In an epic clash at WIN Stadium this evening, the Northern Cannons have edged out the Destructors 32-28 in enthralling fashion to give themselves a chance at capturing the Premier League lead should Gold Coast slip up against unpredictable Darwin.
Wollongong: Jaime Soward, Richie Mathers, Luke Covell, Danny McGuire, and Tim Clark. Covell 4/5
Northern: Ben Creagh, Cordy Mathers 2, David Lyons, and Brett Dallas 2. Pariah 4/6
HT Score: Northern 22-16
Penalties: Northern 5-4
Completion Rates: Wollongong 59% Northern 57%
Possession: Northern 52%
PoM Points: Brett Dallas 3, Paul Wellens 2, and Ben Creagh 1.

The Central Coast Falcons' recent leap in form continued today against Parramatta, the two 2001/2002 entrants playing out an 18-6 win in favour of the resurgent Falcons.
Parramatta: Mark Gasnier. Fitzgibbon 1/2
Central Coast: Jordan Capri, Hazem El Masri, and Micky Higham. El Masri 3/5
HT Score: Central Coast 8-6
Penalties: Parramatta 13-9
Completion Rates: Parramatta 61% Central Coast 71%
Possession: Central Coast 52%
PoM Points: Jordan Capri 3, Hazem El Masri 2, and Roy Asotasi 1.

It was far from convincing, but Melbourne have maintained their grip on a top four spot with a defensively intense 14-0 victory over the Hornsby Mavericks. The Mavericks were committed in defence, restricting the usually dangerous Executioners to just three tries.
Hornsby: None.
Melbourne: Brent Tate, Anthony Constipolous, and Wairangi Koopu. Constipolous 1/3
HT Score: Melbourne 4-0
Penalties: 5 all
Completion Rates: Hornsby 56% Melbourne 68%
Possession: Melbourne 57%
PoM Points: Brent Tate 3, Anthony Constipolous 2, and Richard Horne 1.

Sydney have nudged their way back into the top eight today courtesy of a big 36-12 victory over the hapless Perth Taipans, who will be hoping the return of their coach Andrew Young from business committments will help rejuvenate their season.
Sydney: Junior Pelesasa, Craig Gower, John Skandalis, Morgan Turinui, Jason Ryles, and Anthony Laffranchi. Tupanga-anga 6/6
Perth: Daniel Abraham and Tony Puletua. Wilkinson 2/2
HT Score: Sydney 18-6
Penalties: Sydney 6-5
Completion Rates: Sydney 72% Perth 61%
Possession: Sydney 58%
PoM Points: Craig Gower 3, Timana Tahu 2, and John Skandalis 1.

The news that outspoken coach Brian Randell has resigned had no diminishing effect on the Central Phoenix in today's clash against Adelaide in Adelaide, the Phoenix doing it one last time for their coach on their way to a 28-18 victory. Playing off the bench, the resigning coach scored two powerful tries to aid his side to victory.
Adelaide: Wendell Sailor 2. Carter 5/5
Central: Luke Lewis, Luke Burt, Jonny Maquina, and Brian Randell 2. Maquina 4/6
HT Score: Central 20-14
Penalties: Central 10-6
Completion Rates: Adelaide 73% Central 64%
Possession: Central 51%
PoM Points: Jonny Maquina 3, Brian Randell 2, and Tyler Durden 1.

The much anticipated clash between Gold Coast and giant killing Darwin has turned out to be a dud, the Crusade showing no signs of relinquishing their Premier League lead in the near future with a rampaging 36-10 victory.
Gold Coast: Julian Santarakista 2, Tommy O'Reilly, Gordon D'Arcy, Jason Stevens, and Danny Buderus. Johns 6/6
Darwin: Michael Monaghan. Cooke 3/4
HT Score: Gold Coast 24-10
Penalties: Darwin 10-7
Completion Rates: Gold Coast 76% Darwin 69%
Possession: Gold Coast 52%
PoM Points: Julian Santarakista 3, Gordon D'Arcy 2, and Ben Kennedy 1.

Wellington have ended Capetown's five match winning streak today, the Cougars managing to win 21-16 despite an impressive hat-trick from Paul Whatuira for the visiting Ravens.
Wellington: Brent Webb, Clyde Rathbone, and Sean O'Loughlin. Tai 4/4. Hill 1 fg.
Capetown: Paul Whatuira 3. Way 2/3
HT Score: Wellington 12-4
Penalties: Wellington 12-3
Completion Rates: Wellington 63% Capetown 58%
Possession: Wellington 56%
PoM Point: Brent Webb 3, Clyde Rathbone 2, and Nigel Vagana 1.

Brisbane players have done their chances of State of Origin selection no harm in today's home clash against Auckland, the Bulls players turning it on on the way to a comfortable 20-4 victory.
Brisbane: Leon Bott 2 and Michael Crocker. Hannay 4/4
Auckland: David Peachey. Spencer 0/1
HT Score: Brisbane 8-0
Penalties: Brisbane 8-4
Completion Rates: Brisbane 60% Auckland 73%
Possession: Brisbane 55%
PoM Points: Michael Crocker 3, Matt Bowen 2, and Dallas Johnson 1.

Wagga fans are dancing in the streets today following the Stallions' massive upset win over in form Surfers Paradise, the home side getting up 34-28 to record their second victory of the season. Most remarkable is that the Stallions rampaged home with thirty unanswered second half points after looking on track for a huge loss at half time.
Wagga: Slick Cupples 2, Jon Wilkin 2, Mark Gerrard, and Scott Magro. Magro 7/7
Surfers Paradise: Steve Bell, Tyrone Pau 2, and Glenn Morrison. Deacon 4/4
HT Score: Surfers Paradise 24-8
Penalties: 5 all
Completion Rates: Wagga 58% Surfers Paradise 64%
Possession: Wagga 51%
PoM Points: Jon Wilkin 3, Wayne McDonald 2, and Dene Halatau 1.

Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. Gold Coast 9 2 0 335 177 +158 18
2. Northern 9 2 0 267 208 +59 18
3. Melbourne 8 3 0 232 155 +77 16
4. Wellington 8 3 0 263 213 +50 16
5. Surfers Paradise 7 4 0 261 198 +63 14
6. Darwin 6 5 0 265 189 +76 12
7. Parramatta 6 5 0 167 207 -40 12
8. Sydney 5 6 0 247 195 +52 10

9. Capetown 5 6 0 247 203 +44 10
10. Wollongong 5 6 0 235 215 +20 10
11. Central Coast 5 6 0 218 207 +11 10
12. Brisbane 5 6 0 225 216 +9 10
13. Central 5 6 0 217 286 -69 10
14. Auckland 4 7 0 156 280 -124 8
15. Perth 4 7 0 174 300 -126 8
16. Adelaide 3 8 0 207 224 -17 6
17. Hornsby 3 8 0 170 303 -133 6
18. Wagga 2 9 0 186 296 -110 4

godammit

Good to get another win before im forced to play with an RSC team. At any rate whatever side i put together should still be more competitive than Hornsby.

At last, I have beaten the Perth worms at home. They didn't show any teeth against us, so they can't be Taipans.

In the past, the Perth coach has taken great delight in beating me, by sending me messages to rub in his victories.

Sucker, now the tables have turned. Have a good look at the points table and realise that you are where you will always be in this league :P

Newcastle showed signs of improvement in today's match against high flying North Queensland, but will need to make vast improvements on their early season form if they're to contest promotion this year. The final scoreline of 24-14 is an indication of how exciting the game was.
North Queensland: Kris Radlinski, David Frame, Derren Witcombe, and Brian O'Keefe. Kirchner 4/4
Newcastle: Paul Johnson, Karl Pryce, and Rob Parker. Leullai 1/4
HT Score: Newcastle 10-6
Penalties: North Queensland 5-4
Completion Rates: North Queensland 70% Newcastle 66%
Possession: North Queensland 52%
PoM Points: Derren Witcombe 3, Kris Radlinski 2, and Steve Carew 1.

Another week, another big win to the New England Ferrets - the former powerhouse in form reminiscent of their memorable 2001/2002 finals campaign as they dominated Geelong on their way to a 34-18 victory.
Geelong: Craig Frawley, Agustin Pichot, and Brian Urlacher. Hall 3/4
New England: Manu Vatuvei, Olly Barkley, Brendan Worth, Reece Williams 2, and Kees Meeuws. Ferris 5/6
HT Score: New England 18-8
Penalties: New England 10-9
Completion Rates: Geelong 48% New England 63%
Possession: New England 56%
PoM Points: Manu Vatuvei 3, Reece Williams 2, and Matt Cooper 1.

Tasmanian captain and fullback Matthew Burke has played himself into the NSW Blues' custodian's role, the veteran Union convert in champagne for as his side scored a convincing 20-8 victory over the Bondi Battlers.
Bondi: Michael Korkidas. Thorman 2/2
Tasmania: Jerrie Muller, Matthew Burke, and Steve Williams. Burke 4/4
HT Score: Bondi 8-6
Penalties: Bondi 11-7
Completion Rates: Bondi 77% Tasmania 58%
Possession: Bondi 50%
PoM Points: Matthew Burke 3, Shane Williams 2, and Imanol Harinordoquy 1.

Eastwood are back in the winner's circle following today's clash against the hapless Redfern All Whites, the Pumas triumphing 26-16.
Eastwood: Christian Cullen, Steve Goodare, David March, and Anthony Watmough. March 5/5
Redfern: Elia Tuqiri, Ruben May, and Daisaku Ohata. Thumper-Knox 2/3
HT Score: Redfern 16-14
Penalties: 6 all
Completion Rates: Eastwood 64% Redfern 58%
Possession: Redfern 51%
PoM Points: Andy Hendersen 3, Steve Goodare 2, and David March 1.

Carnarvon continue to climb their way back up the ladder after an early form slump, the Grizzlies scoring a 20-12 victory over the perennially unimpressive Campbelltown Invasion.
Carnarvon: Leigh Bush, Stephen O'Reilly, and Adam Dykes. Luana 4/5
Campbelltown: Sid Domic and Shane Rodney. Hicks 2/2
HT Score: Carnarvon 14-12
Penalties: Carnarvon 6-3
Completion Rates: Carnarvon 66% Campbelltown 69%
Possession: Carnarvon 58%
PoM Points: Graham Luana 3, Adam Dykes 2, and Stephen O'Reilly 1.

Port Macquarie have recorded the finest win in the club's short history, the Stingrays looking like a real danger in their 28-14 victory over the recently struggling Canberra Chargers. The Chargers were up 14-0 at halftime, but Welsh veteran Lee Briers inspired his side to a big away win.
Canberra: Elton Flatley and Richard Peleasina. Flatley 3/4
Port Macquarie: Joel Reddy 2, Lee Briers, and Craig Bowen. Briers 6/6
HT Score: Canberra 14-0
Penalties: Canberra 14-6
Completion Rates: Canberra 77% Port Macquarie 66%
Possession: Canberra 52%
PoM Points: Lee Briers 3, Joel Reddy 2, and Craig Bowen 1.

Tamworth City have toughed out an unexpectedly hard win against the last placed Waikato Breakers, late goals from Eron Bates and substitute Luke Robinson seeing the first placed Titans home to an epic 29-26 victory.
Tamworth City: Anthony Farrah 2 and Eron Bates 2. Bates 6/6. Robinson 1 fg.
Waikato: Chaz Warrington, Kirk Yeaman, Ben Galea, and Matt Geyer. Geyer 5/5
HT Score: Waikato 20-14
Penalties: Tamworth City 8-4
Completion Rates: Tamworth City 68% Waikato 53%
Possession: Tamworth City 52%
PoM Points: Eron Bates 3, Matt Geyer 2, and Anthony Farrah 1.

Two late field goals from former Titan Greg Davidson has seen the Christchurch Avalanches get home to a 22-14 victory over the courageous Lake Heights Lightning, who gave the fledgling club a real run for its money.
Christchurch: Kamaal Lolesi, Mark Corvo, and Tony Price. Davidson 4/6. Davidson 2 fg.
Lake Heights: Motu Tony and Willie Talau. Kempton 3/3
HT Score: Christchurch 8-2
Penalties: Christchurch 10-4
Completion Rates: Christchurch 70% Lake Heights 60%
Possession: Christchurch 57%
PoM Points: Tony Price 3, Timote Napa'a 2, and Greg Davidson 1.

South Queensland's well documented fall from grace has continued in the absence of their former coach, the Underdogs looking like their namesake as they were humbled 24-6 by Liverpool.
South Queensland: Barry Liverpool. Young 1/2
Liverpool: Marcus Bai 2, Paul March, and Adam Hughes. March 4/6
HT Score: 6 all
Penalties: 5 all
Completion Rates: South Queensland 53% Liverpool 54%
Possession: Liverpool 54%
PoM Points: Adam Hughes 3, Paul March 2, and Raymond Crown 1.

Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. Tamworth City 10 1 0 305 152 +153 20
2. North Queensland 10 1 0 251 154 +97 20
3. Tasmania 9 2 0 332 132 +200 18
4. New England 9 2 0 311 171 +140 18
5. Carnarvon 7 4 0 235 172 +63 14
6. Bondi 7 4 0 215 216 -1 14
7. Port Macquarie 6 5 0 185 222 -37 12
8. Christchurch 5 5 1 195 210 -15 11

9. South Queensland 5 5 1 182 208 -25 11
10. Campbelltown 5 6 0 220 204 +16 10
11. Canberra 5 6 0 210 224 -14 10
12. Liverpool 5 6 0 196 307 -111 10
13. Eastwood 4 7 0 214 271 -57 8
14. Geelong 3 7 1 170 221 -51 7
15. Newcastle 3 8 0 136 210 -74 6
16. Lake Heights 1 8 2 196 258 -62 4
17. Redfern 9 1 1 166 259 -93 3
18. Waikato 1 10 0 186 315 -129 2

Great to see the Dolphins continue their streak :)

go Waikato :D

Another great win by the Stingers this week, hopefully we make it onto Padds list :D

Sure do, Nath

Good win by the Falcons.. slow and steady wins the race