The gauntlets were thrown down in round one as old enemies and new threats showcased what they had to offer in 2004. Round two is always crucial. Were round one results just a fluke?
PREMIER LEAGUE
Attitude Change Proves Fruitful
The introduction of Australian international Wendell Sailor into the backline has sparked some great things at Adelaide, with the Attitude three-quarters scoring four of the sides five tries in an entertaining 24-16 win over the Wollongong Destructors.
Adelaide: Darren Albert 2, Matt Geyer, Craig Smith, and Wendell Sailor. Walker 2/4. Paul 0/1
Wollongong: Dream Waters, Brad Fittler, and Shaun Timmins. Lawton 2/4
PoM Points: Matt Geyer 3, Harry Prince 2, and David Raimes 1.
Reversal of Fortunes
Last week Brisbane upset Perth and the Parramatta Vikings were downed by an impressive Manly unit. This week was important for both sides, with both camps eager to prove they could perform. Parramatta's class and dedication shone through in a one sided-clash however, the Vikings drawing on past disappointments and putting Brisbane to the sword with a 32-12 hammering.
Brisbane: Iestyn Harris and Preston Campbell. Paul 2/2
Parramatta: Michael Witt, PJ Marsh, Francis Meli, Brent Webb, and Chris Thorman 2. Fitzgibbon 4/6
PoM Points: Michael Witt 3, Brent Webb 2, and Zeb Taia 1.
Newlands Trend Continues
After last week's 34-8 drubbing at the hands of Wellington, very few gave the Capetown Ravens a chance as they played host to the Central Coast Falcons today. A double to Welsh sensation Steve Devine had the scoreline at 12-0 when halftime came around, and some determined defence held the Falcons out for a 13-6 win.
Capetown: Steve Devine 2. Mehrtens 2/2. Gateshead 1 fg.
Central Coast: Nigel Vagana. El Masri 1/1.
PoM Points: Nigel Vagana 3, Brashen Trell 2, and Andy Farrell 1.
Punks Remain Undefeated
Surfers Paradise remain one of the few remaining undefeated Premier League clubs today, winning a high-scoring clash with Carnarvon 42-30. League purists would have been disgusted at the blatant disregard for defence, but the fans were treated to a thriller as both sides piled on the tries.
Carnarvon: Dennis Moran, Joe Black, Adrian Mirhalov, Ben Tune, and Vea Ofu. Luana 5/5
Surfers Paradise: Rhys Wesser 3, Craig Frawley, Sonny Nickle, and Junior Seau 2.
PoM Points: Stuart Kelly 3, Rhys Wesser 2, and Bryan Fletcher 1.
Phoenix Lead by Senior Citizien
Only a week after leaving Perth to try his luck in the star-studded Central backline, English international Keith Senior had a chance to show his old club what he could do. In an inspiring and sometimes terrifying display, the Central backs made short work of some lacklustre Perth defence. The final score of 24-4, a fitting tribute to Central's reversal of attitude.
Central: Clinton Schifcofske 2, Keith Senior, Scott Donald, and Danny Orr. Deacon 2/5
Perth: Derick Hougard. Lockyer 0/1
PoM Points: Scott Donald 3, Aaron Barba 2, and Keith Senior 1.
Wilkinson Misfires
For years Jonny Wilkinson has been known for his infallible goal-kicking, but today it almost cost Gold Coast their game against Hawkesbury. Down 16-12 with thirty seconds to go, despite scoring three tries to two, a last minute crash by Danny Nutley was needed to lift the Crusade to a sloppy 18-12 win. It should have been 26-12, had Wilkinson landed more than his last goal.
Hawkesbury: Brad Drew and Craig Kenniwell. Ross 4/5
Gold Coast: Matthew Gidley, Jonny Wilkinson, Danny Nutley, and Rupeni Caucaunibuca. Wilkinson 1/5
PoM Points: Jonny Wilkinson 3, Rupeni Caucaunibuca 2, and Matthew Gidley 1.
Cougar Roar Leaves Cannons Blasted
Manly's checkered history against the Wellington Cougars came back to haunt them today, the premiership contenders absolutely demolished in a 42-2 display by the visiting Cougars. New recruit Willie Peters fired throughout, having a head in four tries and scoring one of his own- all from #17 on the bench.
Manly: None. Rogers 1/1
Wellington: Leonardo Orelli, Ken Rogers, Willie Peters, Jamie Peacock 2, Clinton Toopi, and Paul Rauhihi. Sinfield 7/8
PoM Points: Willie Peters 3, Sean Long 2, and Anthony Minichiello 1.
Newbloods End Maulers' Streak
North Melbourne's undefeated streak, which started in the Bob Fulton Cup, has come to an end today in a thrilling clash between North Sydney and North Melbourne. With both sides scoring three tries, it came down to the goal-kicking of Frederick Michalak to decide the game at 20-16.
North Sydney: Michael DeVere 2 and Nathan Wood. Michalak 4/5
North Melbourne: Shaun Ata 2 and Paul Sculthorpe. Kirchner 2/3
PoM Points: Akido Li 3, Michael DeVere 2, and Shaun Ata 1.
Out of Jail
Despite playing what their coach described as 'their worst game ever' the Sydney Oilers have somehow emerged 17-12 victors over the visiting Darwin Cyclones.With only 47% of possession and an appalling 45% completion rate- the Oilers must have had divine intervention as they not only held out- but scored a last minute try when Jason Robinson was put into space by a stupid long ball from North Melbourne bound Red Apokalips.
Sydney: Jason Robinson, Craig Gower, and Brett Kimmorley. Kimmorley 2/4. Gower 1 fg.
Darwin: Matt Orford. Apokalips 4/5
PoM Points: Lote Tuqiri 3, Timothy Rice 2, and Red Apokalips 1.
DIVISION TWO
Carnage Shock Favourites
A visit to Christchurch was considered 'the bye' by Premier League clubs, but the Fairfield Stallions today found out they're no Premier League club- and were taught a hard lesson as Christchurch stunned them with a 36-24 battering.
Christchurch: Stuart Spruce, Olivier Sarramea, Jonathan Thurston, Corey Pearson, Terry Hill, and Chris Leikvoll. Connery 6/7
Fairfield: Steve Williams, Scott Magro 2, and Dane Dorahy. Magro 4/4
PoM Points: Corey Pearson 3, Dane Dorahy 2, and Scott Magro 1.
Riots in Sri Lanka
The Colombo Harlequins have captured the hearts of Sri Lankans and world league fans with an emphatic 13-10 win over the powerful Suva Suns club. In their second home game of the year, Colombo turned it on with some good defence and brilliant goal-kicking by Matt Dawson. The celebrations caused widespread damage however, the Suns being evacuated after their hotel was hit with firebombs.
Colombo: Patrice Benausse. Dawson 4/4. Dawson 1 fg.
Suva: Brian Carney and Todd Olliver. Eaton 1/1
PoM Points: Caleb Ralph 3, Brian Carney 2, and Todd Olliver 1.
Rookie Coach Records Second Win
The tendency for rookie coaches to win has continued today, as Murray Norris piloted his Hobart Shades to a 19-12 win over the visiting Eastwood Pumas. Hobart, widely tipped to finish close to last, now remain undefeated despite the weight of expectation against them.
Hobart: Eric Hollingsworth, Tony Martin, and Adam Nable. Martin 3/3. Costin 1 fg.
Eastwood: Rob Burrow and Francis Maloney. Burrow 2/2
PoM Points: Jason Smith 3, Rob Burrow 2, and Matt Adamson 1.
Singh Stunned
Normally calm Amahl Singh is famous for his ability to win games with his radar boot. He's famous for his Zen-like calm in the face of the harshest crowds. And now he's famous for missing a conversion to win the game from in front. Drawn up 18 all against the New England Ferrets, Singh slipped on the muddy turf to miss the crucial conversion.
New England: Gael Tallic, David Peachy, and Brent Stone. Tatu 3/3
Coffs Harbour: Amahl Singh, David Niu, Steve Kefu, and Angel Withers. Singh 1/5
PoM Points: Rodger Randal 3, Gael Tallic 2, and Tom Bowman.
Auckland Win Blow for Blow
It see-sawed more than... a see-saw, but in the end the first team to score were able to escape with a 30-28 win. Visiting Auckland, tipped by many to finish last in the comp, showed remarkable tenacity to take out a gruelling match.
Newcastle: Eric Grothe Jr, Willie Mason, Leon Pryce, Jamie Feeney, and Brad Commins. Fien 4/5
Auckland: Mills Muliania, Yoshihiro Noda, Alfred Songoro, Miguel Detreaux, and Matthew Petersen. Flatley 5/6
PoM Points: Richard Moore 3, Leon Pryce 2, and Nathan Fien 1.
Carbon Copy
Redlands' seem to be some of Division Two's best starters, today upsetting North Queensland 20-16 on the back of a hat-trick from Brett Finch and some inspiring defence from Nick Graham.
North Queensland: Kris Radlinski, Alwyn Simpson, and Caeser Ramirez. Martin 2/3
Redlands: Brett Finch 3. Takawira 4/5
PoM Points: Brooke Martin 3, Nick Graham 2, and Giovanni Piazza 1.
Devils Maul Sharks
Pacific's first home game hasn't left them with much joy, South Melbourne crashing their party and leaving Tonga with a solid 26-16 win over the fledgling club. With pressure on coach Scott Hardman to perform- the former Premier League squad fired in the five tries to two win.
Pacific: Ryan Hodgson and Brian Lima. Lamaisson 4/4
South Melbourne: Daisaku Ohata, Gary Connolly, David Harris, Matt Bickerstaff, and Neil Cowie. Harris 3/6
PoM Points: Gary Connolly 3, Andrew Dunemann 2, and Regan King 1.
Canberra Return Fire
The humiliation of being Colombo's first scalp must have stung Canberra, because they took out their embarassment on the Penrith Highlanders today to record a 22-12 win in front of a vocal and hostile Sydney crowd. Young gun Terry Campese was inspiring, and had league pundits salivating.
Penrith: Steve Trindall and Lusi Sione. Riddell 2/3
Canberra: Todd Polglase, Julian O'Neill, Marc Reed, and Terry Campese. Towers 3/4
PoM Points: Terry Campese 3, Michael Smith 2, and Todd Polglase 1.
Russian Leads Mills' Resurgence
A treble to Russian Nikolai Komarnitzki has been the catalyst for Adam Mills' second week in the winners circle, as Perth City upset last year's semi finalists (Tamworth City) 26-16 in a classic encounter. It wasn't defensively intense, but fans at the WACA were treated to the best their Blackhawks could offer in attack.
Perth City: Nigel Roy, Nikolai Komarnitzki 3, and Jason Temu. Müller 3/5
Tamworth City: Francis Cummins, Mtombe Msabo, and Joseph Goldstein. Cummins 2/2. Payne 0/2
PoM Points: Nikolai Komarnitzki 3, Nigel Roy 2, and Marty Turner 1.
Power Win Classic Clash
It looked like two old rivals clashing, but it was only St George's second game of top flight league as they played host to the Port Moresby Power. It was a bitter and entertaining match, with Port Moresby eventual 29-20 winners on the back of penalty goals from Daniel Carter and a late field goal from John Morris.
St George: Amos Roberts, Augustine Justine, Boeta Wessels, and Ryan Hudson. Bunce 2/4
Port Moresby: Tommy Martyn 2, David Furlongu, and Christian Bai. Carter 6/7. Morris 1 fg.
PoM Points: Wairangi Koopu 3, Ryan Hudson 2, and Eddie Paeia 1.
Site will be done but for now
PL
Wellington Cougars,2,0,0,76,10, 66 , 4
Surfers Paradise Punks,2,0,0,70,30, 40 , 4
Sydney Oilers,2,0,0,39,22, 17 , 4
North Sydney Newbloods,2,0,0,42,28, 14 , 4
North Melbourne Maulers,1,1,0,32,26, 6 , 2
Carnarvon Grizzlies,1,1,0,58,52, 6 , 2
Parramatta Vikings,1,1,0,42,37, 5 , 2
Central Coast Falcons,1,1,0,21,19, 2 , 2
Central Phoenix,1,1,0,24,32,-8 , 2
Brisbane Bulls,1,1,0,32,42,-10 , 2
Adelaide Attitude,1,1,0,34,44,-10 , 2
Gold Coast Crusade,1,1,0,28,38,-10 , 2
Capetown Ravens,1,1,0,21,40,-19 , 2
Manly Cannons,1,1,0,27,52,-25 , 2
Hawkesbury Mavericks,0,2,0,22,33,-11 , 0
Darwin Cyclones,0,2,0,18,33,-15 , 0
Wollongong Destructors,0,2,0,28,46,-18 , 0
Perth Taipans,0,2,0,14,44,-30 , 0
D1
Port Moresby Power,2,0,0,57,34, 23 , 4
Colombo Harlequins,2,0,0,47,28, 19 , 4
Perth City Blackhawks,2,0,0,46,32, 14 , 4
Redlands Rhinos,2,0,0,51,38, 13 , 4
Coffs Harbour Wyrms,1,0,1,50,28, 22 , 3
New England Ferrets,1,0,1,64,44, 20 , 3
North Queensland Dolphins,1,1,0,40,30, 10 , 2
Penrith Highlanders,1,1,0,34,26, 8 , 2
Fairfield Stallions,1,1,0,44,40, 4 , 2
St George Breakers,1,1,0,44,45,-1 , 2
Christchurch Carnage,1,1,0,50,52,-2 , 2
Hobart Shades,1,1,0,41,43,-2 , 2
Canberra Chargers,1,1,0,40,46,-6 , 2
South Melbourne Devils,1,1,0,36,48,-12 , 2
Auckland Marlins,1,1,0,56,74,-18 , 2
Suva Suns,0,2,0,26,33,-7 , 0
Pacific Sharks,0,2,0,32,50,-18 , 0
Newcastle Fear,0,2,0,32,50,-18 , 0
Tamworth City Titans,0,2,0,26,50,-24 , 0
Eastwood Pumas,0,2,0,16,41,-25 , 0
EDIT: Was bored......:)
