Bartercard Cup - Round 4 Preview

Round 4 of the New Zealand Bartercard Cup has some great battles looming. Both unbeaten sides, Hibiscus Coast Raiders and Mt Albert Lions will have their work cut out, with the opposition wanting nothing better than to knock them off the top spots.

Marist Richmond Brothers travel away to take on the Central Falcons. Central, at home in Palmerston North, will be tough opposition for Marist and it's bound to be exciting league action for the spectators.

Central Falcons vs Marist Richmond Brothers - Fitzherbert Park - 10/5/03 - 2:30pm.

Central Falcons:

C. Paniora, J. Kainuku, N. Ngaru, T. Neal, W. Live, B. Hekenui, D. Wilson, W. Wharepapa, D. Cook, M. Graham, J. Royal, M. Timoti, T. Clune; (reserves) P. Hatsell, J. Te Vaga, S. Kanavatoa, N. Coburn.

Coach: Peter Sixtus.

Marist Richmond Brothers:

C. Seu, H. Kapi, R. Henry, J. Tavita, T. Ropati, J. Ropati, G. Rota, T. Tauaa, T. Latu, I. Va'aelua, H. Turua, K. Guttenbeil, S. Lavea; (reserves) K. Cawdron, B. Douglas, S. Matai, J. Kellett.

Coach: Bernie Perenara.

Both Glenora and Otahuhu are evenly matched so far in the competition.The Bears defence has been pretty good, although the Leopards would love to get their first competitions points on their home ground.

Glenora Bears vs Otahuhu Leopards - Harold Moody Park - 10/5/03 - 2:30pm.

Glenora Bears:

T. Faapito, V. Talanoa, A. Iole, L. Tamatoa, S. Halatoa, G. Bailey, A. Clyde, A. Pereira, K. Robarts, A. Fuimaono, M. Toelau, E. Lauaki, K. Edmondson; (reserves) J. Rua, N. Sue, TBC, TBC.

Coach: Dean Hunter.

Otahuhu Leopards:

M. Katoa, T. Laiseni, P. Tafea, B. Vaeau, W. Barnard, J. Yandall, M. Tonkin, J. Asiata, G. Va'afusuaga, T. Frost, A. Wharton, M. Vili, M. Langdon; (reserves) K. Pittman, W. Rasmussen, S. Solomone, S. Niulea.

Coach: Trevor McLeod.

The televised game this weekend will be the Manuwera Marlins taking on the undefeated Mt Albert Lions at Ericsson Stadium as the curtain raiser for the Warriors / Eels clash. Manuwera will certainly have their work cut out as the Mt Albert side, although having a couple of close matches, have so far looked like the champion side they are.

Manurewa Marlins vs Mt Albert Lions - Ericsson Stadium (Sky TV) - 10/5/03 - 5:30pm.

Manurewa Marlins:

B. Ingram, P. Borrel, L. Lunjevich, S. Foketi, T. Karaka, D. Hemupo, J. Ioapo, T. Ufi, J. Carnegie, D. Latele, A. Tusani, T. Pamatangi, S. Tupou; (reserves) C. Fa'avae, S. Heslop, TBC, TBC.

Coach: Kelly Shelford.

Mt Albert Lions:

A. Bauer, A. Ikihele, H. Vaasa, A. Fungapo, W. Sorenson, S. Buckingham, B. Lythe, S. Pouha, L. Talamaivao, B. Ivory, P. Campbell, S. Faalogo, W. McDade; (reserve) K. Wright, M. No'ovao, J. Fiu, TBC.

Coach: John Ackland.

Canterbury Bulls are hosting the visiting Eastern Tornadoes coming down from Auckland. To me, this will be one of the matches of the round. Both sides have looked impressive so far. Expect fast attacking play in this game, although a night game in Christchurch could mean a bit of dew about. The Bulls have had the services of Warriors player, Richard Villasanti, but unfortunately he is out for 3 weeks, with a knee injury he received in the Bulls game last week.

Canterbury Bulls vs Eastern Tornadoes - Rugby League Park - 10/5/03 - 7:00pm.

Canterbury Bulls:

S. Wallace, E. Hei Hei, R. Martin, J. Manning, R. Hanson, A. Harris, J. O'Brien, V. Whare, S. Beyers, K. Ferris, C. Newton, S. Norton, T. Wallace; (reserves) A. Timo, C. Lawrie, T. Pelenise, M. Pitama.

Coach: Phil Prescott.

Eastern Tornadoes:

P. Fisiiahi, J. Tuapola, G. Tupou, D. Fisiiahi, N. Ngaretua, C. Wetini, T. Leuluai, K. Mene, H. Rangi, E. Pele, L. Tufeao, E. Leuluai, J. Pai; (reserves) N. Scanlon, U. Uilou, S. Tangauiha, B. Tikitiki.

Coach: James Leuluai.

The Wellington side will travel a litte way up the North Island to take on Taranaki Wildcats at home in New Plymouth. Both these sides are at the bottom of the ladder with no wins. The Wellington side have shown glimpses of the talent they have within the team, as have the Wildcats, so this will certainly be a game both sides will be wanting to score competition points from.

Taranaki Wildcats vs Wellington - Pukekura Park - 11/5/03 - 2:00pm.

Taranaki Wildcats:

B. Ngata, D. Rameka, J. Ngamotu, S. Hoskin, U. Kua, P. Heihei, R. Luke, N. Tatupu, H. Blackburn, J. Kaihe, W. Parker, G. Towers, K. Martin; (reserves) A. Harrison, M. Smith, D. McNamara, S. Moore.

Coach: Alan Jackson.

Wellington:

V. Apu'ula, T. Tuala, T. Auva'a, N. Taumoli, J. Toala, A. Wereta, T. Pickering, C. Mitchell, M. So'otaga, F. Saumolia, T. Hall, T. Gemmel, F. Piva; (reserves) J. Monu, T. Lavulavu, J. Tuimaualuga, W. Teleaga.

Coach: Gerard Stokes.

Top of the table Hibiscus Coast Raiders travel down to the North Harbour Tigers home ground to compete for the Ted Dalton Memorial shield which is always up for grabs between these two sides. The Raiders have held the shield in their clubrooms for the last 3 years. A great game is guaranteed between two sides who thrive on fast plays and great defence. Certainly one of the top match ups in Round 4. Brother against brother in the coaching circle must just about be a first in the Bartercard Cup. A late entry for the Tigers sees Sharky Robinson back into the side.

North Harbour Tigers vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders - Birkenhead Memorial Park - 11/05/03 - 2:30pm.

North Harbour Tigers:

R. Retimana, G. MacPherson, K. Johnson, L. Copestake, T. Taitoko, K. McIntosh, C. Mataora, M. Auu, Q. Ikifana, J. Duff, J. Vaotogo, A. Wikitera, R. Kinkaid; (reserves) A. Aukafolau, D. Trott, R. Tupou, J. Kamareiera. M Robinson.

Coach: Karl Benson/Ken McIntosh.

Hibiscus Coast Raiders : D. Floyd, J. Vaifale, S. Ata, S. Finefeuiaki, D. Jones, C. King, A. Aspin, D. Rennie, R. Wigg, S. Tereora, T. Raniera, K. Temata, J. Tavaga; (reserves) C. Shears, M. Heke, P. Bidios, S. Stowers.

Coach: Tony Benson/Brian McClennan.

The draw is as follows:

Saturday:

Central Falcons vs Marist Richmond Brothers - Fitzherbert Park - 10/5/03 - 2:30pm. Glenora Bears vs Otahuhu Leopards - Harold Moody Park - 10/5/03 - 2:30pm. Manurewa Marlins vs Mt Albert Lions - Ericsson Stadium (Sky TV) - 10/5/03 - 5:30pm. Canterbury Bulls vs Eastern Tornadoes - Rugby League Park - 10/5/03 - 7:00pm.

Sunday:

Taranaki Wildcats vs Wellington - Pukekura Park - 11/5/03 - 2:00pm. North Harbour Tigers vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders - Birkenhead Memorial Park - 11/05/03 - 2:30pm.