Bartercard Cup - Semis time

The first round of the semi finals for New Zealand's Bartercard Cup start tonight when the Hibiscus Coast Raiders take on the Eastern Tornadoes at Ericsson Stadium, kick off at 7.45pm. Which ever team loses tonight will be out of the competition for 2003. The Raiders will need to find their earlier form to take on the Tornadoes who have certainly looked impressive at the right end of the competition. The win the Tornadoes had the last time these two sides met, in Round 10, will certainly give them confidence however the Raiders have been through finals football many times before and know they have to lift their game to win. A tough game to call a winner, but definitely some good football ahead for the spectators.

Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs Eastern Tornadoes, Ericsson Stadium, Friday 22/08/03. Kick off at 7:45pm

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

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

The warm up game before the Warriors take on the Broncos is the second semi for the weekend when the defending champions, Mt Albert Lions, take on Marist Richmond Brothers at Ericsson on Sunday, with the kick off at 1.35pm. Both these teams have played consistent footy of late although I feel the Lions will have the edge of being used to the step up for finals football. The winner of this go on to take on the Canterbury Bulls next week who earned themselves a week off after being top of the ladder. The loser of this game will play the winner of tonight's game also next weekend.

Mt Albert Lions vs Marist Richmond Brothers, Ericsson Stadium, Sunday 24/08/03. Kick off at 1: 35pm.

Mt Albert Lions: A. Bauer, S. Dewhurst, H. Vasa, A. Fungapo, A. Ikihele, S. Buckingham, B. Lythe, S. Pouha, L. Talamavao, P. Kailea, P. Campbell, M. Asaou, K. Wright (reserves) J. Fiu, M. Noovao, S. Falogo, P. Latavao Coach - John Ackland

Marist Richmond Brothers: R. Ioane, H. Kapi, R. Henry, S. Makisi,B. Collins, J. Ropati, G. Rota, K. Cawdron, T. Esera, E. Tuimavave, H. Turua, K. Guttenbeil, J. Kellet (reserves) T. Taua, S. Lavea, D. Wilson, F. Prescott Coach - Bernie Perenara

Semis games at a glance:

Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs Eastern Tornadoes, Ericsson Stadium, Friday 22/08/03. Kick off at 7:45pm

Mt Albert Lions vs Marist Richmond Brothers, Ericsson Stadium, Sunday 24/08/03. Kick off at 1: 35pm.

Canterbury Bulls - bye