Sixteen became eight this week as we wind towards the business end of the Bob Fulton Cup for 2004/2005. The results this week were far from 'as predicted', with several big sides exiting at the hands of unlikely underdogs.

In a rematch of last year's BFC final, the new look Melbourne Executioners humbled Central Coast 26-8 to progress to the quarter finals. The Melbourne charge was lead by former Falcons' bench player, Craig Smith, who had a mammoth game for his new club after being told to look elsewhere a fortnight ago.
Central Coast: Matthew Burke. El Masri 2/2
Melbourne: Gary Connolly, Brian Randall, Paul Franze, Jonny Maquina, and Andrew Dunemann. Maquina 3/5
PoM Points: Craig Smith 3, Andrew Dunemann 2, and Jonny Maquina 1.

In a high scoring game featuring the ASRL's two Northern Territory based sides, Darwin have emerged 36-32 winners in the round's most entertaining clash. The Phoenix scored six tries to Darwin's five, but the presence of goal-kicking freak, Jonny Wilkinson, saw the Cyclones home.
Darwin: Tana Umaga 2, Richard Villasanti, Chris Walker, and Blaze Wilson. Wilkinson 8/8
Central: Clinton Schifcofske 2, Scott Donald, Shaun Timmins, Paul Deacon, and Alex Synn. Deacon 4/6
PoM Points: Chris Walker 3, Adrian Morley 2, and Paul Deacon 1.

Carnarvon continue to be the dark horses of this year's Bob Fulton Cup, today winning a gritty and dour clash against Northern 16-0. The Grizzlies, who struggled to compete with any of their Premier League bretheren last year, showcased some truly tough defence in their domination of the Cannons.
Northern: None.
Carnarvon: Dennis Moran, Luke Stewart, and Brad Meyers. Luana 2/3
PoM Points: Brad Meyers 3, Graham Luana 2, and Brett Finch 1.

Last minute recruit Talea Fuimaoano has proven to be crucial in the outcome of Penrith's clash with former Division Two rivals, Port Moresby, today. The ousted Hawkesbury halfback/hooker had a commanding presence in Penrith's unlikely 14-10 win over the Power.
Penrith: Pat Richards and Evarn Tuimavave. O'Grady 3/5
Port Moresby: Olivier Sarramea. Carter 3/3
PoM Points: Talea Fuimaoano 3, Juan Martine Hernandez 2, and Evarn Tuimavave 1.

The astounding depth of talent at the Gold Coast continued to shine through today, the Sunshine Coast Wizards proving too good for the Port Adelaide Corsairs in an entertaining qualifier. The Wizards were eventual 27-22 winners in an exciting game that saw them lead throughout, but never comfortably. In other news, Port Adelaide today announced that former Perth City and Sydney coach, Adam Mills, will take the helm for the upcoming season.
Sunshine Coast: Riley Brown, David Niu, James Croaker, Steve Skinnon, and Jason Dykes. O'Connor 3/5. Croaker 1 fg.
Port Adelaide: Simon Gwynne, Cameron McIntyre, Mark Hair, and Rob Balachandran. Mason 3/4
PoM Points: Shane Mongta 3, James Croaker 2, and David Niu 1.

Surfers Paradise coach Chris Maunder today claimed Gold Coast would 'win the competition without losing a game' following his side's 24-12 loss to the reigning premiers. Surfers Paradise, who were never in the game despite the relative closeness of scores, have never beaten the Crusade since the advent of coach Chris Walker-Bush.
Surfers Paradise: Matt King and Glenn Morrison. Hannay 2/2
Gold Coast: Chris Latham, Karl Pratt, Matt Orford, and Bryan Fletcher. Johns 4/4
PoM Points: Bryan Fletcher 3, Chris Latham 2, and Aaron Mauger 1.

It was an ultimately forgettable clash, but Sydney have set up a final against Melbourne on the back of a woefully messy 12-4 victory over the Perth Taipans. Sydney were lead brilliantly by Craig Wing, but were otherwise poor in a game that probably could have gone either way on the back of Perth's superior control and field position.
Sydney: David Peachy and Nathan Tutt. Gower 1/2. Walker 1/1
Perth: Tony Fabri. Hougard 0/1
PoM Points: Craig Wing 3, Anton Roarke 2, and Andrew Walker 1.

The Entrance Tigers today produced the upset of the tournament to ensure their fans would have someone to watch after Central Coast's unexpected exit from proceedings. Playing a near full strength Parramatta side, the Tigers got home 30-22 on the back of some Samer El Masri sharp-shooting.
The Entrance: Brad Morrin, James Little, Samer El Masri, and Craig Emmerton. El Masri 7/7
Parramatta: Chris Thorman, Nathan Cayless, Craig Fitzgibbon, and Christian Cullen. Fitzgibbon 3/4
PoM Points: Craig Emmerton 3, Trevor Thurling 2, and Jamie Lyon 1.

Quarter Finals
The Entrance Tigers vs. Sunshine Coast Wizards @ The Birdcage
Melbourne Executioners vs. Sydney Oilers @ Olympic Park
Carnarvon Grizzlies vs. Gold Coast Crusade @ Carnarvon Stadium
Darwin Cyclones vs. Penrith Highlanders @ Manuka Oval

woohoo, go Carnarvon

We have to play Gold Coast next week :ouch: