Bartercard Cup - Round 12 Preview

Round 12 of New Zealand's Bartercard Cup gets underway this weekend with a few tough matches to call. With only 5 rounds of the competition left, spots are still up for grabs.

The only Saturday game in Round 12 is between Marist Richmond Brothers up against the Central Falcons on Saturday afternoon at Murray Halberg Park. Marist looked impressive in last week's game against Otahuhu and should really have no problem tackling the Falcons at home.

Marist Richmond Brothers vs Central Falcons , Murray Halberg Park, 19/07/03. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Marist Richmond Brothers: M. Tony, H. Kapi, R. Henry, S. Makisi, J. Tavita, J. Ropati, G. Rota, T. Taua, T. Esera, E. Tuimavave, L. Kouka, K. Guttenbeil, S. Lavea, (reserves) K. Cawdron, C. Seu, J. Kellet, D. Wilson. Coach: Bernie Perenara

Central Falcons: C. Paniora, S. Forbes, S. Leota, W. Live, N. Coburn, T. Clune, D. Wilson, W. Wharepapa, D. Cook, M. Graham, S. Whakarau, M. Timoti, J. Royal, (reserves) R. Thorby, L. Vete, J. Henderson, J. Kainuku. Coach : Peter Sixtus

The Taranaki Wildcats host the visiting Bulls first up on Sunday afternoon. The Bulls have not played very well away from home so far in the competition, but really should have no trouble up against the Wildcats who are yet to secure any competition points.

Taranaki Wildcats vs Canterbury Bulls , Pukekura Park 20/07/03. Kick off at 1:00pm

Taranaki Wildcats: J. Enoka, D. Rameka, J. Ngamotu, S. Hoskin, B. Ngata, J. Hoskin, R. Luke, N. Tatupu, K. Martin, T. Berge, W. Parker, W. Wasey, H. Blackburn, (reserves) P. Heihei, D. Tamati, M. Smith, S.Moore. Coach : Alan Jackson

Canterbury Bulls: R. Hanson, E.Hei Hei, J. Taipara, S. Wallace, C. Herekotukutuku, A. Harris, J. O'Brien, V. Whare, S. Beyers, K. Ferris, A. Timo, J. Clarke, T. Wallace, (reserves) R. Martin, C. Lawrie , C. Newton, T.Pelenise. Coach : Phil Prescott

Wellington gave competition leaders, Hibiscus Coast Raiders, a run for their money in the first half of their game last week, but I really feel they will struggle against the North Harbour Tigers side even though they have the home ground advantage. The Tigers put on another impressive display of consistency last week and should come away with the 2 points.

Wellington vs North Harbour, Porirua Stadium 20/07/03. Kick off at 2:30pm

Wellington: C. Fox, V. Apuula, N. Taumoli, T. Auvaa, J. Timanika, J. Monu, R. Leafe, T. Gemmel, J. Limmer, T. Lavulavu, T. Hall, J. Tuimaualuga, M. Sooataga (reserves) TBA, W. Taleaga, F. Saumalia, TBA. Coach : Gerard Stokes

North Harbour: K. Ganley, G. Macpherson, K. Johnson, K. Asiata, W. Roberts, R. Retimana, K. MacIntosh, J. Duff, R. Kinkaid, Q. Ikifana, J. Vaotogo, G. Hau, J. Kamariera, (reserves) L. Copestake, J.Golf, T. Jensen, M. May. Coach : Karl Benson / Kenny MacIntosh

The competition front runners, Hibiscus Coast Raiders, host the Otahuhu Leopards at home in Stanmore Bay on Sunday afternoon. After being down on their main players in the last round, and putting on an impressive second half performance, the Raiders will be looking to consolidate on that when they play the Leopards, who at times have looked very good, but just don't seem to be able to follow it through for the full eighty minutes.

Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs Otahuhu Leopards, Stanmore Bay 20/07/03. Kick off at 2:30 pm

Hibiscus Coast Raiders: D. Floyd, J. Vaifale, C. Shears, D. Fisher, S. Finefeuiaki, J. Tavaga, A. Aspin, S. Stowers, R. Wigg, S. Tereora, T. Pau, T. Nikora, W. Henare, (reserves) Q. Dane, M. Heke, D. Avega, T. Fuimaono. Coach : Brian McClennan / Tony Benson

Otahuhu Leopards: P. Atkins, M. Vatuvei, P. Tafua, V. Mellars, T.Laiseni,T. Noovao, J. Yandall, G. Tuakura, E. Mann, L. Heta, T. Frost, M. Vili, M. Langdon (reserves) K.Pittman, N. Thammavongsa, B. Vaeau,J. Campbell. Coach : Trevor McLeod

Manuwera Marlins host the Glenora Bears. The Marlins were involved in what turned out to be a scrappy match last week against the Tigers, resulting in one of their players being sent from the field. They will have to be very disciplined this week if they are to come out with the win. Both these sides are sitting equal on the ladder, and quite capable of the victory.

Manurewa Marlins vs Glenora Bears, Leebank Park 20/07/03. Kick off at 2:30pm Manurewa Marlins: B. Ingram, P. Borell, G.Eliki, S. Foketi, T. Karaka, T.. Mathews, A. Herangi , TBA, D. Hemopo, C. Faavae, D. Letele, T. Pamatangi, S. Tupou, (reserves) J. Ioapo, L. Lunjevich, M. Suniula, J. Matai. Coach : Kelly Shelford

Glenora Bears: B. Stewart, S. Halatoa, N. Presland, A. Iole, T. Faapito, J. Karaitiana, A.Clyde, B. Valeni, W. Bernard, M. Toelau, L. Toli, H. Lauaki, K. Edmondson, (reserves) K. Robarts, V. Mafi, O. Sipu, I.Retzlaff. Coach : Dean Hunter

The match of the round for me is the game on Sunday afternoon between the Eastern Tornadoes and Mt Albert. The Tornadoes absolutely hammered Taranaki in the last round by 70-4, while the Lions had an indifferent game against the Glenora side and only really settled down in the second half. Be rest assured, coach John Ackland will have his Lions side fired up for a top performance on Sunday against another top side. Definitely hard to pick the winner in this game.

Eastern Tornadoes vs Mt Albert Lions, Ericsson 2 20/07/03. Kick off at 2:30pm

Eastern Tornadoes: P. Fisiiahi, P. Pulini, G. Tupou, D. Fisiiahi, N. Ngametua, R. Gentles, J. Noble, K. Mene, N. Scanlan, S. Pati, P. Leuluai, F. Tupou, L. Tupeao, (reserves)S. Faitala, W. Sua, E. Leuluai, T. Pulini. Coach : James Leuluai

Mt Albert Lions: Bauer, S. Dewhurst, H. Vaasa, A. Fungapo, A. Ikihele, M.Noovao, S. Buckingham, S. Pouha, J. Fiu, P. Teniseli, P. Campbell, M. Asaou, W. McDade (reserves) K. Wright, B. Lythe, P. Kailea, L. Talamavao. Coach : John Ackland

Games at a glance: Round 12 July 19th/20th

Marist Richmond Brothers vs Central Falcons , Murray Halberg Park, 19/07/03. Kick off at 2:30pm Taranaki Wildcats vs Canterbury Bulls , Pukekura Park 20/07/03. Kick off at 1:00pm Wellington vs North Harbour , Porirua Stadium 20/07/03. Kick off at 2:30pm Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs Otahuhu Leopards , Stanmore Bay 20/07/03. Kick off at 2:30 pm Manurewa Marlins vs Glenora Bears, Leebank Park 20/07/03. Kick off at 2:30pm Eastern Tornadoes vs Mt Albert Lions, Ericsson 2 20/07/03. Kick off at 2:30pm