NZ Bartercard Cup - Round 4 (split
round)

The second half of the split round, Round 4, of New Zealand's Bartercard Cup competition kicks off on Saturday afternoon while the six teams from last week sit on the sidelines. Already in Round 4 we've seen the leaders of the competition, Marist Richmond Brothers lose to the North Harbour Tigers, last year's champions Canterbury Bulls lose narrowly to Otahuhu Ellerslie, and Mt Alberts Lions fight their way back into form downing the previously undefeated Counties Manakau Jets side.

This week sees another 3 great matches which may just see Wai-Coa-Bay head the table for their first time if they can cement a win against Glenora.

First up we have at Ericsson No.2 ground, the home side Eastern Tornadoes hosting the visiting Central Falcons. With only a draw under their belt so far in the 2004 competition, the Falcons would be hard pressed to topple the Tornadoes.

Justin Murphy, not needed for the Warriors at this stage, appearing for the Tornadoes will add some pace from the back for the Tornadoes side, coupled with their power up front, should see the home side through to their second win this year.

Eastern Tornadoes vs Central Falcons Ericsson No.2, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Eastern Tornadoes: J. Murphy, N. Ngametua, R. Piakura, S. Moala, A. Howard, Z. Luisi, L. Lafaele, A. Lafaele, H. Rangi, A. Leau, I. Liava'a, S. Paeu, K. Umbers Reserves: F. Moala, M. Latu, D. Harriman, T. Tuia Coach: Boss Cecil

Central Falcons: E. Telford, N. Coburn, M. Whakatihi, W. Live, S. Forbes, T. Clune, G. Kerrisk, R. Hurunui, P. Aumua, M. Graham, D. Cooper, S. Leota, D. Kahuroa Reserves: D. Fa'apito, J. Watson, J. Puhipuhi, M. Creddy Coach: Peter Sixtus

Tauranga will host a Bartercard Cup game for the first time when Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions take on the visiting Glenora Bears from Auckland. With local league pretty strong in the Bay, a good crowd should turn out for the game to cheer on Tawera Nikau (pictured) and his team.

The Stallions may have had a break last week, but after their superb defence a week earlier against Marist Richmond Brothers in terrible weather, a slightly slippery ground at Tauranga Domain should not be a barrier in dominating the game.

Glenora has shown glimmers of potential in the competition so far, however inconsistency has been their downfall and I feel they will be on the back foot again in this game.

Waicoa Bay Stallions vs Glenora Bears Tauranga Domain, Tauranga 3.00pm Kick Off

Waicoa Bay Stallions: B. Ingram, R. Peri, J. Kaho, T. Matthews, H. Wilson, N. Kaa, H. Karena, J. David, C. Norton (C), B. Tawera, D. Kete, H. Kingi, K. Tumoana Reserves: D. Wahanga, B. Whitiora, V. Moana-Mason, T. Soti Coach: Tawera Nikau / Len Reid

Glenora Bears: T. Toailoa, C. Nahu, L. Waqa, K. Alefosio, A. Iole, S. Ieremia, T. Papali'i, M. Toelau (C), D. Mackie, V. Mafi, L. Tamatoa, K. Edmonson, C. Waide Reserves: M. Alai, I. Retzlaff, V. Tutuila, R. Ah Van Coach: Geoff Morton

The curtain raiser to the Warriors/Sea Eagles match on Sunday has the Hibiscus Coast Raiders heading across the bridge to take on the Wellington side.

With neither team hitting their straps very well so far in the competition, in front of a growing crowd at Ericsson would certainly be a good time to start.

The Raiders of old are yet to surface and while they have lost a few quality players from the 2003 squad, the potential is there.

Wellington on the otherhand have looked inspirational at time, at other times, very lack-lustre. Their win, and their draw so far in 2004, have been very hard fought which could stand them in good steed against the Raiders.

Out of all the games this weekend, the winner of this one is the hardest to pick.

Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs Wellington Ericsson Stadium, Auckland (Curtain Raiser To Warriors vs Sea Eagles) 11.35am Kick Off

Hibiscus Coast Raiders: C. Te Kiri, T. Jurgensen, O. Manuel, D. Tepu, J. Vaifale, D. Floyd, T. Thompson, D. Avaga, P. Prime, T. Nikora, W. Henare, J. Tavaga, C. Shears (C) Reserves: M. Ashe, S. Tereora, M. Heke, G. Moana Coach: Tony Benson

Wellington: C. Fox, M. Nathan, M. Karawana, V. Manu, D. Laula, J. Te Reo, J. McDonald, T. Lavulavu, J. Carnegie, F. Laumua, T. Hall, C. Savali (C), D. Rota Reserves: D. Hape, S. Mannering, I. Luke, J. Taikato Coach: Paul Bergman

Saturday 15 May 2004

Eastern Tornadoes vs Central Falcons Ericsson No.2, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Waicoa Bay Stallions vs Glenora Bears Tauranga Domain, Tauranga 3.00pm Kick Off

Sunday 16 May 2004

Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs Wellington Ericsson Stadium, Auckland (Curtain Raiser To Warriors vs Sea Eagles) 11.35am Kick Off