PREMIER LEAGUE
Adelaide’s remarkable turn of form late in the season hit a dizzying high today, with the Attitude able to stun an under strength Central Coast side and record a 21-14 victory, the side’s sixth victory in as many starts. Without big names such as Paul Sculthorpe and Nigel Vagana, the Falcons struggled to match a full strength Attitude side.
Central Coast: Habib El Muktar and Luke Davico. El Masri 3/3
Adelaide: Stirling Mortlock and Lote Tuqiri. Apokalips 6/6. Giteau 1 fg.
HT Score: Adelaide 8-6
Penalties: Adelaide 7-4
Completion Rates: Central Coast 67% Adelaide 56%
Possession: Adelaide 54%
PoM Points: Radike Samo 3, Stirling Mortlock 2, and Lote Tuqiri 1.
Darwin have gained a big advantage heading into the final five rounds of competition, today scoring a confidence boosting 32-16 victory over Perth, a side also in contention for the few undecided spots in the top eight. Without the direction of Jonny Wilkinson, Perth tested an untried halves combination and it was found wanting.
Darwin: Marius Joubert, Ben Westwood, Owen Finegan, John Andrews, and Blaze Wilson. O’Gara 6/6
Perth: Freddie Banquet, Justin Hodges, and Rhys Wesser. Sitzein 2/4
HT Score: Darwin 14-0
Penalties: Darwin 12-8
Completion Rates: Darwin 77% Perth 72%
Possession: Darwin 52%
PoM Points: John Andrews 3, Iafeta Peleaeasina 2, and Paul Anderson 1.
Wollongong’s form heading into what could be the side’s first ever finals series continues to impress, with the Destructors easily accounting for fellow top eight side, Coffs Harbour, in today’s match. The Wyrms looked directionless in the absence of Carlos Spencer, humbled 34-8 to cast real doubt over their top eight credentials.
Coffs Harbour; Younes El Aynaoui. Tune 2/2
Wollongong: Shaun Berrigan, Adam MacDougall 2, Sebastian Mpofu, and Derrek Lawton. Goddard 7/7
HT Score: Wollongong 28-8
Penalties: Wollongong 11-7
Completion Rates: Coffs Harbour 66% Wollongong 69%
Possession: Wollongong 57%
PoM Points: Shaun Berrigan 3, Chris Whittaker 2, and Adam MacDougall 1.
Capetown coach Mick Treacy will be regretting ignoring the presence of Manny Emonds in Central’s lineup today, after earlier deciding that Central would not hang their hopes on the head of the untried bench half. Emonds proved Treacy wrong, controlling play brilliantly as he piloted Central to a vital 22-6 win.
Central: Ben Cohen, Steve Menzies, Brian O’Driscroll, and Herman Gray. Harris ¾
Capetown: Michael Withers. Johns 1/1
HT Score: Central 16-0
Penalties: Central 8-4
Completion Rates: Central 70% Capetown 70%
Possession: Central 56%
PoM Points: Manny Emonds 3, Iestyn Harris 2, and Steve Menzies 1.
Some relief for Melbourne fans today, as the Executioners scored a 26-12 victory over the under strength Surfers Paradise Punks on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Boom youngster, Billy Slater had a wow of a game, with the victory moving Melbourne just that little bit further away from potential relegation.
Surfers Paradise: Segeni Ngethe and Darren Lockyer. Lockyer 2/2
Melbourne: Ashwin Willemse, Jeremy Paul, Richard Horne, and Michael Wainwright. Maquina 5/5
HT Score: Melbourne 14-6
Penalties: Surfers Paradise 10-7
Completion Rates: Surfers Paradise 62% Melbourne 73%
Possession: Melbourne 54%
PoM Points: Billy Slater 3, Richard Horne 2, and James Harrison 1.
Wellington have increased the distance between themselves and third placed Central Coast today, but did it hard against a Hawkesbury side determined not to relegate at season’s end. The Cougars were fielding a skeleton side, with several players involved in the England vs. New Zealand test.
Hawkesbury: Joe Roff. Ahmed 2/2
Wellington: Sean Long, Selwyn Corey, Andrew Lomu, and Lesley Vainikolo. Long 2/4
HT Score: Wellington 20-2
Penalties: Hawkesbury 7-2
Completion Rates: Hawkesbury 64% Wellington 65%
Possession: Wellington 52%
PoM Points: Sean Long 3, Andrew Lomu 2, and Henry Faafili 1.
A fairly inexperienced Gold Coast side has showcased the Crusade’s immense depth in today’s clash against the Northern Cannons, the Crusade fighting hard in the second half to record a valuable 30-14 victory over a side with which they enjoy a healthy rivalry. Brett Stewart, playing his first ever game for the Crusade, snared a double whilst Neil Sweeney, in his second game, kicked five from seven.
Gold Coast: Brett Stewart 2, Tommy O’Reilly, Matt Orford, and Matthew Gidley. Sweeney 5/7
Northern: Paul Wood and Mark O’Meley. Pariah 3/3
HT Score: 8 all
Penalties: 7 all
Completion Rates: Gold Coast 68% Northern 60%
Possession: Gold Coast 51%
PoM Points: Tommy O’Reilly 3, Matthew Gidley 2, and Joel Clinton 1.
Parramatta remain a chance of a top eight berth courtesy of today’s win over Port Moresby, the Power unable to make a showing in a 20-6 loss against the Vikings. Parramatta are amongst a host of sides hovering on the fringe of the top eight, and will be buoyed by today’s solid home win.
Parramatta: Francis Meli, Eric Grothe Jr, and Nathan Fien. Fitzgibbon 4/4
Port Moresby: Anthony Mathison. Carter 1/1
HT Score: Parramatta 8-0
Penalties: Parramatta 6-3
Completion Rates: Parramatta 75% Port Moresby 62%
Possession: Parramatta 55%
PoM Points: Luke Bailey 3, Ryan Cross 2, and Eric Grothe Jr 1.
The Sydney Oilers have been courageous in today’s clash with in form Brisbane, but will now require some minor miracles if they’re to contest the 2005 finals following a 16-2 home loss to the red hot Bulls.
Sydney: None. Gower 1/1
Brisbane: Josh Hannay and Matt King. Hannay 4/4
HT Score: Brisbane 4-2
Penalties: Brisbane 10-8
Completion Rates: Sydney 73% Brisbane 75%
Possession: Brisbane 55%
PoM Points: Matt King 3, Jonathon Thurston 2, and Michael Crocker 1.
Premier League Table
Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. Gold Coast 18 3 0 651 301 350 36
2. Wellington 16 5 0 518 353 165 32
3. Central Coast 14 7 0 569 290 279 28
4. Wollongong 14 7 0 485 388 97 28
5. Brisbane 12 8 1 455 360 95 25
6. Northern 12 8 1 485 410 75 25
7. Parramatta 12 9 0 433 411 22 24
8. Coffs Harbour 12 9 0 426 418 8 24
9. Central 11 10 0 470 433 37 22
10. Darwin 11 10 0 434 402 32 22
11. Perth 10 11 0 432 446 -14 20
12. Sydney 9 11 2 392 412 -20 20
13. Adelaide 8 13 0 365 476 -111 16
14. Melbourne 7 14 0 300 480 -180 14
15. Hawkesbury 7 14 0 290 507 -217 14
16. Surfers Paradise 5 15 1 361 543 -182 11
17. Capetown 5 16 0 271 482 -211 10
18. Port Moresby 5 16 0 326 559 -233 10
DIVISION TWO
Canberra’s Sean Towers is surrounded by rumours of a possible Australian callup following today’s starring role in Canberra’s 22-8 victory over East Coast, which sees the Chargers move into second position on the Wally Lewis Division table. Towers has enjoyed his finest season in recent years, and an Australian callup would cap off a marvellous year for the veteran halfback.
Canberra: Sean Towers, Mark Tookey, and Richard Peleasina. Towers 5/5
East Coast: Chris Hicks and Shane Rodney. Hicks 0/2
HT Score: Canberra 14-4
Penalties: East Coast 10-7
Completion Rates: Canberra 58% East Coast 74%
Possession: East Coast 51%
PoM Points: Sean Towers 3, Matt Henjak 2, and Brandon Costin 1.
Ipswich have today enjoyed a stunning upset 22-6 victory over the Division leading Newcastle Fear, allowing Shanghai to move onto level footing with the Fear. Despite being without inspirational captain, Brad Fittler, the Reds were lead ably by player of the year candidate, Martin Wood.
Ipswich: Craig Field, Faron Anderson 2, and Barry Liverpool. Tulley 3/5
Newcastle: Craig Hall. Cooke 1/1
HT Score: Ipswich 14-0
Penalties: Ipswich 8-7
Completion Rates: Ipswich 57% Newcastle 63%
Possession: Ipswich 54%
PoM Points: Martin Wood 3, Derek Tulley 2, and Craig Field 1.
Fairfield continue to remain one of the sides to beat in the Wally Lewis Division this year, casting some doubt over Colombo’s hopes of a miraculous top five appearance with today’s 24-12 victory over the plucky Harlequins.
Fairfield: Adrian Vowles, Mick Higham 2, and Rupert Matakamikamica. O’Grady 1/1. Bush 3/3
Colombo: Fourcade Abasse and Dennis Hickie. Fields 2/2
HT Score: Fairfield 18-0
Penalties: Fairfield 16-7
Completion Rates: Fairfield 72% Colombo 45%
Possession: Fairfield 58%
PoM Points: Wes Davies 3, Mick Higham 2, and Dominik Bush 1.
New England remain an outside chance of qualifying for the top five in the Wally Lewis Division following today’s easy 36-12 victory over the Port Adelaide Corsairs. The Ferrets remain just adrift of the fifth placed Dunedin Vipers, and will need their New Zealand opposition to drop a few games if they’re to contest the finals.
Port Adelaide: Bill Soulblighter and Phillip Leuluai. Mason 2/2
New England: Loren Broussard, Gael Tallic, Kees Meeuws, Paul McNicholas, De Wet Barry, and Mick Ward. Briers 6/7
HT Score: New England 18-6
Penalties: 6 all
Completion Rates: Port Adelaide 55% New England 75%
Possession: New England 58%
PoM Points: Gael Tallic 3, Tom Newberry 2, and Brad Monkarud 1.
Those expecting The Tassie Devils to drop off late in the season continue to be disappointed by the side, who today moved within striking distance of first place with a solid 26-4 beating of the Lake Heights Lightning.
Tassie: Cameron Way, Varasiko Tokarei, Richard Moore, and Marty Holah. Way 5/5
Lake Heights: Tom O’Reilly. Kempton 0/1
HT Score: Tassie 14-0
Penalties: Tassie 11-6
Completion Rates: Tassie 75% Lake Heights 59%
Possession: Tassie 57%
PoM Points: Marty Holah 3, Paul Mellor 2, and Cameron Way 1.
Eastwood have surged back into the top five today, courtesy of a confident 40-12 thumping of the Geelong Bengals. The Pumas looked slick and dangerous, with the entire side working hard for an impressive away win.
Geelong: Miguel Detreaux and Travis Norton. Detreaux 2/2
Eastwood: Tom O’Shea, Rob Burrow, Mark Chisolm, Aurelion Cologni, Anthony Tyan 2, and Sean Rudder. Burrow 3/3. Furner 3/6
HT Score: Eastwood 22-12
Penalties: Eastwood 6-5
Completion Rates: Geelong 51% Eastwood 66%
Possession: Eastwood 60%
PoM Points: Rob Burrow 3, Jason Smith 2, and Mark Chisolm 1.
Tamworth City continue to shatter Division Two records, all memory of last season’s salary cap scandal remaining following today’s record 64-0 embarassment of the Liverpool Rockets. The Titans scored eleven unanswered tries, six in the first half, to shatter the record for biggest win in Division Two history.
Liverpool: None.
Tamworth City: Anthony Farrah 2, Wendell Sailor, Greg Davidson, Ben Pomeroy, Eron Bates, Scott Sattler, Steve Turner 3, and Clint Newton. Davidson 10/11
HT Score: Tamworth City 36-0
Penalties: Tamworth City 14-4
Completion Rates: Liverpool 45% Tamworth City 68%
Possession: Tamworth City 67%
PoM Points: Graeme Frame 3, Anthony Farrah 2, and Steve Turner 1.
Even the absence of inspirational fullback, Kris Radlinski, hasn’t been enough to shatter the recent good form of the North Queensland Dolphins, who scored a solid 20-10 victory over Carnarvon today to further distance themselves from an ignoble wooden spoon.
North Queensland: Ben Black 2 and Todd Byrne. Mehrtens 4/4
Carnarvon: Stephen O’Reilly. Luana 3/3
HT Score: Carnarvon 10-8
Penalties: Carnarvon 8-6
Completion Rates: North Queensland 64% Carnarvon 68%
Possession: North Queensland 56%
PoM Points: Andrew Mehrtens 3, Pierce Connery 2, and Todd Byrne 1.
Dunedin continue to hold firmly to fifth place in the Wally Lewis Division following today’s 30-12 win over a determined but out-gunned Port Macquarie outfit. Fijian sensation Deiter Fisher was outstanding, but it was a solid team effort from a side playing for their future.
Port Macquarie: Anthony Stuart and Koru Tinakita. Barnett Jr. 2/2
Dunedin: Regan King, Deiter Fisher, Trent Wright 2, and Francis Cummins. Fisher 5/6
HT Score: Dunedin 18-0
Penalties: Dunedin 10-4
Completion Rates: Port Macquarie 63% Dunedin 66%
Possession: Dunedin 56%
PoM Points: Deiter Fisher 3, Mat Toschak 2, and Trent Wright 1.
Despite fielding an entirely backline bench, Wagga have proven too good for Wanganui in today’s battle of the W’s. A bench containing a halfback, two wingers, and a centre provided plenty of impact from the bench, as the Badgers scored an unconvincing but vital 18-4 win.
Wanganui: David Woods. Cooper 0/3
Wagga: David Simmons 2 and Stefano Saghini. Rowles ¾
HT Score: Wagga 12-0
Penalties: Wagga 9-6
Completion Rates: Wanganui 52% Wagga 63%
Possession: Wagga 57%
PoM Points: Sam Speedy 3, Ruben May 2, and David Simmons 1.
Shanghai continue to defy the ASRL for cutting them from next year’s competition, today scoring a big 30-8 win over Redlands to claim a share of the lead in the Peter Sterling Division. When asked today whether a premiership win and promotion would reverse the ASRL’s decision to cut the Traders, ASRL CEO Chris Walker-Bush said ‘it would definitely force us to re-open the case’.
Redlands: Chris Beattie 2. Young 0/3
Shanghai: Ryan Thumper-Knox, Neale Wyatt 3, and Jaiden Love. Girdler 5/5
HT Score: Shanghai 6-4
Penalties: Redlands 12-2
Completion Rates: Redlands 74% Shanghai 64%
Possession: Shanghai 53%
PoM Points: Neale Wyatt 3, Ryan Thumper-Knox 2, and Cy Lassock 1.
Veteran legend, Michael Buettner, was again in the thick of things today as he guided the Penrith Highlanders to their first victory in several weeks. The long suffering club-man, famous for having scored a double with a broken arm for Parramatta several years ago, lead by example as the Highlanders scored a vital 22-10 win over Waikato.
Waikato: Nathan Blacklock and Kirk Yeaman. Bowen ½
Penrith: Garth Woods, Mark Riddell, Michael Buettner, and Jessie Kidman. Riddell ¾
HT Score: Penrith 16-4
Penalties: Penrith 14-5
Completion Rates: Waikato 68% Penrith 67%
Possession: Penrith 55%
PoM Points: Michael Buettner 3, Jessie Kidman 2, and Lee Hopkins 1.
Peter Sterling Division Table
Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. Newcastle 13 8 0 431 319 112 26
2. Shanghai 12 7 2 397 324 73 26
3. Wagga 12 8 1 487 391 96 25
4. Tassie 12 8 1 397 354 43 25
5. Eastwood 11 9 1 408 295 113 23
6. Geelong 11 10 0 331 340 -9 22
7. Ipswich 10 10 1 310 317 -7 21
8. Lake Heights 9 11 1 351 420 -69 19
9. Carnarvon 9 11 1 292 425 -133 19
10. Redlands 8 12 1 308 348 -40 17
11. North Queensland 7 13 1 376 538 -162 15
12. Wanganui 5 16 0 261 468 -207 10
Wally Lewis Division Table
Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. Tamworth City 18 3 0 609 249 360 36
2. Canberra 16 5 0 557 292 265 32
3. East Coast 16 5 0 487 286 201 32
4. Fairfield 14 8 0 506 373 133 28
5. Dunedin 12 9 0 478 312 166 24
6. New England 10 10 1 424 374 50 21
7. Colombo 10 11 0 352 414 -62 20
8. Waikato 8 11 2 299 444 -145 18
9. Penrith 8 13 0 399 362 37 16
10. Liverpool 7 13 1 302 524 -222 15
11. Port Adelaide 4 17 0 273 512 -239 8
12. Port Macquarie 3 17 1 234 586 -352 7
