Bartercard Cup - Round 16 Preview

Round 16 in New Zealand's Bartercard Cups heralds the end of regular play for 2003, and for the seven teams not to make the play offs, a well deserved rest.

The first game of Round 16 is tonight at North Harbour Stadium in Albany where the North Harbour Tigers host the 5th place Eastern Tornadoes. Heavy rain today in Auckland will see the pitch very slippery for this night match. I'm sure the Tigers would love to finish their season on a high note, in front of their home crowd, whereas the Tornadoes having secured 5th spot in the competition, could be forgiven for relaxing a little.

Nth Harbour Tigers vs Eastern Tornadoes, Nth Harbour Stadium, Frid 15/08/03. Kick off at 7:30pm

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

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

Marist Richmond Brothers host the Manuwera Marlins on Saturday. The Marlins come offa loss to bottom placed Taranaki Wildcats so really will be playing for pride. Marist on the other hand, depending on other results in Round 16, could move up from their 4th spot at present with a win.

Marist Richmond Brothers vs Manurewa Marlins, Grey Lynn Park, Sat 16/08/03, Kick off at 2:30pm

Marist Richmond Brothers: R. Ioane, H. Kapi, R. Henry, S. Makisi, B. Collins, J. Tavita, G. Rota, T. Tauaa, T. Latu, Kurt Cawdron, H. Turua, K. Guttenbeil, J. Kellet, (reserves)E. Tuimavave, L. Kouka, D. Wilson, F. Prescott. Coach : Bernie Perenara

Manurewa Marlins: J. Matai, W. Heta, L. Lunjevich, S. Foketi, P. Borell, J. Ioapo, W. Hati, T. Ufi, S. Tupou, C. Kolose, TBA, L. Ulugia, T. Pamatangi (reserves) H. Heta, M. Faafiti, M. Sunivla, TBA. Coach: Kelly Shelford

To me Otahuhu Leopards had so much to offer this year for such a young side. They can only build on this experience and improve for next year. They take on the Central Falcons on Saturday afternoon at Henham Park. The Falcons after their win over Glenora will certainly give the Otahuhu side a run for their money in their last game.

Otahuhu Leopards vs Central Falcons, Henham Park, Sat 16/08/03. Kick off at 2:30pm

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

Central Falcons: C. Paniora, S. Forbes, J. Te Vaga, W. Live, N. Coburm, R. Puohotaua, B. Hekenui, S. Whakarau, D. Cook, M. Graham, M. Timoti, J. Royal, T. Clune (reserves) L. Vete,W. Wharepapa, J. Henderson, J. Kainuku Coach: Peter Sixtus

Glenora Bears are hosting the Taranaki Wildcats on Saturday at Harold Moody Park. After losing to the Falcon in Round 15, the Bears certainly have to play for pride. The Wildcats on the other hand tasted victory for the first time in 2003 last week, and I'm sure would love a repeat performance this week.

Glenora Bears vs Taranaki Wildcats, Harold Moody Park, Sat 16/08/03. Kick off at 2:30pm

Glenora Bears: T. Samoa, A. Iole, T. Faa'pito, T. Toailoa, S. Halatoa, G. Bailey, A. Clyde, B. VALENI, W. Bernard, M. Toelau, N. Presland, L. Tamatoa, K. Edmondson (reserves)K. Robarts, O. Sipu, V. Mafi, TBA Coach: Dean Hunter

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

The match of the round undoubtedly has to be on Sunday between the Hibiscus Coast Raiders and the Mt Albert Lions on Sunday afternoon at Stanmore Bay Reserve. A repeat of last year's final, this has all the makings of a classic match. Both teams sitting on 24 points, both wanting the advantage of the win. A great day out I'm sure, with some top notch league to boot. A must see if you are able. I'll tip the home side, just.

Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs Mt Albert Lions, Stanmore Bay Reserve, Sun 17/08/03 2:30pm

Hibiscus Coast Raiders: D. Floyd, J. Vaifale, Q. Dane, D. Tepu, D. Fisher, C. King, A. Aspin, S. Stowers, R. Wigg, D. Rennie, S. Tereora, T. Pau, J. Tavaga (reserves) T. Nikora, C. Shears, S. Finefeuiaki, W. Henare Co - Coaches: Brian McClennan/Tony Benson

Mt Albert Lions: A. Bauer, S. Dewhurst,H. Vaasa, B. Ivory, A. Ikihele, S. Buckingham, B. Lythe, S. Pouha, J. Fiu, P. Teniseli, P. Campbell, M. Clark, W. Mc Dade, (reserves) K. Wright, M. Noovoa, L. Talamavao, P. Shead Coach: John Ackland

The final match of Round 16 has the Bulls hosting the Wellington side. A win to the Bulls, incorporated with a loss to the Raiders, would see the Canterbury side take top spot, so they have everything to play for.

Canterbury Bulls vs Wellington, Rugby League Park, Sun 17/08/03. Kick off at 2:30pm

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

Wellington: B. Fox, S. Helu, N. Taumoli, V. Apuula, J. Tamanika,J. Monu, R. Leafe, J. Tuimaualuga, J. Te Reo, T. Lavulavu, T. Hall, M. Sooataga, J. Limmer, (reserves) L. Solofa, W. Taleaga, F. Saumalia, F. Laumua Coach: Gerard Stokes

Round 16 games at a glance, Aug 15th - 17th:

Nth Harbour Tigers vs Eastern Tornadoes, Nth Harbour Stadium, Frid 15/08/03. Kick off at 7:30pm

Marist Richmond Brothers vs Manurewa Marlins, Grey Lynn Park, Sat 16/08/03, Kick off at 2:30pm Otahuhu Leopards vs Central Falcons, Henham Park, Sat 16/08/03. Kick off at 2:30pm Glenora Bears vs Taranaki Wildcats, Harold Moody Park, Sat 16/08/03. Kick off at 2:30pm Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs Mt Albert Lions, Stanmore Bay Reserve, Sun 17/08/03 2:30pm

Canterbury Bulls vs Wellington, Rugby League Park, Sun 17/08/03. Kick off at 2:30pm