jetz vs Mount Albert Lions Massey Park Papakura, Auckland 7.30pm Kick Off

Saturday 23 July 2005

Otahuhu Ellerslie vs Canterbury Bulls Ericsson Stadium No.1, Auckland (C/R To Warriors vs Canberra Raiders) 5.05pm Kick Off

Sunday 24 July 2005

Central Falcons vs Marist Richmond Brothers Otaki Domain, Otaki 2.30pm Kick Off

Wednesday 27 July 2005

Counties Manukau vs North Harbour Tigers Venue TBA Kick Off Time TBA