The opening round of the 2004/2005 Bob Fulton Cup didn’t hold many upsets, with the majority of ‘favourites’ scoring victories to progress through to the round of thirty two. With sixty four sides competing, including four invitational sides, the tournament produced some nail-biters (including two games that went into extra time) as well as a few unexpected thrashings.
Surfers Paradise have easily accounted for reigning RSC premiers Sunshine Coast in today’s clash at the Mooloolaba Sportsground. The Punks were never troubled by the Wizards, with Monty Betham an inspiration in the front row.
Sunshine Coast: Dustin Cooper, Robert Mears, and Ian Donnelly. O’Connor 1/3
Surfers Paradise: Tyrone Pau, Corey Parker, Monty Betham 2, and Shaun Timmins. Deacon 4/5
HT Score: Surfers Paradise 16-6
PoM Points: Monty Betham 3, Paul Deacon 2, and Keith Senior 1.
Wollongong have progressed through to the second round of the BFC courtesy of an unconvincing victory over the Christchurch Comets, the feeder club of the Dunedin Vipers. The Destructors scored three tries to two in front of a small but hostile Christchurch crowd, who had been starved of football since the Christchurch Carnage folded after the 2003/2004 season.
Christchurch: Chenjarai Dube and Simon Haughton. Van Straaten ½
Wollongong: Shaun Berrigan and Stacey Jones 2. Hodgson 3/3
HT Score: Wollongong 12-4
PoM Points: Richie Mathers 3, Simon Haughton 2, and Adam MacDougall 1.
In an all invitational affair, Scotland’s Glasgow Highlanders have scored a four point victory over the Philadelphia Fight of the AMNRL. The Scots scored a 69th minute try to overcome a spirited Philadelphia second half fightback, and many familiar faces were involved in the action, with many of the Highlanders’ squad with ASRL experience.
Glasgow: Andrew King, Marty Turner, and Justin Murphy 2. Campbell 2/4
Philadelphia: Tom Freeman and Karim Djemai. Seto 1/1. Yajvi 3/3
HT Score: Glasgow 10-0
PoM Points: Adam Cooke 3, Alec Lockley 2, and Andrew King 1.
Poor goal kicking has prevented Newcastle from forcing extra time in their clash against Premier League heavyweights, Central Coast, in today’s BFC tie. The Fear were able to match it with the Falcons in terms of scoring, and were defensively strong in holding the Falcons scoreless in the second half- but were ultimately robbed of a potential upset by Paul Cooke missing all three conversions, the final score finishing at 18-12 in favour of the Falcons.
Newcastle: Matt Diskin, Brett Firman, and David Kidwell. Cooke 0/3
Central Coast: Nigel Vagana, Hazem El Masri, and James Manson. El Masri 3/3
HT Score: Central Coast 18-4
PoM Points: Chris Flannery 3, Hazem El Masri 2, and Nigel Vagana 1.
It was all one way traffic in today’s clash between Birchgrove and New England, with the Ferrets producing some champagne football to record a 34-6 victory over last season’s RSC finalists. In a side full of new faces, it was the more familiar players who fired in the clash, with long serving lock Brent Stone the star.
Birchgrove: Hefin O’Hare. Dorn 1/1
New England: De Wet Barry, Fifita Moala 2, Kees Meeuws, and Kurt Grohl 2. Briers 5/6
HT Score: New England 16-0
PoM Points: Brent Stone 3, Fifita Moala 2, and Akido Li 1.
Luke Williamson has made a successful transition from RSC footballer at Sunshine Coast to starting star for the East Coast Tigers, scoring a hat trick in the newly relocated side’s 38-18 win over North West today. In a dominant performance from the former Auckland Chiefs, Williamson was ably supported by a double from Andrew Dunemann and some incisive runs from Chris Hicks.
North West: Frankie Grills, Jacob Key, Gareth Price, and Martin Kanyon. Ferris ¼
East Coast: Sid Domic, Mark Gerrard, Andrew Dunemann 2, and Luke Williamson 3. Hicks 5/7
HT Score: East Coast 18-4
PoM Points: Luke Williamson 3, Chris Hicks 2, and Andrew Dunemann 1.
The Entrance’s hopes of a first round upset win over Carnarvon took a real bashing when the Grizzlies scored the opening try of the game before even thirty seconds had elapsed, with Mitchell Sargent barging over some weak defence to score the first of eight Carnarvon tries. The Grizzlies were never threatened, leading 24-6 at halftime and running away to win 44-10.
Carnarvon: Paul Sykes, Jamie Venables, Jamaal Lolesi, Cameron Shepherd, Mitchell Sargent, Graham Luana, and Stephen O’Reilly 2. Luana 6/10
The Entrance: Habib El Muktar and Jason Bell. El Masri ½
HT Score: Carnarvon 24-6
PoM Points: Luke Swain 3, Frank Puletua 2, and Jamaal Lolesi 1.
Cairns have provided the first upset of the 2004/2005 BFC tournament, the RSC minnows surprising many when they recorded a convincing and unexpected 38-16 victory over the Penrith Highlanders. The White Pointers showed real flare and determination in scoring a seven tries to two victory, with Frenchman Jean-Emmanuel Cassin a standout.
Penrith: David Vaealeki and Pat Richards. Burt 4/4
Cairns: Luke Finnerty, Jean-Emmanuel Cassin, Claude Sirvent, Michael Gordon 2, Rodney Howe, and Robert Miles. Gordon 5/7
HT Score: Penrith 16-12
PoM Points: Jean-Emmanuel Cassin 3, Rodney Howe 2, and Robert Miles 1.
In the first all Premier League match-up, Coffs Harbour have scored a narrow victory over Port Moresby to progress to the next round of matches. In a game that hung in the balance right until its conclusion, the Wyrms scored late points to overcome what could have been a match winning treble of tries to Mohammed Zian-Ali.
Coffs Harbour: Koru Tirohara, Brian Carney, Andrew Miller, Cameron Davis, and Carl Hayman. Carlos Spencer 5/6
Port Moresby: Mohammed Zian-Ali 3 and Tai McIssac. Carter 4/5
HT Score: 16 all
PoM Points: Phil Bailey 3, Koru Tirohara 2, and Cameron Davis 1.
North Queensland’s trial form may have been far from impressive, but when it mattered, the Dolphins were able to produce the goods and a 12-0 upset victory over Melbourne. The Dolphins’ defence against a Premier League side who last year went achingly close to a BFC finals’ berth was inspirational, with the Executioners’ one scoring opportunity a missed penalty.
Melbourne: None. Stapleton 0/1
North Queensland: Kris Radlinski and Ben Kirchner. Mehrtens 2/2
HT Score: North Queensland 6-0
PoM Points: Ben Kirchner 3, Kris Radlinski 2, and Raif McCallin 1.
Hawkesbury coach Brian Randell will be giving his players a real spray following the side’s clash with Port Kembla today. After eighty minutes the scoreline was locked at 18 all, and although the Mavericks were able to kick their way home in extra time, the 21-18 result was far from impressive for a side desperate to make an impact in the 2004/2005 Premier League season. The Mavericks not only scored less tries than their opposition, but were also aided heavily by a one-sided penalty count.
Hawkesbury: Jaco Van Der Westhuyzen and Martin Johnson. Ahmed 6/6. Jones 1 fg.
Port Kembla: Raymond Ruaporo 2 and Jaime Soward. Covell 3/3
HT Score: Port Kembla 12-6
PoM Points: Tevita Vaikona 3, Raymond Ruaporo 2, and Jaco Van Der Westhuyzen 1.
Whilst Melbourne fans will have been frustrated by their side’s loss to North Queensland, they’ll be given plenty to cheer for next round after the Hawthorn Hurricanes scored an upset 26-10 victory in their opening clash against the Wanganui Tuataras. A team of future stars out-enthused the new New Zealand franchise, but it was former Capetown and New England star Toori Tatu who did the real damage- perhaps inspired by the feats of Brazilian Jonny Maquina.
Wanganui: Herman Lefaele and Nelson Lomi. Cooper ½
Hawthorn: Dimitri Pelo, Aaron Mercer 2, Michael Young, and Paul Dezolt. Tatu 3/6
HT Score: Hawthorn 16-4
PoM Points: Toori Tatu 3, Ben Czislowski 2, and Dimitri Pelo 1.
It took a new club record from Balmain to secure a victory over Irish juggernauts, Limerick, today. The Storm scored a new club record of thirty eight points in their convincing 38-22 victory over the Shamrocks today, seeing the side through to the next round of competition.
Balmain: Rupert Matakamikamica, Dean Collis, Sam Moa, Bronson Harrison 2, and Aaron Cannings. Pritchard 7/8
Limerick: Kris Tassel, Lolaea Milford, and Toshio Laiseni. Goirgas 5/5
HT Score: 18 all
PoM Points: Bronson Harrison 3, Tim McGann 2, and Benji Marshall 1.
Sydney have shattered the record for the largest margin in a Bob Fulton Cup fixture, set at 48-6 by the Central Phoenix against the Surfers Paradise Punks in the first year of the tournament. The Oilers were unstoppable in their clash against Division Two runners’ up Colombo, scoring eleven unanswered tries on the way to a 64-0 domination of the hapless Harlequins. The victory is made more remarkable by the fact the Oilers fielded an understrength side.
Sydney: Craig Wing 3, Craig Gower 2, Matt Adamson, Sonny-Bill Williams, Ben Kennedy, Daniel Fitzhenry 2, and Jason Ryles. Gower 10/11
Colombo: None.
HT Score: Sydney 28-0
PoM Points: Matt Adamson 3, Craig Gower 2, and Craig Wing 1.
They may be favoured to be contenders for the Premier League title this year, but the Brisbane Bulls made an early exit from the Bob Fulton Cup today after being stunned by the Perth Taipans- who only narrowly avoided relegation after winning a two game wildcard series against the Canberra Chargers. The Taipans out-defended the Bulls on their way to a 14-4 victory.
Brisbane: Matt King. Hannay 0/1
Perth: Daniel Abraham and Jonny Wilkinson. Wilkinson 3/3
HT Score: Perth 8-0
PoM Points: John Sitizein 3, Daniel Abraham 2, and Jonny Wilkinson 1.
Hunter have completed a disappointing showing from the Brisbane Bulls in the 2004/2005 Bob Fulton Cup, the Bantams downing the Bulls’ feeder club, Wests, 20-16 in an entertaining clash between two of last year’s RSC finalists. The new look Bantams showed they’re every bit as dangerous as the side that contested last year’s RSC grand final.
Wests: Gary Tupou, Peter Robinson, and David Faimu. Thurston 2/3
Hunter: Jamie McDonald 2, Chris Bridge, and Chad Randall. Randall 1/1. Watts 1/3
HT Score: Hunter 14-6
PoM Points: Andy Smith 3, David Milne 2, and Brad Commins 1.
Shanghai have done China proud in today’s clash against RSC club, Gisborne, scoring a 38-16 victory to not only see the Traders through to the second round, but also potentially earn a home final courtesy of the large winning margin.
Gisborne: Nathan Tutt, Braden Oake, and Marco Brividio. Melling 2/3
Shanghai: Marcus Caster, Ryan Girdler, Francis Stephenson, Chris Cahill, Nick Fozzard, and Jamie Burrows. Caster 6/7
HT Score: Shanghai 30-4
PoM Points: Nick Fozzard 3, James Prichard 2, and Jamie Burrows 1.
Papua New Guinea’s participation in the Bob Fulton Cup was brought to an end by Tamworth City late this afternoon, with the Titans scoring an unconvincing 15-6 victory over the Rabaul Rangers, to follow up Port Moresby’s earlier 30-24 loss to Coffs Harbour. The win, whilst not convincing in any respect, did feature some solid performances from the new look Titans’ lineup, and was highlighted by an inexplicable Clint Newton field goal in the 77th minute.
Rabaul: Tavis Zephyr. Tepend 1/1
Tamworth City: Wendell Sailor and Kurt Gidley. Davidson 3/3. Newton 1 fg.
HT Score: Tamworth City 2-0
PoM Points: Stephen Kearney 3, Kurt Gidley 2, and Robbie Paul 1.
Canberra had to fight tooth and nail to secure their second round berth today, the Chargers pushed to the limit by an enthusiastic and desperate Geelong side. The twelve point fulltime margin did not do justice to just how dangerously close the Bengals went to scoring an upset victory, the full time score finishing at 36-24.
Canberra: Scott Donald, Christophe Lamaisson 2, Paul Whatuira 2, and Matthew Gafa 2. Lamaisson 4/8
Geelong: David Razzle, Nathan Grey, Kieran Whatuira, and Soni Ardi. Hall 4/4
HT Score: Canberra 14-6
PoM Points: Casey McGuire 3, Matthew Gafa 2, and Sean Towers 1.
Berlin have managed to duplicate last year’s feat of progressing to the second round of competition, vindicating the tournament organisers’ decision to bring back the Warlords for a second year. Berlin weren’t given an easy run of it by their opposition, however, with Kandy fighting tooth and nail before being sunk by a late field goal from Dicky Veramu.
Berlin: Demetrius Lichtenstein, Sammy El Hajij, Alexander Hug, and Justin Holbrook. El Hajij 3/5. Veramu 1 fg.
Kandy: Erik Hollingsworth, Mark O’Halloren, and Michael Outteridge. Elahmad ½. Akiba ½
HT Score: Berlin 16-6
PoM Points: Rinat Shamsutdinov 3, Sammy El Hajij 2, and Justin Holbrook 1.
A lethargic start from the Gold Coast Crusade has forced the side to fight back from 20-10 down on the way to a 32-20 victory over a spirited Tassie Devils’ lineup. The Crusade looked like they expected to coast through their first up clash, but the side’s class didn’t start to show until a 55th minute Ryan Hodgson brought the margin to its largest of the game.
Tassie: Yaccine Dekkiche, Lance Hohaia , and Ryan Hodgson. Tickle 4/4
Gold Coast: Shaun Briscoe 2, Tommy O’Reilly, Andy Farrell, and Karl Pratt. Farrell 6/7
HT Score: Tassie 14-10
PoM Points: Shaun Briscoe 3, Andy Farrell 2, and Tommy O’Reilly 1.
Two field goals in the final five minutes of play have lifted Eastwood to an 18-16 victory over Lake Heights, who showed no signs of being negatively influenced by the retiring of their coach only two days before today’s tie. “We’re still on the lookout for a new fulltime coach”, Lightning management said following the heart-breaking two point loss.
Eastwood: Jason Smith 2 and Aurelion Cologni. Burrow 2/4. Kenniwell 1 fg. Goodare 1 fg.
Lake Heights: Joe Black 2 and Greg Bird. Kempton 2/3
HT Score: 6 all
PoM Points: Jason Smith 3, Aurelion Cologni 2, and Reece Simmonds 1.
Fairfield take out the honour of claiming the biggest first round scalp of the tournament, the Stallions outplaying Central to record a 20-12 victory. The Phoenix were hyped as one of the sides likely to win the tournament, having won it twice before, but were lazy and ultimately paid the price against an unpredictable Fairfield outfit.
Central: Clinton Schifcofske and Luke Lewis. Harris 2/2
Fairfield: Stuart Kelly, Dominik Bush, and Sean Ireland. Magro 4/4
HT Score: Fairfield 20-0
PoM Points: Luke Lewis 3, Adrian Vowles 2, and Scott Magro 1.
An unbeaten trial run has amounted to naught for the Dunedin Vipers, who were today surprised by the untested Ryde Eagles and sent home early. The Vipers were looking good to be a dark horse for the tournament after a solid trial season, but were outgunned by a team of ‘unknowns’ who ran away for a 20-6 victory.
Dunedin: Francis Cummins. Cummins 1/1
Ryde: Michael Ventrue, Brent Grose, and Chris Motu. Smith 4/4
HT Score: Ryde 8-0
PoM Points: Brent Grose 3, Michael Ventrue 2, and Sean Harris 1.
If Darwin weren’t odds on favourites for relegation from the Premier League already, they will be after today’s pitiful showing against Waikato. The Cyclones had no organisation and no commitment in today’s 22-8 loss, never threatening despite having a higher salary cap and several high profile players in their lineup.
Waikato: Toutai Kefu 2, Henry Faafili, and Brian Lima. Paul 3/6
Darwin: Iafeta Peleaeasina. O’Gara 2/2
HT Score: Waikato 10-6
PoM Points: Trevor McCracken 3, Toutai Kefu 2, and Henry Paul 1.
In the second all Premier League clash of the round, the Parramatta Vikings have dropped a 16-8 halftime lead to succumb to an Adelaide fightback, going down 24-16 and leaving the tournament early. The Vikings looked to have found Adelaide’s weakness in a dominant first half, but clocked off during halftime, and were comprehensively bested in the second stanza.
Adelaide: Stirling Mortlock, Rupeni Caucau 2, and Elton Flatley. Flatley 4/5
Parramatta: Mark Gasnier, Dean Widders, and Michael Vella. Fitzgibbon 2/3
HT Score: Parramatta 16-8
PoM Points: Lars Ojanssen 3, Elton Flatley 2, and Rupeni Caucau 1.
Redlands’ players barely broke a sweat in today’s match against the Port Adelaide Corsairs, running in five tries to one on their way to a 28-4 victory and a second round clash. Port Adelaide, another side lacking a fulltime coach after the disappearance of Danny Licious during the off-season, showed no organisation as they were given a liberal spanking by their opposition.
Redlands: Barry Muir, Jason Demetriou 2, Martin Moana, and Bobby Young. Young 4/5
Port Adelaide: James Stosic. Mason 0/1
HT Score: Redlands 16-0
PoM Points: Bobby Young 3, Jason Demetriou 2, and Ben Beckett 1.
A change of management has done nothing to dampen the winning culture at the Wellington Cougars, the Premier League heavyweights welcoming new coach Douglas Allen in style with a 24-10 victory over Pine Rivers despite fielding a weakened side. With Kevan Mealamu, Graeme Frame, and Amos Roberts all rested- the Cougars managed a solid win and came out unscathed.
Wellington: Anthony Minichiello 2, Keiron Cunningham, and Paul Rauhihi. Long 4/4
Pine Rivers: Junior Seau and Ryan Hoffman. Webster ½
HT Score: Wellington 24-10
PoM Points: Keiron Cunningham 3, Kevin Sinfield 2, and Anthony Minichiello 1.
It took a 79th minute Adam Peek try, full of determination and desperation, to see Capetown home in today’s clash against a spirited Kensington Highrollers’ outfit. The scoreline was locked at 22 all and headed into extra time before Peek’s inspiring solo effort, the fulltime score of 28-22 not one that Capetown’s Ian Waldie will be proud of.
Kensington: Scott Staniforth 2, John Wilson, and Matt Dunning. Opan 3/5
Capetown: Peter Hynes, Adam Peek, Martin Lang, and Michael Robertson. Johns 6/7
HT Score: Capetown 14-10
PoM Points: Michael Robertson 3, Scott Staniforth 2, and Keith Mason 1.
The Northern Cannons flexed their muscles in today’s clash with the Port Macquarie Stingrays, an eight try romp leading the Cannons to a 46-10 victory and putting them in good form for the second round of competition. Better yet, the Cannons came through the clash unscathed, and will be a real contender for the title.
Port Macquarie: David Shepherdon and Jim Gannon. Bowen ½
Northern: Mat Rogers, Michael DeVere, Brett Dallas, Paul Wellens, Mark O’Meley 2, Dean Young, and George Smith. Pariah 7/8
HT Score: Northern 22-6
PoM Points: Trent Pariah 3, Michael DeVere 2, and Ashley Harrison 1.
New kids on the block, Liverpool, have got their first ever official victory, the Rockets accounting for Souths Magpies 24-10 to progress to the second round of the tournament. With both sides entirely new to premiership football, it was a predictably scrappy affair, but the Rockets’ more experienced roster saw them home.
Liverpool: Gus McCrae, Adam Hughes, and Steve Georgalis. March 6/7
Souths: Tim Rangihuna and Sema Metora. Rangihuna 1/1. Lucas 0/1
HT Score: Liverpool 10-6
PoM Points: Gus McCrae 3, Tai Lavea 2, and Paul March 1.
The form of halfback cum backrower Stefano Saghini continues to impress fans and officials at the Wagga Badgers, with the diminutive but tenacious veteran playing a major role in Wagga’s 24-12 victory over Ipswich today. Much of Ipswich’s attack revolved around Brad Fittler, who was effectively neutralised by excellent pressure from Saghini racing out from the line.
Ipswich: Adam Hayden and Azuze Hiraki. Fittler 2/3
Wagga: James Rowles, Stefano Saghini, Demiti Pelovski, Mirco Bergamasco, and Jon Wilkin. Rowles 2/6
HT Score: Wagga 20-0
PoM Points: Stefano Saghini 3, Jon Wilkin 2, and Mirco Bergamasco 1.
Round Two
A- Wagga Badgers vs. Central Coast Falcons
B- Liverpool Rockets vs. Surfers Paradise Punks
C- Northern Cannons vs. New England Ferrets
D- Coffs Harbour Wyrms vs. Capetown Ravens
E- East Coast Tigers vs. Wellington Cougars
F- Cairns White Pointers vs. Glasgow Highlanders
G- Carnarvon Grizzlies vs. Redlands Rhinos
H- North Queensland Dolphins vs. Adelaide Attitude
I- Waikato Breakers vs. Hawkesbury Mavericks
J- Hawthorn Hurricanes vs. Fairfield Stallions
K- Balmain Storm vs. Wollongong Destructors
L- Sydney Oilers vs. Ryde Eagles
M- Perth Taipans vs. Eastwood Pumas
N- Gold Coast Crusade vs. Hunter Bantams
O- Shanghai Traders vs. Berlin Warlords
P- Canberra Chargers vs. Tamworth City Titans
