NZ Bartercard Cup - Round 6
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Round 6 of New Zealand's Bartercard Cup gets underway this weekend and as usual some hotly contested games ahead for the supporters. With the competition table so congested, not one team can rest on their laurels expecting a win.

Saturday 29 May 2004:

First up on Saturday afternoon the Central Falcons play hosts to the 2003 champions, the Canterbury Bulls. The Falcons can take heart that a lot of their top players have returned from the Victory Cup tournament and will take part in the game. Couple this with the confidence taken from last week's game against the Stallions where they had the lead over the Wai-Coa-Bay side at halftime, and the Central side will certainly give the Bulls a run for their money.

The Canterbury side will be without two of their top impact players, fullback Sione Lusi who is outstanding on the field as shown last week against Wellington, and Taylor Pelenise who heads off to the Rabbitohs and will be sorely missed from the bench. The Bulls side is still full of top line players and with the return of Chris Newton from injury adding a much needed boost to the bench, they will be looking to move up from third on the ladder.

Central Falcons vs Canterbury Bulls Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North 2.30pm Kick Off

Central Falcons: C. Paniera, S. Forbes, W. Live, M. Whakatihi, N. Coburn, T. Clune, G. Kerrisk, R. Hurunui, L. Erihe, M. Graham (C), S. Leota, J. Watson, D. Cooper Reserves: P. Nanai, D. Fa'apito, J. Pivac, W. Wharepapa Coach: Peter Sixtus

Canterbury Bulls: J. McDonald, P. McDonald, R. Martin, C. Herekotukutuku, R. Hanson, A. Harris, M. Clarkson, V. Whare, A. Auimatagi, K. Ferris, S. Wallace, B. Taylor, C.Lawrie Reserves: C. Newton, P. Asi, A. Timo, G. Mulipola Coach: Phil Prescott

Since combining with Ellerslie this year, the Otahuhu team has become one of the most consistent sides in the competition so far. A fine performance last week to put the Jets away will set the side up great when they take on the Marist Richmond side on Saturday afternoon. Blockhouse Bay's Bernie Perenara looks to have again moulded a good side with last year's Bartercard finalists the Marist Richmond Brothers. A narrow win over the Eastern Tornadoes last week was enough to secure them 2nd spot on the ladder.

Definitely a game for the fans to enjoy some top quality league.

Marist Richmond Brothers vs Otahuhu Ellerslie Murray Halberg Park, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Marist Richmond Brothers: J. Tiavale, T. Ropati, J. Tavita, R. Henry, M. Taulapapa, G. Rota, B. Perenara, K. Cawdron, M. France, A. Su'a, H. Turua (C), R. Seuala, A. Murray Reserves: T. Taua'a, B. Douglas, E. Leavai, F. Afamasaga Coach: Bernie Perenara

Otahuhu Ellerslie: P. Atkin, S. Malafu, D. Fisiiahi, P. Fisiiahi, G. Ruka, J. Yandall, C. Wetini, S. Faitala, F. Tikinau, A. Fausa, S. Tufeao, T. Frost, R. Johnson Reserves: M. Langdon, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, F. Tupou, N. Thammavongsa Coach: James Leuluai

Wai-Coa-Bay are finally back at home in Huntly on Saturday when Wellington travel up to Davies Park. The Stallions had a good win over the Falcons to remain unbeaten so far in the competition, and at the top of the table, however defence at times has been a concern, especially in the first half of their game last week, one thing Wellington will exploit for sure. Once again Tukua Matthews will take over halfback and kicking duties for the Wai-Coa-Bay side with the recently departed Hayden Karena out of the squad. Matthews had no trouble with his boot last week, and the Stallions mid field combinations were as solid as ever.

A disappointing result for Wellington last week when the were hammered by the Bulls in Christchurch will see the young side looking for a bit of redemption at the hands of the Stallions.

Waicoa Bay Stallions vs Wellington Davies Park, Huntly 3.00pm Kick Off

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

Wellington: C. Fox, I. Luke, M. Nathan, V. Manu, D. Laula, J. Te Reo, J. MacDonald, T. Lavulavu, J. Carnegie, J. Laumua, T. Hall, C. Savalii (C), D. Rota Reserves: D. Hape, S. Mannering, J. Parekura, J. Hepi Coach: Paul Bergman

Sunday 30 May 2004:

This Sunday sees the Bears face a tough challenge from 2002 champion Mt Albert Lions, which crushed the Hibiscus Coast Raiders 54-12 last weekend. For the Bears, centre Lepani Waqa is injured, and Hermann Guttenbeil is away with the Manly development squad in Australia. The side in their last three outings have been undefeated, with their first win last week over the highly rated Tigers, and a draw a week earlier against the top placed Stallions. Definitely a side very committed and capable of upsets.

Former Bears standoff Steve Buckingham will line up for the Lions and will put in a fine performance against his old club. Buckingham along with the Mt Albert backs looked to be real class against the Raiders last week and will continue again this week.

Another game that will be brimming with quality plays and a must see if you're able to.

Glenora Bears vs Mt Albert Lions Harold Moody Recreation Ground, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Glenora Bears: T. Toailoa, C. Nahu, L. Tamatoa, K. Alefosio, A. Iole, S. Ieremia, G. Lilo, M. Toelau (C), I. Retzlaff, L. Toli, K. Edmondson, V. Tutuila, C. Waide Reserves: M. Alai, T. Papali'i, L. Waqa, B. Valeni Coach: Geoff Morton

Mt Albert Lions: A. Bauer, M. Manu, R. Godfrey, A. Swann, R. Baxter, S. Buckingham (C), J. Noble, S. Pouha, L. Talamaivao, D. Davis, C. Tuimavave, K. Papa, T. Tuimavave Reserves: A. Fungapo, G. Malietoa-Brown, F. Soutar, M. Asoua Coach: Brian McClennan

Once more the Ted Dalton Memorial trophy will be up from grabs between the two Bartercard Cup clubs north of the harbour bridge the Hibiscus Coast Raiders and the North Harbour Tigers. Always a fired up game full of emotion for the former Northcote player, the Tigers would dearly love the reclaim the trophy that has eluded them for the last few years.

With Raiders form going from bad to worse in 2004, this might just be the year of the Tigers. A slight hiccup in the loss to the Bears last week could have been avoided if the kicker had been on song. Hopefully training this week has rectified this and with the win the North Harbour side could pounce into the top four in the competition.

The Raiders slumped to two bad losses over the last two week, and with the return of Daniel Floyd from injury will hopefully get back on track this weekend. The Ted Dalton trophy could be just the catalyst the side needs to get themselves back into the competition this year.

North Harbour Tigers vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders North Harbour Stadium, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

North Harbour Tigers: T. Samoa, K. Johnson, T. Fatui, L. Copestake, G. Macpherson, D. Vasau, J. Trott, J. Duff, Q. Ikifana (C), A. Aukafolau, D. Leuila-Briggs, S. Lui, J. Kamariera Reserves: C. Tupou, T. Berry, D. Glasgon, R. Colley Coach: Karl Benson / Kenneth McIntosh

Hibiscus Coast Raiders: C. Te Kiri, J. Vaifale, O. Manuel, D. Tepu, R. Gilmore, D. Floyd, T. Thompson, S. Stowers, C. Shears (C), J. Asiata, W. Henare, T. Nikora, G. Moana Reserves: V. Dunn, S. Tereora, M. Heke (No.17 TBA) Coach: Tony Benson

After starting the competition with a hiss and a roar, the Counties Manakau Jetz are slowly slipping down the ladder, after two resounding losses in a row. Once again they are up against some stiff opposition with the Eastern Tornadoes only narrowly beaten by Marist Richmond Brothers in Round 5.

Both sides are on five points at this stage in the very tight competition and a win by either side could them a much needed boost.

Eastern Tornadoes vs Counties Manukau Jetz Ericsson No.2, Auckland 4.00pm Kick Off

Eastern Tornadoes: J. Murphy, N. Ngametua, K. Fakalata, Z. Luisi, I. Paulo, W. Morunga, L. Lafaele, A. Leau, H. Rangi, M. Latu, I. Liava'a, N. Pulu, K. Umbers Reserves: A. Lafaele, S. Paeu, D. Harriman, P. Menary Coach: Boss Cecil

Counties Manukau Jetz: L. Finnerty, I. Hagaitoa, G. Eliki, S. Fa'alogo, P. Tafea, J. Ioapo, A. Herangi, A. Pereira, C. Motu, N. Su'e, A. Tusani, M. Vili, W. Barnett (C) Reserves: J. Karaitiana, S. Foketi, G. Leota, T. Ufi Coach: Dean Hunter

Round 6

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 30 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 4.00pm Kick Off