PREMIER LEAGUE
Unpredictable Vikings Crush Attitude
The impossible to predict Parramatta Vikings have produced a fine team performance to hammer the Adelaide Attitude 36-4 in a dominant encounter. Young utility Brent Webb, who constantly outplayed the much-vaunted Adelaide backline, dominated the game.
Adelaide: Joe Black. Deacon 0/1
Parramatta: Lee Hopkins, Francis Meli, Mark Gasnier, Brent Webb, Christian Boyd, and David Solomona. Fitzgibbon 6/6
PoM Points: Brent Webb 3, David Solomona 2, and Michael Witt 1.
Cyclones Stay in the Eight
It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t full of quality football, but it was exciting to the finish. Darwin’s 30-20 win against the visiting Surfers Paradise Punks was one of the more thrilling clashes this year, both sides throwing the ball around desperately. The Cyclones’ win sees them sitting in eighth position, which has punters and experts stunned.
Darwin: Adam MacDougall, Craig Hall 2, Bill Rhyven, and Kevin Campion. Withers 2/2. Singh 3/4
Surfers Paradise: Stuart Kelly 2 and Brett Seymour. Hannay 4/4
PoM Points: Kevin Campion 3, Alan Watts 2, and Adam MacDougall 1.
Crusade Hammer ‘The Bye’
The Gold Coast Crusade have taken full advantage of a weakened Christchurch side today, putting on a display for the locals and scoring six tries to one in a 38-4 romp. Ring-in, Craig Gower, again outshone Andrew Johns in the match, but picked up an injury that will see him miss four games.
Christchurch: Latham Tawai. Seers 0/1
Gold Coast: Billy Slater, Matthew Gidley, Craig Gower, Andrew Johns, Josh Perry, and Scott Logan. Johns 7/8
PoM Points: Craig Gower 3, Andrew Johns 2, and Tommy O’Reilly 1.
Cannons Humble Taipans
The Manly Cannons have seriously hindered Perth’s aspirations of a top two finish today, virtually ending the dream courtesy of a 32-4 drubbing of the Taipans- which featured a stunning treble from Queensland’s Matt Sing.
Manly: Matt Sing 3, Awen Guttenbiel, Phillip Graham, and Logan Swann. Rogers 4/5. Lavea 0/1
Perth: None. Lockyer 2/2
PoM Points: Matt Sing 3, Steve Menzies 2, and Mark O’Meley 1.
Sitizien King
Another dominant performance from outstanding centre John Sitizien has seen Wellington emerge 18-14 victors in a thrilling clash with fellow contenders, North Sydney. Sitizien not only starred defensively, but also took on the goal-kicking duties in the absence of English international, Kevin Sinfield.
Wellington: Brad Flemming, Brent Sherwin, and Jeremy Paul. Sitizien 3/4
North Sydney: Michael DeVere and Chev Walker. DeVere 3/3
PoM Points: John Sitizien 3, Justin Holbrook 2, and Brad Flemming 1.
Luana is God
So said banners all around Carnarvon’s sold out stadium for today’s clash with the last placed South Melbourne Devils. The rejected Wellington junior scored a double and kicked three goals in Carnarvon’s 22-0 domination of the hapless Devils.
Carnarvon: Iestyn Harris, Graham Luana 2, and Ian Hindmarsh. Luana 3/4
South Melbourne: None. O’Neill 0/1
PoM Points: Graham Luana 3, Tonie Carroll 2, and Ian Hindmarsh 1.
Wollongong Surprise Central
The Wollongong Destructors have shocked Central and league fans across Australia today. Returning star, Jamie Ainscough, lead a twenty point second half turnaround that amended a 12-4 halftime deficit to lead Wollongong to a solid 24-12 away win.
Central: Owen Craigie and Shane Rua. Shayne 2/2
Wollongong: Jamie Ainscough 2, Scott Naylor, Danny McGuire, and Regan King. Giteau 0/1. Goddard 2/4
PoM Points: Jamie Ainscough 3, Danny McGuire 2, and Darren Senter 1.
Déjà Vu
It was a case of déjà vu today at The Entrance stadium, as Brian Randall and Dominik Bush repeated their efforts from a fortnight ago to lead North Melbourne to an emphatic 20-12 win over the Falcons. Central Coast were outclassed entirely, North Melbourne continuing their rapid rise courtesy of the win.
Central Coast: Robbie O’Davis and Hazem El Masri. El Masri 2/2
North Melbourne: Mark Calderwood, Clayton Lyons, Dominik Bush, and Robbie Kearns. Walker 2/4
PoM Points: Brian Randall 3, Dominik Bush 2, and Robbie Kearns 1.
DIVISION TWO
Bulls Claim Second Spot
The Brisbane juggernaut continues unabated on the back of sensational half, Preston Campbell. The young Kangaroo starred today in Brisbane’s solid 26-12 win over fellow relegators, Canberra. The win sees Brisbane leap Port Moresby into second spot.
Brisbane: Shannon Hegarty, Preston Campbell, David Westley, Phil Waugh, and Wayne Bartrim. Campbell 3/6
Canberra: Joel Caine and Henry Perenara. Towers 2/2
PoM Points: Preston Campbell 3, Tomas Larsson 2, and Paul Green 1.
Pongia Saves Cairns
An 80th minute intercept try to veteran prop, Quentin Pongia, has seen the Cairns White Pointers salvage a 24-22 win against the plucky Eastwood Pumas. Justin Smith’s touchline conversion after full-time averted a draw, and continued Cairns’ impressive winning streak.
Cairns: Tabua Cakacacka, Harris Knofke 2, and Quentin Pongia. Smith 4/5
Eastwood: Todd Byrne, Paul Highton, Motu Tony, and Sam Murphy. Furner 3/6
PoM Points: Todd Polglase 3, Augustine Justine 2, and Lance Hohaia 1.
Capetown Dominate in Newlands Romp
The Capetown Ravens have put memories of last week’s 44-4 annihilation in Coffs Harbour behind them, taking out their frustrations on the last placed Ipswich Reds in a one sided 26-10 clash. The Ravens were far from their best, but defended well to record a win and gain first place in Division Two.
Capetown: Michael Robertson, Robert Miles, Andrew Mehrtens, Joost Vanderwestuizen. Mehrtens 5/5
Ipswich: Mark O’Halloren and Florian Chaubet. Burrow 1/2
PoM Points: Sean Carstens 3, Joost van Derwestuizen 2, and Andrew Mehrtens 1.
Stallions Stop the Rot
The Fairfield Stallions have today stopped their worrying form slump in the best way possible, hammering Newcastle 36-6 to keep their promotion hopes alive. Man of the match was a shock pick, Newcastle’s Mark Hughes making an astounding fifty seven tackles in his side’s big loss.
Central Coast: Steve Bell, Danny Bampton, Matt Crowther, Jarod O’Doherty 2, and Michael Korkidas. Magro 6/7
Newcastle: Jamie Feeney. Wilshere 1/1
PoM Points: Mark Hughes 3, Jarod O’Doherty 2, and Matt Crowther 1.
Crushers Continue
South Queensland continue to improve dramatically, the formerly last placed side today sending out a loud and clear message to their opponents with a solid 18-14 win over the in form Coffs Harbour Wyrms. No frills football, and a bit of luck, were key in the win.
South Queensland: Nick Bradley-Qalilawa, Adam Connelly, Jason Croker, and Edelbert Dinha. Gorrell 1/6
Coffs Harbour: Rodger Randal and Asuki Miyamoto. Opan 3/3
PoM Points: Raymond Karl 3, Asuki Miyamoto 2, and Chris Shepherd 1.
Suva Take Out Island Derby
A 79th minute bullocking try from Matt Cockbain has broken a ten all deadlock and given Suva an important 16-10 win over the formerly first placed Port Moresby Power. In a thrilling clash highlighted by the two sides’ elusive backlines- Suva triumphed after Ryan McGoldrick’s seventy-metre dash put them on the attack.
Port Moresby: Lote Tuqiri. Zian Ali 3/3
Suva: Matt Cockbain and Ronan O’Gara. O’Gara4/4
PoM Points: Wes Davies 3, Tim Clark 2, and Ronan O’Gara 1.
Auckland Outgun Townsville
The Auckland Marlins accounted for Townsville 16-8 today in a solid performance from both sides. Once again it was Auckland’s dominant forward pack who laid the foundation for the win.
Townsville: Ben Black. Drummond 2/2
Auckland: Ali Williams, Elton Flatley, and Mark Aopaeia. Fields 2/3
PoM Points: David Lomax 3, Ali Williams 2, and Adam Tippet 1.
Dare to Dream
The Tamworth City Titans continue to defy critics and naysayers in their charge towards a first ever finals appearance. In the side’s brief history they’ve yet to contest a finals series, but today’s 28-10 murdering of the Penrith Highlanders keeps Tamworth as a slim chance of a finals berth.
Penrith: Neil Turley and David Berthezene. Riddell1/2
Tamworth City: Byron Kelleher, Anthony Sullivan, Justin Harrison, Toutai Kefu, and Adam Peek. Cummins 4/5
PoM Points: Neil Turley 3, Toutai Kefu 2, and Justin Harrison 1.
Hawkesbury Survive Redlands Scare
The Hawkesbury Mavericks have survived a scare from a fired up Redlands side this week, the Rhinos out to improve on their recent indifferent form. But the Mavericks showed plenty of class and defensive grit in the 22-16 win, which keeps them in the hunt for a top four spot.
Hawkesbury: Karle Hammond, Mick Van Der Wall, Ben Roarty, and Wise Kativerata. Rats 3/5
Redlands: Dumisani Mpofu, Jason Demetriou, and Daryl Cardiss. Takawira 2/5
PoM Points: Karle Hammond 3, Maleky O’Connor 2, and Marc Stcherbina 1.
Oilers Triumph as Records Tumble
The Sydney Oilers have kept their season alive and well courtesy of one of the most dominant first half performances in ASRL history. The Oilers not only matched the clock, but outpaced it after they rushed to a 42-0 lead after only thirty minutes of play. Although they slowed down after this, and New England collected some reparations in the second half, the game still ended in a comprehensive 48-24 win to the Oilers.
Sydney: Brett Kimmorley 3, Ben Harris, Shane Laloata, Ben Kennedy, John Rovoa, and Roy Asotasi. Covell 8/8
New England: Dean Dorahy, Brian Leauma, Lee Briers, Tangiia Tongia, and James Harrison. Leauma 2/5
PoM Points: Luke Covell 3, Brett Kimmorley 2, and Ben Kennedy 1.
Premier League
Wellington Cougars,15,3,1,509,315, 194 , 31
Gold Coast Crusade,14,3,2,517,260, 257 , 30
Central Coast Falcons,14,5,0,402,298, 104 , 28
Perth Taipans,10,7,2,398,342, 56 , 22
Carnarvon Grizzlies,10,7,2,391,335, 56 , 22
North Sydney Newbloods,10,8,1,381,300, 81 , 21
North Melbourne Maulers,10,8,1,360,342, 18 , 21
Darwin Cyclones,9,8,2,443,435, 8 , 20
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Manly Cannons,9,9,1,394,395,-1 , 19
Parramatta Vikings,8,9,2,387,377, 10 , 18
Central Phoenix,7,10,2,384,367, 17 , 16
Surfers Paradise Punks,7,12,0,244,394,-150 , 14
Adelaide Attitude,6,12,1,310,405,-95 , 13
Wollongong Destructors,5,12,2,268,465,-197 , 12
Christchurch Carnage,4,14,1,244,466,-222 , 9
South Melbourne Devils,3,14,2,256,498,-242 , 8
Division One
Capetown Ravens,14,5,0,510,258, 252 , 28
Brisbane Bulls,14,5,0,442,329, 113 , 28
Port Moresby Power,13,3,2,396,310, 86 , 28
Fairfield Stallions,13,5,1,398,308, 90 , 27
Hawkesbury Mavericks,13,6,0,420,285, 135 , 26
Cairns Great Whites,12,7,0,371,315, 56 , 24
Coffs Harbour Wyrms,10,8,1,400,278, 122 , 21
Auckland Marlins,10,9,0,378,353, 25 , 20
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Tamworth City Titans,10,9,0,376,368, 8 , 20
Canberra Chargers,8,9,2,360,370,-10 , 18
Sydney Oilers,8,11,0,406,384, 22 , 16
Suva Suns,8,11,0,374,370, 4 , 16
Redlands Rhinos,8,11,0,330,352,-22 , 16
Newcastle Fear,8,11,0,274,377,-103 , 16
Eastwood Pumas,7,11,1,337,377,-40 , 15
Penrith Highlanders,7,12,0,340,403,-63 , 14
New England Ferrets,6,11,2,310,424,-114 , 14
South Queensland Drovers,6,12,1,238,405,-167 , 13
Townsville Dolphins,6,12,0,292,362,-70 , 12
Ipswich Reds,3,16,0,208,512,-304 , 6
