Penrith punish rusty Roosters
8 hours ago | Aidan Edgecomb
Round 9 of New Zealand's Bartercard Cup will have some of the fans on the edge of their seats as some very close battles are likely to take place.
First up on Saturday afternoon the Marist Richmond Brithers are hosting the North Harbour Tigers at Murray Halberg Park. To me this is the match of the round. Coming hot off their annihilation of Taranaki last week, the Tigers will be looking to keep up the flow. Marist had a tough game with the Eastern Tornadoes and although managing a draw, at times looked a little shaky.
Marist Richmond Brothers vs North Harbour Tigers, Murray Halberg Park, 21/06/03 2:30pm.
Marist Richmond Brothers:
C. Seu, F. Prescott, R. Henry, S. Makisi, B. Collins, J. Ropati, T. Ropati, T. Taua, M. France, K. Cawdron, H. Turua ?, K. Guttenbeil, S. Lavea; (reserves) B. Douglas, D. Wilson, T. Raela, I. Vaea'alua. Coach: Bernie Perenara
North Harbour Tigers:
R. Retimana, W. Roberts, K. Johnson, L. Copestake, G. MacPherson, K. McIntosh, C. Mataora, A. Aukafolau, Q. Ikifana ?, J. Duff, G. Hau, K. Asiata, J. Vaotogo; (reserves) T. Cook, R. Kinkaid, J. Kamareiera, K. Ganley. Coach: Karl Benson/Ken McIntosh
The Central Falcons play hosts to the Eastern Tornadoes in Palmerston North on Saturday afternoon. The Falcons were very impressive in their win over the Manuwera side in Round 8 and will be looking to capitalise on that when they take on the Tornadoes who really should've won their game against Marist instead of the draw. Still I feel the Eastern side will be too strong on the day against the locals.
Central Falcons vs Eastern Tornadoes, Fitzherbert Park, 21/06/03 2:30pm.
Central Falcons:
C. Paniora, J. Kainuku, J. Henderson, W. Live, S. Forbes, T. Clune, D. Wilson, W. Wharepapa, B. Hekenui, M. Graham, J. Royal, S. Leota, D. Kahuroa; (reserves) S. Kanavatoa, T. Neal, N. Ngaru, M. Timoti. Coach: Peter Sixtus
Eastern Tornadoes:
P. Fisiiahi, P. Pulini, G. Tupou, D. Fishiiahi ?, N. Ngaretua, C. Wetini, T. Leuluai, E. Pele, H. Rangi, K. Mene, L. Tufeao, F. Tupou, P. Leuluai; (reserves) N. Scanlon, S. Pati, M. Mangele, A. Fausa. Coach: James Leuluai
The Hibiscus Coast Raiders travel south on Saturday where they play bottom of the table Taranaki Wildcats. It would be a major upset if the Wildcats were to down the unbeaten Raiders. I really don't think this will happen and the Raiders attack will most certainly let loose against the Taranaki side. A big score here.
Taranaki Wildcats vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders, Pukekura Park, 21/06/03 2:30pm.
Taranaki Wildcats:
B. Ngata, N. Hohaia, B. Ratahi, S. Hoskin, D. Rameka, V. Hill, J. Hoskin, N. Tatupu, K. Martin ?, J. Eparaima, W. Parker, W. Wasey, H. Blackburn; (reserves) R. Luke, H. Kete, P. Heihei, J. Ngamotu. Coach: Alan Jackson
Hibiscus Coast Raiders:
D. Floyd, D. Tepu, S. Ata, C. Shears, R. Enoka, C. King, A. Aspin ?, S. Tereora, R. Wigg, P. Bidios, T. Pau, W. Henare, T. Nikora; (reserves) M. Heke, D. Aveaga, M. Ashe, R. Gilmour. Coach: Tony Benson/Brian McClennan
Saturday night and once again the Canterbury Bulls have a night match in Christchurch when the Glenora Bears come to play. The Bulls tend to do well at home with their night games but I have a feeling the Bears may just spoil the party. Definitely a good game to watch, it'll be close.
Canterbury Bulls vs Glenora Bears, Rugby League Park, 21/06/03 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. Newton, S. Norton, T. Wallace; (reserves) C. Hereotukutuku, J. Clarke, K. Ferris, T. Pelenise. Coach: Phil Prescott
Glenora Bears:
T. Edwards, T. Fapito, A. Iole, L. Tamatoa, S. Halatoa, G. Bailey ?, A. Clyde, A. Pereira, K. Robarts, B. Valeni, L. Toli, M. Toelau, K. Edmondson; (reserves) H. Lauaki, J. Rua, J. Papali'i, A. Fuimaono. Coach: Dean Hunter
The first Sunday game is between the Mt Albert Lions and Otahuhu Leopards at the early kick off time of 11.30am. This is the curtain raiser to the NRL clash between the Warriors and Canberra Raiders. Otahuhu have started to put in some good form of late, and will push the Lions all the way to the final whistle. I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Leopards cause the Lions to have their 2nd loss in as many weeks.
Mt Albert Lions vs Otahuhu Leopards, Ericsson Stadium, 22/06/03 11:30am
Mt Albert Lions:
A. Bauer, G. Rattenbury, H. Vasa, B. Ivory, A. Ikihele, M. No'ovao, S. Buckingham ?, S. Pouha, J. Fiu, P. Teniseli, S. Falogo, M. Asoau, W. McDade; (reserve) K. Wright, TBC, P. Campbell, P. Kailea. Coach: John Ackland
Otahuhu Leopards:
P. Atkins, M. Katoa, P. Tafea, B. Nelson, T. Laiseni, T. No'ovao, J. Yandall, S. Niuila, E. Mann ?, G. Tuakura, N. Thammavongsa, M. Vili, M. Langdon; (reserves) K. Pittman, J. Campbell, B. Vaeau, L. Heta. Coach: Trevor McLeod
The final match of the round is in Wellington on Sunday afternoon when the Manuwera Marlins travel down to take on the home side. Manuwera have not been consistent in the competition and may find themselves fighting for the win. The Wellington side while near the bottom of the table, have played some spirited football and could just upset the Marlins.
Wellington vs Manurewa Marlins, Porirua Stadium, 22/06/03 2:30pm
Wellington:
V. Apu'ula, S. Helu, N. Taumoli, T. Auva'a, J. Tamanika, A. Wereta, R. Leafe, J. Tuimaualuga, M. So'otaga ?, T. Lavulavu, F. Saumolia, L. Solofa, F. Piva; (reserves) J. Monu, W. Teleaga, T. Hall, F. Laumua. Coach: Gerard Stokes
Manurewa Marlins:
B. Ingram, P. Borell, G. Eliki, S. Foketi, T. Karaka, D. Hemopo, T. Matthews, C. Fa'avae, J. Carnegie, D. Latele, A. Tusani, T. Pamatangi, S. Tupou ?; (reserves) C. Rogers, W. Heta, L. Lunjevich, V. Harrison. Coach: Kelly Shelford
Round 9 games at a glance. June 21st-22nd:
Marist Richmond Brothers vs North Harbour Tigers, Murray Halberg Park, 21/06/03 2:30pm.
Central Falcons vs Eastern Tornadoes, Fitzherbert Park, 21/06/03 2:30pm.
Taranaki Wildcats vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders, Pukekura Park, 21/06/03 2:30pm.
Canterbury Bulls vs Glenora Bears, Rugby League Park, 21/06/03 7:00pm.
Mt Albert Lions vs Otahuhu Leopards, Ericsson Stadium, 22/06/03 11:30am.
Wellington vs Manurewa Marlins, Porirua Stadium, 22/06/03 2:30pm.