Bears Go Down at Home - Bartercard
Cup

Otahuhu Ellerslie defeated the Glenora Bears, 30/22, at Trust Stadium Waitakere today.

The Bears were in the game all day but failed to capitalise on several scoring opportunities to nail their visitors. There is little between these teams and Otahuhu Ellerslie was just a little more hungry on the day.

The Bears posted first points through a penalty converted by young second rower, Scott Jones. They followed up with a try to loose forward, Simon Ieremia, to put them in front 6/0, around thirteen minutes in. The Otahuhu Ellerslie opened their account at the twenty minute mark through a try to Sialii Tufeau that was converted by Corey Wetini.

Warrior, Hame Lauaki, crashed through for the Bears and Jones added the extra two points. Thirty minutes in and Otahuhu Ellerslie levelled it up at 12 all. Sione Nuilia grabbed a converted effort with minutes left in the half. The Bears got a handy penalty just on the hooter, that Jones converted, and we went to the break at 18/14 to the visitors.

That had been a good forty minutes of football and I spent the break pondering on why both of these teams are not higher on the table.

Otahuhu Ellerslie extended their lead early in the second dig, with an absolute scorcher of a try to full back, Paul Atkins - where has this guy been, disappeared off the radar, but I?m happy to report he?s back and he?s firing. Aniseto Iole crashed through in a cracker for the Bears. 22/18 and this game is anyone?s.

The Bears began to tire and, despite having their opportunities, they were taking wrong options and the Otahuhu outfit took their chances. Two further tries, including a second to Atkins, took them out to a 30/18 lead. The Bears scored a consolation on the hooter to finish it up at 30/22.

Central Falcons vs Marist Richmond Brothers

Game Postponed Due To Closure Of Auckland Airport

Glenora Bears vs Otahuhu Ellerslie Waitakere Stadium, Auckland

Otahuhu Ellerslie 30

S. Moli, S. Tufeao, G. Vaafusuaga, S. Tuala, P. Atkins (2) : Tries

C. Wetini (3) : Goals

Glenora Bears 22

A. Iole, E. Luaki, S. Ieremia, D. Bernard : Tries

S. Jones (3) : Goals

Halftime Score: 18 ? 14 To Otahuhu Ellerslie

Mt Albert Lions vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders Ericsson Stadium, Auckland (C/R To Warriors vs Storm)

Mt Albert Lions 32

R. Godfrey, A. Bauer, R. Baxter, S. Pouha, F. Taleapa (2) : Tries

S. Buckingham (4) : Goals

Hibiscus Coast Raiders 10

H. Fisher, C. Motu : Tries

D. Floyd (1) : Goals

Halftime Score: 14 ? 0 To Mt Albert Lions

Canterbury Bulls vs Wellington Rugby League Park, Christchurch

Canterbury Bulls 30

L. Tamakaha, S. Tamatea, K. Manihera, C. Lawrie (3) : Tries

J. O?Brien (3) : Goals

Wellington 28

M. Weepu, J. Davis (2), M. Lewis (2) : Tries

J. MacDonald (4) : Goals

Halftime Score: 22 ? 10 To Wellington

Waicoa Bay Stallions vs Counties Manukau Jetz Resthills Park, Hamilton

Waicoa Bay Stallions 20

S. Wallace-Hoskin, H. Karena, S. Rapira, P. Prime : Tries

H. Karena (2) : Goals

Counties Manukau Jetz 18

G. Eliki, S. Foketi, A Wharton, C. Waide : Tries

J. Ioapo (1) : Goals

Halftime Score: 12 ? 6 To Counties Manukau Jetz