Bartercard Cup - Round 14 Preview

Round 14 of New Zealand's Bartercard Cup competition has the teams well on the way to the play offs.

The first game of Round 14 is on Saturday afternoon between neighbouring Auckland sides, Manuwera Marlins and the Otahuhu Leopards. Any long shot at the playoffs for both these sides have dwindled. Pride is what they will be playing for, and they both have put in some good performances over the 2003 season, although not consistent enough to land them in the Top 5.

Manurewa Marlins vs Otahuhu Leopards, Sat 2/08/03 Leebank Park. Kick off at 2:30pm

Manurewa Marlins: J. Matai, T. Karaka, S. Foketi, G. Eliki, P. Borell, D. Hemopo, J. Ioapo, T. Ufi, S. Tupou, C. Kolose, D. Letele, I. Filipo, T. Pamatangi, (reserves) M. Faafita, M. Sunivla, TBA, TBA. Coach - Kelly Shelford

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

The match of the Round for me is the battle North of the bridge between the North Harbour Tigers and current leaders, the Hibiscus Coast Raiders. A loss last week to the Bulls will certainly give the Raiders a bit of momentum, that coupled with their very vocal home crowd to spur their heroes on. Once again the Ted Dalton Memorial shield is up for grabs, currently housed at Stanmore Bay. A hard ask for the Tigers to come away with the win up at Stanmore Bay, but they might just have a sniff at the Top 5 with three rounds left if the can put together 3 wins. I'll pick the Raiders, just.

Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs Nth Harbour Tigers, Sat 2/08/03 Stanmore Bay. Kick off at 2:30pm

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

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

Central Falcons host the Mt Albert Lions on Saturday afternoon. While the Falcons are sitting pretty low on the competition ladder, they are more than capable of causing a few headaches among the top contenders. A win for the Lions is quite on the cards however.

Central Falcons vs Mt Albert Lions, Sat 2/08/03 Palmerston North 2:30pm

Central Falcons: J. Kainuku, S. Forbes, C. Paniora, W. Live, N. Coburn, R. Puohotaua, D. Wilson, W. Wharepapa, D. Cook, S. Whakarau, M. Timoti, J. Royal, (reserves) TBA, P. Hatsell, J. Puhipuhi, TBA. Coach - Peter Sixtus

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

The curtain raiser for the Warriors/Storm match has the visiting Canterbury side up against the Eastern Tornadoes. The Bulls would like to forget their last visit to Ericsson when they went down to the Raiders, and cement their second spot on the ladder. The Eastern side have had some good wins of late that sees them fourth on the table, but will have to be right on their game to beat the visiting Canterbury side. A tough one to call.

Eastern Tornadoes vs Canterbury Bulls, Sat 2/08/03 Ericsson Stadium. Kick off at 5:00pm

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

Canterbury Bulls: L. Sione, E. HeiHei, R. Martin, S. Wallace, R. Hanson, A. Harris, J. O'Brien, V. Whare, S. Beyers, A. Timo, C. Lawrie, J. Clarke, T. Wallace, (reserves) C. Herekotukutuku, C. Newton, D. Champion, T. Pelenise. Coach - Phil Prescott

The two neighbouring sides down the bottom of the North Island go head to head on Sunday at Porirua. Wellington almost caused an upset last week over the Eastern side so will be brimming with confidence. The Taranaki side on the other hand, would love to get just one win under their belt in the competition, although it may not be this weekend.

Wellington vs Taranaki Wildcats, Sun 3/08/03 Trust Porirua Park 2:30pm

Wellington C. Fox, S. Helu, V. Apuula, TBA, J. Tamanika, J. Monu, R. Leafe, T. Gemmel, J. Limmer, T. Lavulavu, T. Hall, J. Tuimaualuga, M. Sooataga, (reserves) TBA , W. Taleaga, TBA, F. Laumua. Coach - Gerard Stokes

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

Marist put up an impressive score against Taranaki last week, and a win in this round would cement their spot in the semis. Glenora Bears could be tough opposition for them on Sunday, but by their standards just haven't been consistent enough to pose any real problems. The imposing backs in the Marist side should help put on a big scoreline for their team.

Glenora Bears vs Marist Richmond Brothers, Sun 3/08/03 Harold Moody Park. Kick off at 2:30pm

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

Marist Richmond Brothers: M. Tony, J. Tiavale, R. Henry, S. Makisi, B. Collins, J. Ropati, G. Rota, T. Tauaa, T. Esera, E. Tuimavave, H. Turua, K. Guttenbeil, S. Lavea, (reserves) J. Kellet, B. Douglas, J. Tavita, F. Prescott. Coach - Bernie Perenara

Round 14 games at a glance: Sat 2nd Aug - Sun 3rd Aug.

Manurewa Marlins vs Otahuhu Leopards, Sat 2/08/03 Leebank Park. Kick off at 2:30pm

Central Falcons vs Mt Albert Lions, Sat 2/08/03 Palmerston North 2:30pm

Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs Nth Harbour Tigers, Sat 2/08/03 Stanmore Bay. Kick off at 2:30pm Eastern Tornadoes vs Canterbury Bulls, Sat 2/08/03 Ericsson Stadium. Kick off at 5:00pm

Wellington vs Taranaki Wildcats, Sun 3/08/03 Trust Porirua Park 2:30pm

Glenora Bears vs Marist Richmond Brothers, Sun 3/08/03 Harold Moody Park. Kick off at 2:30pm