Bartercard Cup - Round 8 results

New Zealand's Bartercard Cup competition is hotting up with some high scores posted, an exciting draw, and the Raiders now well in front at the top of the ladder.

As anticipated the game at the Ericsson Number 2 ground on Saturday afternoon proved to be a thriller. With Eastern up by 22 - 10 at halftime, they looked to be well on their way to a win, but Marist hit back well, the result a 34 all draw.

Eastern 34 (P. Fisiiahi, D. Fisiiahi, N. Ngametua, K. Mene, H. Rangi, M. Mangele tries; J. Noble 5 goals)

drew with

Marist Richmond 34 (H. Turua 2, J. Tiavale, T. Ropati, R. Henry, T. Esera tries; G. Rota 5 goals).

Halftime: 22-10.

I for one expected Manuwera to win their away match against the Central Falcons, but the home side put on a fine display and game out the victors in a close match by 40 - 34. The Falcons had a very slim lead of 22-16 at the break, so I'm sure the locals enjoyed a thrilling encounter.

Central 40 (M. Graham 2, J. Royal 2, J. Henderson, W. Live, D. Kahuroa tries; D. Wilson 6 goals)

defeated

Manurewa 34 (S. Foketi 2, P. Borrel, T. Ufi, J. Carnegie, C. Fa'avae tries; T. Matthews 5 goals).

Halftime: 22-16.

The Wellington side travelled up to Henham Park to take on Otahuhu and with only being down 18-12 at the break, were hopeful of getting a win away. Once again a fine display by the young Otahuhu side who are going from strength to strength, cemented a win, the final score being 40 - 24.

Otahuhu 40 (E. Mann 3, T. Laiseni 2, J. Yandall, M. Langdon tries; T. Laiseni 6 goals)

defeated

Wellington 24 (S. Helu, N. Taumoli, A. Wereta, R. Leafe, M. So'otoga tries; Taumoli 2 goals).

Halftime: 18-12

The North Harbour Tigers put on a fine display for their loyal fans running away with a win over the bottom placed Taranaki Wildcats. With a halftime score of 42-10 to the Tigers, it looked to be a good old fashioned thumping. And it was, with the Tigers posting another 38 unanswered points in the second half to come out on top by 80 - 10.

North Harbour 80 (C. Mataora 5, W. Roberts 3, K. Johnson 3, K. Ganley 2, R. Kinkaid tries; R. Retimana 12 goals)

defeated

Taranaki 10 (B. Ngata, B. Ratahi tries; S. Hoskin goal).

Halftime: 42-10.

The much anticipated clash between the Canterbury Bulls and the Mt Albert Lions went the way of the home side with the final score of 36 - 20 to the Bulls on a very cold Saturday night.Canterbury Bulls captain Shane Beyers reached another milestone in his remarkable Bartercard Cup career when he made his 75th consecutive appearance at Rugby League Park on Saturday night. Beyers, 23, has not only been ever-present for the Bulls since the national competition was introduced in 2000, but has been on the field for all but a few of the team's 5920 minutes of football.

Canterbury Bulls 36 Mt Albert Lions 20.

In what was a the lowest scoring match of the round, top of the table Hibiscus Coast Raiders allowed the Glenora Bears the glory of a solitary try when they beat the Bears by 18 - 4. Ahead by 10 - 4 at the break, the game was a tough, defensive battle between the two sides.

Hibiscus Coast 18 (C. Shears, S. Tereora, W. Henare tries; D. Floyd 3 goals)

defeated

Glenora 4 (T. Edwards try).

Halftime: 10-4.

Results at a glance:

Round 8 - Jun 14-15:

Sat: Tornadoes 34 drew Brothers 34 Sat: Falcons 40 d. Marlins 34 Sat: Leopards 40 d. Wellington 24 Sat: Tigers 80 d. Wildcats 10 Sat: Bulls 36 d. Lions 20 Sun: Raiders 18 d. Bears 4