NZ Bartercard
Cup - Round 5 review and results

A third of the way through New Zealand's Bartercard Cup competition and only 4 points separate the top ten teams. It is a tight competition with no side guaranteed a win when they take the field. Round 5 was no exception as the North Harbour Tigers found to their demise courtesy of the Glenora Bears.

Saturday 22 May 2004:

Marist Richmond Brothers needed a win on Saturday to stay in touch of the Wai-Coa Ba side at the top of the table. And this they did over a very determined Eastern Tornadoes side who pushed them all the way in a thriller at Grey Lynn Park in Auckland.

NZ Warriors player Justin Murphy once again was in scoring mode as he helped the Tornadoes to come within 2 points of the Marist side who at time looked patchy in defence.

Marist Richmond next week face a determined Otahuhu Ellerslie side in what will certainly be a very tough game for both sides.

Marist Richmond Brothers vs Eastern Tornadoes Grey Lynn Park, Auckland

Marist Richmond Brothers 38: Tries: T. Ropati, B. Perenara, J. Tavita (2), R. Henry (4) Goals: G. Rota (3)

Eastern Tornadoes 36: Tries: J. Murphy (2), N. Ngametua (2), K. Fakalata (2) Goals: Z. Luisi, H. Rangi (5)

Halftime Score : 20 - 12 Marist Richmond Brothers

Going through a rebuilding stage after losing 12 players from last year's line-up, the Hibiscus Coast Raiders are finding it tough this year in the competition, currently 2nd to last on the table just one point ahead of the Central Falcons.

With Daniel Floyd injured, the Raiders kicking game was missing as the Mt Albert Lions cut through the defence like a hot knife through butter. Three tries each to the two Lions' wingers, and 2 tries for centre Anthony Swann showed up the weak defence out wide.

A great display for Mt Albert at their new ground, which now sees them bounce back up to 3rd equal on the ladder after a slow start to the season.

Mt Albert Lions vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders Unitec Mt Albert, Auckland

Mt Albert Lions 54: Tries: M. Asoua, L. Talamaivao (2), A. Swann (2), M. Manu (3), R. Baxter (3) Goals: J. Noble (1), S. Buckingham (4)

Hibiscus Coast Raiders 12: Tries: C. Shears, S. Stowers, G. Moana

Halftime Score : 24 - 4 To Mt Albert Lions

Otahuhu Ellerslie were without two of their top players as Manu Vatuvei was called up to the NZ Warriors for his debut in the NRL, and Thomas Leuluai called back into the team as well.

Coming hot off the win over the Canterbury Bulls, the Otahuhu side carried on their winning ways knocking off the Counties Manakau Jets in a fine 7 try display. The Jets looked to be in the game at the break, but the pep talk from the Otahuhu Ellerslie coach, James Leuluia, had the desired effect resulting in a 42-16 win to his side. They now move to 3rd equal on the crowded competition ladder.

Two losses in a row to the Jets will give coach Dean Hunter something to work on before they take on the Eastern Tornadoes in the next round.

Otahuhu Ellerslie vs Counties Manukau Jetz Ericsson No.2, Auckland

Otahuhu Ellerslie 42: Tries: P. Aitken, P. Fisiiahi, C. Wetini, A. Fausa, S. Tueafo, F. Tikinau, D. Fisiiahi (2) Goals: C. Wetini (5)

Counties Manukau Jetz 16: Tries: S. Fa'alogo, T. Ufi (2) Goals: A. Herangi (2)

Halftime Score : 18 - 12 To Otahuhu Ellerslie

The trip down to Palmerston North proved fruitful for the undefeated Wai-Coa-Bay Stallions as they sit nicely at the top of the table. The Central side worked hard to stay in the match until halftime with a lead of 12-6. But the power of the Stallions attack was unleashed in the second half as they piled on the tries to take the victory 42-24.

Once again the holes were there in their defence allowing the Falcons through, which will be something the coaches will be working on before they take on Wellington in the next round. Stallions winger Hau Wilson picked up a hat-trick and big Joe Kaho once again found himself on the scoreboard. Stallions centre Tukua Matthews did a mighty fine job with the boot with the departure of resident kicker Hayden Karena to the North Queensland Cowboys.

The Falcons showed they are not going to be easy targets in the Bartercard competition, and with players returning from the Victory Cup tour, a stronger outfit will be waiting to face last year's champions, the Bulls, next weekend at home in Palmerston North.

Central Falcons vs Waicoa Bay Stallions Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North

Waicoa Bay Stallions 42: Tries: D. Campbell-Benson, J. Kaho, N. Kaa, C. Norton, H. Wilson (3) Goals: T. Matthews (7)

Central Falcons 24: Tries: S. Forbes, P. Nanai, W. Live, P. Aumua, D. Fa'apito Goals: W. Live (2)

Halftime Score : 12 - 6 To Central Falcons

Another Saturday night game at home for the Canterbury Bulls and another win, now been unbeaten for 14 home matches since midway through the 2002 season.

The Wellington side were on the back burner right from the start of the match with an almost error-free first 30 minutes for the Bulls, which laid the foundation for the four tries and gave the Bulls such a decisive advantage at the break, 22-0.

To their credit the Wellington side hit back early in the second half to come within 10 points of the Canterbury side. However ill discipline and penalties allowed the Bulls the chance they needed, running away for two tries and the match. The return from injury of Lusi Sione to the fullback position gave the Bulls an added spark in the line-up.

The Bulls now travel to Palmerston North to take on the Falcons in the next round, while Wellington will need to regroup before they travel up to Huntly and face the competition leaders, the Stallions.

Canterbury Bulls vs Wellington Rugby League Park, Christchurch

Canterbury Bulls 44: Tries: L. Sione, C. Herekotukutuku, M. Clarkson, A. Auimatagi, S. Wallace, B. Taylor, R. Hanson (2) Goals: M Clarkson (6)

Wellington 12: Tries: J. Te Reo, C. Savali Goals: J. McDonald (2)

Halftime Score : 22 - 0 To Canterbury Bulls

Sunday 23 May 2004:

Glenora Bears have been improving over the last rounds and finally came away with a win when they defeated the North Harbour Tigers at home on Sunday.

With 13 tries scored between the two sides, there's was plenty of action for the small crowd. The goal kicking from both sides was disappointing, and could've meant the difference for a win or loss for the Tigers.

The North Harbour side were at times rattled by the defence of the Bears, not looking like the side that had impressed against the Marist Richmond Brothers 2 weeks ago.

The confidence of the Glenora side has grown steadily, something they will need next week at the take on Mt Albert. The Tigers on the other hand head home to take on the Raiders next Sunday at North Harbour.

Glenora Bears vs North Harbour Tigers Harold Moody Recreation Ground, Auckland

Glenora Bears 34: Tries: T. Toailoa, L. Tamatoa, K. Alefosio, A. Iole, C. Waide, H. Godinet (2) Goals: S. Ieremia (3)

North Harbour Tigers 28: Tries: D. Leuila-Briggs, D. Vasau (2), J. Trott (3) Goals: J. Trott (2)

Halftime Score : 20 - 16 to Glenora Bears

Round 5 review::

Marist Richmond Brothers 38 - Eastern Tornadoes 36

Mt Albert Lions 54 - Hibiscus Coast Raiders 12

Otahuhu Ellerslie 42 - Counties Manukau Jets 16

Waicoa Bay Stallions 42 - Central Falcons 24

Canterbury Bulls 44 - Wellington 12

Glenora Bears 34 - North Harbour Tigers 28

BARTERCARD CUP - ROUND 6 FIXTURES

Saturday 29 May 2004 Central Falcons vs Canterbury Bulls Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North 2.30pm Kick Off Marist Richmond Brothers vs Otahuhu Ellerslie Murray Halberg Park, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off Waicoa Bay Stallions vs Wellington Davies Park, Huntly 3.00pm Kick Off

Sunday 22 May 2004 Glenora Bears vs Mt Albert Lions Harold Moody Recreation Ground, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off North Harbour Tigers vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders North Harbour Stadium, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off Eastern Tornadoes vs Counties Manukau Jetz Ericsson No.2, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off