Bartercard Cup - Round 13 Preview

Round 13 of New Zealand's Bartercard Cup is upon us with the play off looming on the horizon so points are crucial for those teams sitting outside the Top 5.

The first game of Round 13 is on Saturday afternoon when the Otahuhu side host the Glenora Bears. A tough one to call but with the Otahuhu side having the home advantage I tend to sway their way. Both sides are more than capable of victory.

Otahuhu Leopards vs Glenora Bears - 26/ 07/ 03 - Henham Park. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Otahuhu Leopards: P. Atkins, M. Vatuvei, P. Tafea, V. Mellars, T. Laiseni, L. Hohaia, J. Yandell, G. Tuakura, E. Mann, L. Heta, T. Frost, M. Vili, M. Langdon, (reserves) B. Nelson, N. Thammavongsa, B. Vaeau, J. Campbell. Coach: Trevor McLeod

Glenora Bears: T. Faapito, T. Samoa, N. Presland, T. Edwards, S. Halatoa, W. Bernard, A. Clyde, B. Valeni, K. Robarts, M. Toelau, L. Toli, H.Lauaki, K.Edmondson, (reserves) TBA, O. Sipu, V. Mafi, R. Glassie Coach: Dean Hunter

The Tigers are at home against the Central Falcons and will be bitterly disappointed after their 20 all draw in the last round with Wellington, so I expect the Falcons will be at the end of the Tigers frustration.

Nth Harbour Tigers vs Central Falcons - 26/ 07/ 03 - Birkenhead W/M. Kick off at 2:30pm.

North Harbour Tigers: K. Ganley, G. Macpherson, K. Johnson, K. Asiata, W. Roberts, R. Retimana, K. MacIntosh, J. Duff, R. Kinkaid, Q. Ikifana, J. Kamariera, G. Hau, J. Vaotogo, (reserves) L. Copstake, J. Golf, A. Aukafolau, M. Hau. Coach: Karl Benson/Ken McIntosh

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

The Taranaki side host the visiting Marist Richmond Brothers in New Plymouth on Saturday afternoon. The home crowd will no doubt see a lot of scoring but unfortunately for them the visiting side will be getting the points.

Taranaki Wildcats vs Marist Richmond Brothers - 26/ 07/ 03 - Pukekura Park. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Taranaki Wildcats: N. Hohaia, D. Rameka, J. Ngamotu, S. Hoskin, B. Ngata, H. Healey, R. Luke, N. Tatupu, K. Martin, W. Parker, T. Berge, W. Wasey, H. Blackburn, (reserves) P. HeiHei, D. Tamati, I. Luke, F. Katene Coach: Alan Jackson

Marist Richmond Brothers: C. Seu, H. Kapi, R. Henry, S. Makisi, J. Tavita, J. Ropati, G. Rota, T. Tauaa, T. Esera, E. Tuimavave, H. Turua, K. Guttenbeil, S. Lavea, (reserves) B. Douglas, J. Kellet, R. Ioane, K. Cawdron. Coach: Bernie Perenara

A Saturday night at Rugby League Park has been successful in the 2003 competition for the Canterbury Bulls but they will have their work cut out for a victory this week when the competition leaders, Hibiscus Coast Raiders, take the field. The match of the round, and a tough one to call, but going on their impressive performance last week against the Leopards, I have to go with the Raiders. A great top of the table clash.

Canterbury Bulls vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders - 26/ 07/ 03 - Rugby League Park. Kick off at 7:00pm.

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

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

Mt Albert Lions have the home ground advantage when they take on the Manuwera Marlins on Saturday afternoon. The last time these two teams met, the Marlins had the glory. I think nearing the end of the competition, the Lions have settled into the Top 5 and will not be wanting to lose this one.

Mt Albert Lions vs Manurewa Marlins - 27/ 07/ 03 - Fowlds Park. Kick off at 2:30pm.

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

Manurewa Marlins: B. Ingram, P. Borell, G. Eliki, S. Foketi, T. Karaka, J. Ioapo, A. Herangi, TBA, T. Mathews, D. Letele, T. Pamatangi, S. Tupou, D. Hemopo, (reserves) L. Ulugia, I. Filipo, J. Matai, L. Lunjevich. Coach: Kelly Shelford

Wellington host the Eastern Tornadoes on Sunday afternoon at Porirua Stadium. Although the Tornadoes tend not to perform too well away from Auckland, I feel they will not let this one slip away, and will come home with the 2 extra points.

Wellington vs Eastern Tornadoes - 27/ 07/ 03 - Porirua Stadium. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Wellington: C. Fox, TBA, N. Taumoli, TBA, J. Tamanika, J. Monu, R. Leafe, T. Gemmel, J. Limmer, T. Lavulavu, T. Wallace, J. Tuimaualuga, M. Sooataga, (reserves) TBA, W. Taleaga, TBA. TBA. Coach: Gerard Stokes

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

Round 13, July 26th - 27th:

Otahuhu Leopards vs Glenora Bears - 26/ 07/ 03 - Henham Park. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Nth Harbour Tigers vs Central Falcons - 26/ 07/ 03 - Birkenhead W/M. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Taranaki Wildcats vs Marist Richmond Brothers - 26/ 07/ 03 - Pukekura Park. Kick off at 2:30pm. Canterbury Bulls vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders - 26/ 07/ 03 - Rugby League Park. Kick off at 7:00pm.

Mt Albert Lions vs Manurewa Marlins - 27/ 07/ 03 - Fowlds Park. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Wellington vs Eastern Tornadoes - 27/ 07/ 03 - Porirua Stadium. Kick off at 2:30pm.