Penrith punish rusty Roosters
13 hours ago | Aidan Edgecomb
We're now at the business end of New Zealand's Bartercard Cup competition with the two semi finals up this weekend.
First up at Ericsson the Eastern Tornadoes take on last year's champions, Mt Albert Lions. The Lions went down last weekend to Marist in a close encounter. This saved them from a trip down to Christchurch to face the Bulls. Instead the Lions are up against a Tornadoes side that on the day, is quite capable of beating them. Jeremiah Pai from the Warriors squad, had an excellent game against the Raiders who were ousted last week, and he along with the rest of the side under the watchful eye of Tornadoes coach James Leuluai, will be out to down the Lions in this sudden death match. A great one for the spectators.
Eastern Tornadoes vs Mt Albert Lions, Ericsson Stadium, Sunday 31/08/03. Kick off at 2:00pm
Eastern Tornadoes: P. Fisiiahi, P. Pulini, G. Tupou, D. Fisiiahi, N. Ngametua, R. Gentles, C. Wetini, K. Mene, H. Rangi, S. Faitala, P. Leuluai, A. Fausa, L. Tufeao, (reserves) J. Pai, E. Leuluai, W. Su, E. Pele Coach - James Leuluai
Mt Albert Lions: A. Bauer, S. Dewhurst, H. Vasa, B. Ivory, A. Ikihele, S. Buckingham, B. Lythe, S. Pouha, J. Fiu, P. Teniseli, P. Campbell, M. Clark, W. McDade (reserves) K. Wright, M. Noovao, L. Talamavao, P. Shead Coach - John Ackland
The Bulls host the Marist Richmond Brothers side on Sunday afternoon in the second semi final of the Bartercard Cup. After a well deserved week off, the Canterbury side will be rearing to go, and fully match fit. They have the home ground advantage for this tough encounter and will use it. Marist have been playing some consistently good football and thoroughly deserve their top 4 placing. Their dynamic backline will certainly keep the Bulls defenders on their toes, but I have a feeling up front is where this game will be won or lost. A tough one to call, but the Bulls must have the edge at home.
Canterbury Bulls vs Marist Richmond Brothers, Rugby League Park, Sunday 31/08/03. Kick off at 2:30pm
Canterbury Bulls: L. Sione, E. Hei Hei, J. Taipari, S. Wallace, R. Hanson, A. Harris, J. O'Brien, V. Whare, S. Beyers, A. Timo, C. Lawrie, S. Norton, T. Wallace, (reserves) C. Newton, J. Clarke, J. Ferris, T. Pelenise Coach - Phil Prescott / Asst Coach Brent Stuart
Marist Richmond Brothers: R. Ioane, H. Kapi, R. Henry, S. Makisi, B. Collins, J. Ropati, G. Rota, T. Taua, T. Latu, E. Tuimavave, H. Turua, K. Guttenbeil, J. Kellet (reserves) K. Cawdron, S. Lavea, D. Wilson, F. Prescott. Coach - Bernie Perenara
Semis at a glance:
Eastern Tornadoes vs Mt Albert Lions, Ericsson Stadium, Sunday 31/08/03. Kick off at 2:00pm
Canterbury Bulls vs Marist Richmond Brothers, Rugby League Park, Sunday 31/08/03. Kick off at 2:30pm