The Top 5 starting to take shape

With two round left in NZ's Bartercard Cup competition, the top sides look to cement their places.

Wellington are almost certainly out of contention going down to the Hisbicus Coast Raiders, 46-20, the loss sees them slip further down the points table with a top five spot all but beyond reach.

Wellington now need to win their two remaining games against the Jetz and Otahuhu Ellerslie, and hope for other favourable outcomes to clinch the fifth playoff spot.

Last year's champions Mt Albert Lions hammered the Bears by 50-18 to stand alone at the top of the ladder at this stage.

A loss by second place getters Counties Manukau Jetz on Saturday night to Otahuhu Ellerslie, 36-20, will give the Otahuhu side a much needed boost of confidence. They are four points shy of the Top 5 with a definite chance to make the grade.

A disappointing 25-16 loss to North Harbour Tigers at Rugby League Park yesterday when playing for second position has dropped the Bulls back to fourth on the competition table.

They now face two games in Auckland, againstthe Eastern Tornadoes and Mt Albert Lions, and still need one point to assure themselves of finishing in the top five.

Other results in the weekend saw the Central Falcons and Eastern Tornadoes battle out a 30 all draw in Palmerston North. And Waicoa Bay suffering yet another loss, this time at the hands of Marist Richmond by 48-22.

BARTERCARD CUP COMPETITION ? ROUND 14 RESULTS

Saturday 6 August 2005:

Mt Albert Lions vs Glenora Bears Fowlds Park, Auckland

Mt Albert Lions 50 J. Todd, A. Swann, S. Buckingham, R. Baxter, P. Fisi?iahi, H. Aonga, P. Shead (3) : Tries S. Buckingham (7) : Goals

Glenora Bears 18 L. Waqa, J. Nathan, I. Retzlaff : Tries J. Nathan (3) : Goals

Halftime Score: 18 ? 0 To Mt Albert Lions

Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs Wellington Stanmore Bay Reserve, Whangaparaoa

Hibiscus Coast Raiders 46 D. Floyd, S. Heslop, D. Trott, W. Henare, N. Shanks, S. Ata (2), T. Nikora (2) : Tries D. Floyd (5) : Goals

Wellington 20 D. Buchanan, J. Davis, D. Hape, M. Wanoa : Tries J. MacDonald (2) : Goals

Halftime Score: 30 ? 10 To Hibiscus Coast Raiders

Waicoa Bay Stallions vs Marist Richmond Brothers Davies Park, Huntly

Marist Richmond Brothers 48

W. Ale, M. Taulapapa, P. Ale, R. Tuia (2), T. Latu (2), E. Leavai (2) : Tries R. Ioane (6) : Goals

Waicoa Bay Stallions 22 M. McGrath, J. Kaho, P. Prime, S. Tukiwaho : Tries H. Karena (3) : Goals

Halftime Score: 30 ? 12 To Marist Richmond Brothers

Otahuhu Ellerslie vs Counties Manukau Jetz Ericsson Stadium No.1, Auckland (C/R To Warriors vs Eels)

Otahuhu Ellerslie 36 P. Atkins, J. Tavaga, S. Metcalf, F. Turuwhenua, S. Tufeao, S. Moli, C. Vuna T. Zwart (1), C. Wetini (3) : Goals

Counties Manukau Jetz 20 G. Bailey, C. Waide, L. Moala (2) : Tries L. Tamatoa (2) : Goals

Halftime Score: 14 ? 4 To Otahuhu Ellerslie

Sunday 7 August 2005:

Central Falcons vs Eastern Tornadoes Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North

Central Falcons 30 T. Cahill, T. Walsh, T. Greig, P. Packer, P. Hales (2) : Tries T. Eriha (1), A. Porima (2) : Goals

Eastern Tornadoes 30 T. Leanoa, C. McCleery, K. Thompson, M. Latu, S. Moala (2) : Tries D. Harriman, R. Marsters (2) : Goals

Halftime Score: 18 ? 10 To Central Falcons

Canterbury Bulls vs North Harbour Tigers Rugby League Park, Christchurch

North Harbour Tigers 25 T. Samoa, J. Trott, J. Kamareira, K. Guttenbeil : Tries A. Green (4) : Goals A. Green (1) : Field Goal

Canterbury Bulls 16 S. Hurrell, L. Tamakaha, D. Metcalf (2) : Tries

Halftime Score: 18 ? 4 To North Harbour Tigers

BARTERCARD CUP COMPETITION ? ROUND 15 FIXTURES

Saturday 13 August 2005:

Marist Richmond Brothers vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders Grey Lynn Park, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Central Falcons vs Otahuhu Ellerslie Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North 2.30pm Kick Off

Waicoa Bay Stallions vs Mt Albert Lions Davies Park, Huntly 3.00pm Kick Off

Sunday 14 August 2005:

Eastern Tornadoes vs Canterbury Bulls Ericsson Stadium No.2, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Glenora Bears vs North Harbour Tigers Waitakere Stadium, Auckland 2.30pm Kick Off

Wellington vs Counties Manukau Jetz Hutt Recreation Ground, Wellington 2.30pm Kick Off