Trial results will be posted as they come to hand. Check back often.

In a one sided clash in Victoria, the Newcastle Fear have signalled their premiership intentions early with a big 30-0 thumping of the Geelong Bengals. Under the tutelage of new coach Doug Hess, the Bengals did well to trail 6-0 at halftime, but were blown off the park by a very good Fear outfit in the second stanza.
Geelong: None
Newcastle: Stuart Reardon, Shontayne Hape, Paul Johnson, and Brett Firman 2. Harris 5/6
HT Score: Newcastle 6-0
Penalties: Newcastle 12-3
Completion Rates: Geelong 70% Newcastle 61%
Possession: Newcastle 59%
PoM Points: John Andrews 3, Brett Firman 2, and Ryan O'Hara 1.

The Gold Coast Crusade have started their season in emphatic style, the premiership contenders towelling up local rivals Surfers Paradise 38-4 in a full strength trial between the two clubs. The Crusade's newcomers looked slick on debut, but it was club stalwart Tommy O'Reilly who was most impressive.
Gold Coast: Tommy O'Reilly, Luke Rooney, Kevin Sinfield, Matt Orford, Clint Newton, Matt King, and Gordon D'Arcy. Sinfield 5/7
Surfers Paradise: Tony Grimaldi. Deacon 0/1
HT Score: Gold Coast 20-4
Penalties: 6 all
Completion Rates: Gold Coast 64% Surfers Paradise 77%
Possession: Gold Coast 54%
PoM Points: Tommy O'Reilly 3, Steve Bell 2, and Kevin Sinfield 1.

A second half surge from the Adelaide Attitude has seen the club turn around a 12-6 halftime scoreline and power away to a 28-12 victory over the Melbourne Executioners. The war of words between rival coaches has canvassed the ASRL world, but it was Adelaide's Anthony McElroy who drew first blood in this budding rivallry.
Melbourne: Brian Carney and Darren Albert. Tatu 2/2
Adelaide: Wendell Sailor 2, Michael Cassidy, and Richie McCaw. Carter 6/7
HT Score: Melbourne 12-6
Penalties: Adelaide 6-5
Completion Rates: Melbourne 62% Adelaide 69%
Possession: Adelaide 55%
PoM Points: Michael Cassidy 3, Wendell Sailor 2, and Chris Latham 1.

Gold Coast coach Chris Walker-Bush was incredibly pleased following the big trial win.

"It's a game of little consequence, but damn it's good to see a side with a lot of new faces gelling so well. I thought that our backline was stellar, a tribute to the quality of players in it. Our new look front row of Stevo and Nutley laid an excellent platform, and it showed in Sinfield's form. Tommy O'Reilly has always been one of our best and brightest, and his kicking game today was amazing"

"To Maunder and the Punks, the side definitely has a lot more potential than what today's scoreline showed. I thought our pack nullified Lockyer and Campbell really well, but that won't be the case in our rematch, I'm sure".

Todays win by the Adelaide Attitude over arch-rivals melbourne was today marred by allegations of moustche pulling. Coach McElroy, looking quite pleased and juggling his balls, had this to say...

"These allegations are nothing but sour grapes. Mr Bumper Benny went out there having a go at guys like Dan Carter and Chris Latham and he didnt expect a fired up match? What he doesnt understand is that my guys are from a different dimension, we don't put up with that hogwash. We were booed onto the park today and thats how we like it. We can only hope Sydney Oilers, led by "Big-nose" Bossert are also stupid enough to insult the pride of the Adelaide Attitude"

Roger has a big nose?

At the post match press conference Melbourne Coach Ben Quinn had these words to say about the Adelaide team and there Coach McElroy.

"They are vermon, infecting our league. Sportsmanship, Honour, Pride, they have none. A team full of rats, eating away at the fabric of our league. Leaving there droppings, where once great sportsmen stood. We, Melbourne will be the pied piper. We will lead these rats to there watery grave, and there rat king, Coach Mcelroy, will be the first to fall. His right hand rat, Daniel Carter will be forced to eat the soggy remains of his leader, and then, the ASRL will truly be, All Star Rugby League".

Quinn, a man who does not throw his words around lightly was clearly irritated at the skull dugery the Adelaide team had brought upon the league. The match was full of moustache pulling, eye gouges, and scrotum biting, obviously imported from the 15 a side code.
It is imperative that ASRL officials look into the actions of the Adelaide side. We do not want our u9's using the same underhanded tactics, such as moustache pulling, on fields across Australia on Saturday mornings. John Morris, was the worst effected during the game, leaving the field with one testicle and half a moustache.

Till BFC,

Bec Wilson

Signing off

Mark has not runied John Andrews yet.

He still rmebers playing for me.

The Bondi Battlers and Campbelltown Invasion, two sides moving to new areas of Sydney, played out a top quality game in today's trial in front of a modest Sydney crowd. After leading 10-8 at halftime, the Battlers lived up to their namesake to carve out a 16-10 win.
Bondi: Michael Sullivan and Dean Widders. Costilio 4/4
Campbelltown: Luke Williamson and Anthony Muller. Hicks 1/3
HT Score: Bondi 10-8
Penalties: Campbelltown 10-7
Completion Rates: Bondi 75% Campbelltown 65%
Possession: Bondi 50%
PoM Points: Anthony Muller 3, Dean Widders 2, and Karl TeMata 1.

It's been a far from ideal start to their first season as the Mudcrabs, with Coffs Harbour today humbled 22-10 by Division Two juggernaut, Canberra. The Mudcrabs looked out of their depth in today's trial, and will need to make changes if they're to be competitive in the Premier League.
Canberra: Shannon Hegarty, Gary Coleman, Morton Weatherall, Eamon Carroll, and Gareth Carvell. Flatley 1/5
Coffs Harbour: Koru Tirohara and Ben Tune. Spencer 1/2
HT Score: Canberra 14-6
Penalties: Canberra 8-5
Completion Rates: Canberra 78% Coffs Harbour 58%
Possession: Canberra 54%
PoM Points: Chris McKenna 3, Braden Mohammed 2, and Sean Long 1.

The Parramatta Vikings are looking good for a solid run in the Premier League this season, barely raising a sweat in today's 26-6 beating of the Carnarvon Cowboys - who this year return to their original mascot after a few seasons of being the Grizzlies. The Vikings looked good across the park, with Nathan Hindmarsh dominating the less experienced Cowboys' pack.
Carnarvon: Joe Williams. Gafa 1/1
Parramatta: Eric Grothe Jr, Mark Riddell, Nathan Hindmarsh 2, and Tim Smith. Fitzgibbon 3/5
HT Score: Parramatta 12-0
Penalties: Parramatta 5-3
Completion Rates: Carnarvon 61% Parramatta 62%
Possession: Parramatta 56%
PoM Points: Nathan Hindmarsh 3, Francis Meli 2, and Tim Smith 1.

Both Roger Bossert and Anthony Magro will have left The Birdcage today feeling somewhat disappointed, and for entirely different reasons. Whilst the Oilers weren't able to live up to their coach's bold claim that he could put thirty on the premiers, they were still able to tough out an impressive 10-2 victory over the reigning champions.
Central Coast: None. El Masri 1/1
Sydney: Craig Gower 2. Bennett 1/3
HT Score: Central Coast 2-0
Penalties: Sydney 5-4
Completion Rates: Central Coast 53% Sydney 61%
Possession: Sydney 55%
PoM Points: Amos Roberts 3, Craig Gower 2, and Adrian Morley 1.

A second half resurgence from the Central Phoenix has seen them win the opening clash in the 'Battle of the Northern Territory'. The Phoenix lead 18-6 at halftime, but a spirited Darwin fightback meant that Luke Lewis' late try proved to be a match winner in a game that finished at 24-16.
Central: Keith Senior, Ashwin Willemse, Ronan O'Gara, and Luke Lewis. Maquina 4/4
Darwin: George Gregan and Brett Stewart 2. Bowen 2/3
HT Score: Central 18-6
Penalties: Central 7-6
Completion Rates: Central 82% Darwin 67%
Possession: 54%
PoM Points: Brett Stewart 3, Ronan O'Gara 2, and Steve Menzies 1.

The newly formed Christchurch Avalanches have stunned Wellington in today's all New Zealand trial, their relative 'unknowns' starring as they upset the Cougars 12-4 in a torrid clash in wet conditions. It was far from pretty, and Wellington will not be overly bothered by the margin in a game that was ruled more by the weather than the teams.
Christchurch: Terry Hill and Chris Cahill. Davidson 2/4
Wellington: Nigel Vagana. Johns 0/1
HT Score: Christchurch 8-0
Penalties: Wellington 9-7
Completion Rates: Christchurch 60% Wellington 70%
Possession: Christchurch 51%
PoM Points: Neale Wyatt 3, Brett Webb 2, and Ryan Hoffman 1.

The New England Ferrets have started their season on a positive note, upsetting the Eastwood Pumas 21-12 to get their season off to a start with 'that winning feeling'. Former RSC star, Daniel Ferris, was instrumental in the victory - replacing the gap left by long term playmaker, Lee Briers, faultlessly.
Eastwood: Aurelion Cologni and Bill Soulblighter. March 2/2
New England: Akido Li, De Wet Barry, Matt Cooper, and Brett Stapleton. Ferris 2/4. Vedelago 1 fg.
HT Score: New England 10-0
Penalties: Eastwood 7-3
Completion Rates: Eastwood 56% New England 61%
Possession: New England 51%
PoM Points: Daniel Ferris 3, Ben Cross 2, and Akido Li 1.

Hornsby might be odds on favourites to relegate this season, but they didn't let them stop them from racking up a big score against Lake Heights in today's trial. The Mavericks weren't too impressive in the first half, but turned it on in the second stanza to christen their new stadium with a big 42-10 victory.
Hornsby: Red Apokalips, Joe Roff, Iain Morrisson, Martin Johnson, Stephen Jones, Graham Poweta, Shane Millard, and Vladimir Vlostov. Roff 5/9
Lake Heights: Motu Tony and James Grubens. Kempton 1/2
HT Score: Hornsby 18-10
Penalties: Hornsby 8-1
Completion Rates: Hornsby 66% Lake Heights 63%
Possession: Hornsby 59%
PoM Points: Joe Roff 3, Vladimir Vlostov 2, and Stephen Jones 1.

The Liverpool Rockets have kicked off their 2005 campaign on a winning note, downing the North Queensland Dolphins 17-8 to give their fans a glimmer of hope for the season to come. Both clubs were lacklustre in 2004/2005, and will be hoping to improve on that in the upcoming season.
Liverpool: Tai Lavea and Paul March. March 4/5. Hughes 1 fg.
North Queensland: Todd Byrne. Kirchner 2/3
HT Score: Liverpool 12-6
Penalties: Liverpool 9-7
Completion Rates: Liverpool 62% North Queensland 59%
Possession: Liverpool 54%
PoM Points: Gus McCrae 3, Tai Lavea 2, and Marcus Bai 1.

In the battle across the Indian Ocean, Capetown have shown signs of being a vastly changed unit with a solid 28-16 victory over 'local' rivals, Perth. The Ravens have made immense steps towards improving their club's finish with off season recruiting, and looked excellent today as they took down a side that came close to the top eight last season.
Perth: Tony Fabri, Jonny Wilkinson, and Trent Waterhouse. Wilkinson 2/4
Capetown: Peter Hewat, Nathan Blacklock 2, Stephen Larkhim, and Brendan Cannon. Way 4/5
HT Score: 10 all
Penalties: Capetown 9-7
Completion Rates: Perth 64% Capetown 59%
Possession: Capetown 51%
PoM Points: Nathan Blacklock 3, Marty Holah 2, and Peter Hewat 1.

The Redfern All Whites and Port Macquarie Stingrays have poured on the points in both clubs' first clash under new staff. Whilst the All Whites got up to a 34-30 victory in the end, the Stingrays looked slick under the tutelage of premiership winning coach, Nathan Hoy.
Redfern: Elia Tuqiri, Ruben May, Andy Hendersen 3, and Dale Lolaleah. Dynevor 5/7
Port Macquarie: Jordan Capri 2, Koru Tinakita, Habib El Muktar, and Uri Novavich. Fields 5/6
HT Score: Redfern 18-12
Penalties: 5 all
Completion Rates: Redfern 61% Port Macquarie 61%
Possession: Redfern 51%
PoM Points: Jordan Capri 3, Andy Hendersen 2, and Ruben May 1.

It was business as usual for Tamworth City in today's trial against the South Queensland Underdogs, a merger of Ipswich and Redlands. The Titans were in firm control with a 24-8 halftime lead, but leaked points in the second half to record a convincing 40-22 victory.
South Queensland: Barry Muir, Nicholai Backlava, Grant Wooden, and Martin Wood. Young 3/6
Tamworth City: Jack Waser, Graeme Frame, Matthew Gidley, Eron Bates 2, Keith Galloway, and Edward Hoartshire. Bates 6/7
HT Score: Tamworth City 24-8
Penalties: South Queensland 7-4
Completion Rates: South Queensland 60% Tamworth City 67%
Possession: South Queensland 50%
PoM Points: Eron Bates 3, Anthony Farrah 2, and Ben Jacobs 1.

Wagga have made a far from impressive start to their first season in the Premier League, barely managing a 16-12 victory over former Division Two rivals, the Tasmanian Devils. Wagga looked shaky when locked up at 12 all on halftime, and whilst they found a match-winner later in the game - they won't be happy with not being able to adequately put away a side from Division Two.
Wagga: Mark Gerrard 2 and Simon Taylor. Magro 2/5
Tasmania: Michael Ennis and Jerrie Muller. Burke 2/2
HT Score: 12 all
Penalties: Wagga 6-5
Completion Rates: Wagga 68% Tassie 54%
Possession: Wagga 54%
PoM Points: Mark Gerrard 3, Dominik Bush 2, and Scott Magro 1.

Brisbane have opened their 2005 season with a big win against Waikato, not looking at all phased by wet New Zealand conditions as they scored a big 32-12 victory over the Breakers.
Waikato: Willie Poching and Paulie Bahtahn. Geyer 2/2
Brisbane: Jonathon Thurston 2, Luke O'Donnell, and Leon Bott 2. Hannay 6/8
HT Score: Brisbane 10-6
Penalties: Brisbane 7-5
Completion Rates: Waikato 56% Brisbane 57%
Possession: Brisbane 56%
PoM Points: Paul Bowman 3, Matt Geyer 2, and Matt Bowen 1.

In a clash between the sides that finished fourth and fifth in 2004/2005, the scoreline at fulltime finished at 12 all, showing just how closely matched the top sides in the Premier League are. Northern and Wollongong played out the low scoring draw in front of a good crowd, with Wollongong probably having the better of play but missing a late field goal attempt.
Wollongong: Brett Hodgson and Ryan Bailey. Hodgson 2/2
Northern: Jason Hooper and Dean Young. Pariah 2/2
HT Score: 12 all
Penalties: Wollongong 4-1
Completion Rates: Wollongong 69% Northern 62%
Possession: Wollongong 51%
PoM Points: Sebastian Mpofu 3, Brian Bower 2, and Brett Dallas 1.

Wagga Stallions coach Theo Kamis, on their narrow 16-12 victory over the Tasmanian Devils:

"First of all, they've really improved over last season - and they won the Peter Sterling Division last season over us. Second, their new coach, Dave Paddock, is an outstanding coach, and he always seems to have my number whenever I play him."

"Having said that, and even allowing for the fact that this is our first game together since the merger, and a preseason one at that, I wasn't entirely pleased with our performance. We have to do far better - and the Bob Fulton Cup is our last chance to do so before the games count in the tables."

"The lads, to their credit, aren't happy with the result, either. But whether we can gel before the start of the season or not is an open question, despite their recognition of the problem...."

Woot go Christchurch, beating big brother Wellington

And Liverpool keeps the tradition alive of winning their first matches. :kicking:

Brian Randell held a press conference after the trial against Darwin. He had this to say...

"Well I think it's no surprise to anyone about the result of today's game. We have the dominant Northern Territory team in the competition and we showed it. They might have given us a scare here or there but my boys proved that they were all class, I am pleased that all three big signings have been able to show glimpses of brilliance in their first game for the Pheonix. We now move onto the Bob Fulton Cup with our tails in the air, and with our first match against an RSC side look for a big scoreline"

Eastwood coach Vahe Ohannessian was unconcerned about his side's poor start.

"It's just a trial, and we used the game to do just that...trial things. With so many changes to the team it was always going to be difficult to gel right from the start. We're still quietly confident of a big season coming up."

We were quite chuffed, Theo. We expected a good hiding. A bit of a similar situation next week in the BFC when we take on Ryde.

New England Ferrets coach Rowland Kelly was pleased with his sides win. Daniel Ferris was drafted into the side because of his kicking, but has proved after a year back in RSC that he is up to the division 2 standard.
Glen Innes local, Brett Stapleton scored in his debut for the Ferrets, and is looking forward to a long future with the Ferrets on the wing. The 18 year old has blinding speed, and is the Australian 100m champion, so look out for his trademark speed througout the season.

Coash Roger Bossert was very impressed with his side's first trial win over the Central Coast Falcons.
"Even though we didn't put thirty points on the board, I was happy with many aspects of the win" commented Bossert.
"I thought our defence was great, in keeping the premiers down to two points. I admit that they did not have many good attacking raids at us, but we did what we had to do. They really miss Vag already and I don't think their present centres are upto it attack-wise. Their defence is solid, but you need to score points to win" stated Bossert.
Bossert also praised the Oilers attack by stating "I thought our attack was good against a very good defensive side in the Falcons. It is only our first trial, so we will get sharper as the year progresses".