The opening round of the 2005 Bob Fulton Cup was, largely, an affair that went strictly to formula - with the big guns advancing and the majority of RSC clubs bowing out. That's not to say that the round was without upsets. In particular, the Invitational sides did well, with several progressing through to the second round of matches.

The Gold Coast Crusade have started their BFC defence in shaky fashion, but did enough to account for Kensington 28-16 in their clash at Carara Stadium. Playing a full strength squad, the Crusade looked a little lazy as they routinely disposed of their RSC opposition.
Gold Coast: Luke Rooney, Clint Newton 2, Matt Orford, and Julian Santarakista. Orford 2/3. Sinfield 2/3
Kensington: Timothy Rice, Jack Isaac, and David Raimes. Rices 2/3
PoM Points: Matt Orford 3, Julian Santarakista 2, and Chris O'Young 1.

As if his ego wasn't large enough, Central coach Brian Randell has scored the match winning try in Central's unconvincing 22-16 victory over Sunshine Coast, the reigning RSC champions. In a nail biting finish, Randell seized the game by the scruff of the neck to see his side through to the round of thirty two.
Sunshine Coast: Ben Pomeroy, Dustin Cooper, and Todd Lowrie. Brown 2/3
Central: Robert Salvatori, Alex Synn, Ashwin Willemse, and Brian Randell. Maquina 3/4
PoM Points: Jonny Maquina 3, Hunter Tylerson 2, and Ronan O'Gara 1.

Johannesburg have made a strong return to Rising Star Conference football, and made a fine example of The Entrance Tigers in today's clash in South Africa. The Tigers, minor premiers in 2004/2005, were outgunned in the second half to go down 22-18.
Johannesburg: Geoff Daniella, Sean Gleeson, and Bob Beswick. Williams 5/6
The Entrance: Nick Bradley and Cameron Phelps. Dean 5/5
PoM Points: Cameron Phelps 3, John Williams 2, and Sean Gleeson 1.

A stirring performance from Braith Anasta has lifted Central Coast to a thrilling 30-24 victory over Wellington in today's clash, the most anticipated of the opening round. The two sides thrilled the big New Zealand crowd from start to finish, but it was Anasta's 79th minute try that lifted the Falcons and crushed the hopes of the Cougars.
Wellington: David Kidwell, Clyde Rathbone, and Ryan Hoffman. Johns 6/6
Central Coast: Marc Calderwood, Braith Anasta 2, and James Manson. El Masri 7/8
PoM Points: Braith Anasta 3, Clyde Rathbone 2, and Adrian Morley 1.

Parramatta have sent a loud and clear message to the Premier League big guns with their first serious outing of the season, humiliating the Capetown Ravens 40-16 to signal their intentions for the Cup. The Ravens, heavily favoured to contest the top four this year, were blown away by a mesmerising Parramatta performance.
Parramatta: PJ Marsh, Mark Gasnier, Tim Smith, Mark Riddell 2, Nathan Hindmarsh, and Craig Fitzgibbon. Fitzgibbon 6/7
Capetown: Matt Diskin, Martin Gleeson, and Leon Pryce. Way 2/3
PoM Points: Craig Fitzgibbon 3, Mark Gasnier 2, and Tim Smith 1.

A total of seventy eight points were scored in this evening's big clash between Sydney and Adelaide, two sides likely to be there come seasons end after heavy off season recruitment. After last week showcasing their defence in a 10-2 victory over Central Coast, the Oilers turned the tables in today's game, racking up a big score in a sloppy but entertaining 46-32 victory over the Attitude.
Sydney: Anthony Minichiello 2, Darren Bennet, Craig Gower, Oliver Magne, Sonny-Bill Williams, and Andrew Ryan. Bennet 7/8
Adelaide: Lote Tuqiri, Ma'a Nonu, Wendell Sailor 2, and Fili Lolohea. Carter 6/6
PoM Points: Andrew Ryan 3, Craig Gower 2, and Oliver Magne 1.

It was a shaky start for the Tamworth City Titans in their opening tie of the year, scoring a 28-20 victory over a plucky Katherine Kings side to advance to the round of thirty two. New recruits shone for an otherwise lacklustre Titans' side.
Tamworth City: Roy Bell, Matthew Gidley, Robbie Paul, Luke Ricketson, and Luke Davico. Bates 4/8
Katherine: Travis Rose, Constant Muller, and Chenjarai Dube. Adams 4/5
PoM Points: Edward Hoartshire 3, Luke Ricketson 2, and Graeme Frame 1.

The Cairns White Pointers have ensured that there would be no dream debut for the newly re-admitted Western Suburbs Raiders, easily accounting for their enthusiastic roster 22-6 to make it through to the next round of competition.
Western Suburbs: David Faimu. Montabe 1/1
Cairns: Michael Gordon, Frank-Paul Nuuausala, Steve Simmons, and Jye Mullane. Martin 3/4
PoM Points: Steve Simmons 3, Luke Finnerty 2, and Michael Gordon 1.

The Liverpool Rockets have continued the club's trend of winning first up games, but didn't look particularly convincing as they downed Hunter 18-8 to progress. However, with a number of new faces in the lineup, the Rockets did show signs of improvement as the game wound on.
Liverpool: Paul March 2 and Paul Atchison. March 3/7
Hunter: Chad Randall. Eaton 2/2
PoM Points: Paul March 3, Paul Atchison 2, and Marcus Bai 1.

The Waikato Breakers have moved through to the next round at the expense of newly relocated Bondi, accounting for the poorly prepared Battlers 24-16. Waikato are hoping to reinvent themselves after a nightmare 2004/2005 season, and made a positive start in beating the former Highlanders.
Bondi: Steven Price, Keith Mason, and Mark Minichiello. Costilio 2/3
Waikato: Henry Paul, Matt Geyer, Serge Betson, and Taine Randell. Geyer 4/4
PoM Points: Taine Randell 3, Matt Geyer 2, and Gene Fairbanks 1.

In a tremendous upset, Ryde have thumped the Tasmanian Devils 32-10 to cast severe doubts over the side's ability to handle pressure games. Just last week the Devils took Wagga to the very brink, but looked shellshocked as the Eagles, a contender in last year's RSC season, ran away with in the second half.
Ryde: Brian Jelleck, Brett Sergeant, Gary Hulse, Christopher Williams, Karl Fitzpatrick, and Sean Harris. Smith 4/7
Tasmania: Varasiko Tokarei and Nick Fozzard. Burke 1/2
PoM Points: Michael Ventrue 3, Karl Fitzpatrick 2, and Alex Moore 1.

Suva have made a triumphant and ominous return to the ASRL, dominating New England in their return game as an invitational side, 40-18. The Surge, who last played as the Suva Suns, were in control throughout the game thanks largely to an advisory role from Wellington's Douglas Allen.
New England: Manu Vatuvei, Gael Tallic, and Brendan Worth. Ferris 3/3
Suva: Richie Barnett Jr, Yaccine Dekkiche, Ben Lucas, Peter Jorgensen, Skip Williams, and Jarred Lawrence. Lucas 6/7
PoM Points: Skip Williams 3, Jarred Lawrence 2, and Peter Jorgensen 1.

Eastwood have edged out Northern Territory in today's match in Sydney, a 19-6 scoreline tribute to the tenacity of the newly reformed Lions. After the negative publicity surrounding the selection of Reg Randell in fullback, the green young fullback has a fine game for the outclassed Lions.
Eastwood: Mtombe Msabo, Jason Smith, and Mark Chisolm. March 3/4. Kenniwell 1 fg.
Northern Territory: Jack Sparrow. Randell 1/1
PoM Points: Mark Chisolm 3, Mtombe Msabo 2, and Jason Smith 1.

Hornsby have barely raised a sweat in their opening clash of the tournament, easily accounting for the Wodonga Badgers 28-0 to advance to the next round of competition. The game continues a 2005 trend of big wins for the Mavericks, who may be able to shake off their wooden spoon favouritism with a positive tournament.
Hornsby: Brad Commins, Brent Grose, Martin Johnson, and Vladimir Vlostov 2. Roff 4/5
Wodonga: None.
PoM Points: Martin Johnson 3, Vladimir Vlostov 2, and Stephen Jones 1.

The Singapore Pride have been unable to match the efforts of fellow invitational side, Suva, today outclassed 20-6 in their home clash against the Coffs Harbour Mudcrabs. The Pride scored early in the second half to lead at one point, but weren't up to holding out an enthusiastic and well drilled Mudcrabs' outfit.
Singapore: Pierre Foord. Wynne 1/1
Coffs Harbour: Carlos Spencer, Carl Hayman, Roger Randal, and Nathan Sharpe. Spencer 2/5
PoM Points: Carlos Spencer 3, Jason Kent 2, and David Peachy 1.

More to come....

After he triumphed against the Sunshine Coast, Brian Randell backed up to give a short press conference...

"We are in no way happy wth the scoreline in todays match, but are pleased that we came out on top in the end. It took a fantastic effort in the end by me to seal the victory, but all our new buys have shown so far that they will provide the goods for teams in the competition if they decide not to turn up on the day"

A 78th minute intercept try from Brisbane flyer, Ty Williams has seen the Bulls escape with a nail biting 20-17 victory against Carnarvon. The Cowboys looked to have made a dream return to their former moniker, but the experience of the Bulls meant they went the full eighty to progress to the next round.
Carnarvon: Tame Tupou, Adam Dykes, and Frank Puletua. Luana 2/5. Dykes 1 fg.
Brisbane: Ty Williams, Josh Hannay, Carl Webb, and Dallas Johnson. Hannay 2/5
PoM Points: Ty Williams 3, Matt Bowen 2, and Cameron Smith 1.

Lake Heights have stayed alive in the Bob Fulton Cup today courtesy of a workmanlike 16-2 victory over RSC club, the Glen Innes Magpies. The Lightning didn't look particularly interested in the clash, but did enough to survive for another week.
Glen Innes. None. Bromley 1/1
Lake Heights: Mils Muliana, Nihal Silvain, and Rico Gear. Kempton 2/3
PoM Points: Thomas Kempton 3, Willie Manu 2, and Willie Talau 1.

The Wagga Badgers have chalked up a much needed win against Gisborne today, and whilst they won't be 100% satisfied with leaking sixteen points, putting thirty on for a 30-16 win will more than satisfy them as far as the opening round of the tournament goes.
Wagga: Justin Marshall, Dene Halatau, Mark Gerrard, Scott Magro, and Wayne McDonald. Magro 5/5
Gisborne: Adrian Mirhalov, Francis Cummins, and Ryan Hodgson. Cummins 2/3
PoM Points: Sebastian Azema 3, Scott Magro 2, and Dene Halatau 1.

Perth have made short work of the North West Kookaburras today, dismaying the vocal New England crowd as they rampaged to a confident 30-12 victory over the RSC side. Jonny Wilkinson was in superb form, whilst Willie Mason made mincemeat of the lesser known Kookaburras' pack.
North West: Goerdan Murphy 2. Fisher 2/2
Perth: Ardent Rivers, Jonny Wilkinson, Tony Fabri, and Willie Mason 2. Wilkinson 5/5
PoM Points: Jonny Wilkinson 3, Willie Mason 2, and Tony Fabri 1.

Hawthorn have come up with a huge upset in their opening round tie with the Campbelltown Invasion, embarassing the newly relocated side with a narrow 20-18 victory. Campbelltown, formerly East Coast, were expected to rack up a cricket score against the Hurricanes, but were stunned by the RSC club's tenacity.
Cambelltown: Nathan Wood, Garret Crossman, and Shane Rodney. Hicks 3/5
Hawthorn: Troy Boston, Victor Akiba, Blake Green, and William Zillman. Akiba 2/4
PoM Points: Troy Boston 3, William Zillman 2, and Blake Green 1.

In the second big upset of the round thus far, the Birchgrove Pistoleers have reversed last year's losing trend with an 18-16 victory over the hot and cold Newcastle Fear. The Fear had a 16-14 lead with just seconds on the clock, but US international Jeff Preston muscled over for his second try and a narrow win.
Birchgrove: Justin Ryder and Jeff Preston 2. Dorn 3/5
Newcastle: Shontayne Hape and Paul Johnson 2. Harris 2/3
PoM Points: Brett Firman 3, Paul Johnson 2, and Clint Greenshields 1.

The newly formed Christchurch Avalanches have made a solid debut into ASRL competition, making short work of the Canberra Chargers in a 24-8 away victory. Playing a side who contested the finals last season, the Avalanches looked slick throughout.
Canberra: Isaac Ah Mau. Flatley 2/2
Christchurch: Kamaal Lolesi, Doug Rumble, Soni Ardi, and Greg Davidson. Rumble 1/1. Davidson 3/3
PoM Points: Brian Lima 3, Greg Davidson 2, and Chris Cahill 1.

Darwin looked solid in their first outing of the tournament, dismantling South Queensland in fine fashion to record a 24-6 first up win. The Underdogs, and emalgam of Ipswich and Redlands, looked completely outclassed by a much improved Cyclones' outfit.
South Queensland: Allianya Takawira. Young 1/1
Darwin: Daniel Heckenberg, Keiran Wyar, George Gregan, and Peter Owens. Bowen 4/6
PoM Points: Peter Owens 3, Keiran Wyar 2, and Kaz Utsonomiya 1.

The Northern Cannons looked in cruise control in their first up BFC clash, easily accounting for Balmain 28-8 to progress through to the next round of competition. The Cannons didn't show any signs of being hurt by a quiet off season, whilst Balmain showed signs of improvement after last year's dreadful season.
Northern: Mat Rogers, Matthew Head, Brett Dallas 2, and Ben Creagh. Pariah 4/6
Balmain: Bryce Gibbs. Penningrove 2/2
PoM Points: Ashton Sims 3, Brett Dallas 2, and Frederick Michalak 1.

Wollongong have given their chances of winning the Bob Fulton Cup a huge boost today, putting on the most impressive performance of the opening round of the Cup with a 44-0 demolition of the Melbourne Executioners. Fans watching at home expected a close clash between two rising sides, but instead got a one sided crushing victory from Wollongong.
Wollongong: Brett Hodgson, Paul Gallen, Brian Bower, Richie Mathers, Derrek Lawton, Stacey Jones, and Luke Covell. Hodgson 8/8
Melbourne: None.
PoM Points: Sebastian Mpofu 3, Brian Bower 2, and Derrek Lawton 1.

A superb knock by their former first graders has seen South Newcastle upset Port Hedlands in their clash today in Perth. The Cavaliers, playing for a chance at being in the ASRL next season, were inspired by a double from Steve Renouf as well as by some superb defensive work by former Capetown star, Sanjay Roberts.
Port Hedlands: Daniel Herbert and Johan Weissner. O'Loftus 2/4
South Newcastle: Steve Renouf 2 and Brad Flemming. Tuni 3/4
PoM Points: Sanjay Roberts 3, Meli Tuni 2, and Steve Renouf 1.

Port Macquarie have been given a real scare in their clash against Durban today in South Africa, coming closer to losing than they'd have expected as they edged out the Cobras for a 29-26 victory. The Stingrays showed a greater level of commitment under the tutelage of Nathan Hoy, and will survive at Durban's expense.
Durban: Peyton Manning, Igor Gavrilin, Rachid Hechiche, and Courtney Brideson. Riley 5/7
Port Macquarie: Jim Gannon, John Sitizein, Lee Briers, and Habib El Muktar. Fields 6/7. Briers 1 fg.
PoM Points: David Simmons 3, Peyton Manning 2, and Habib El Muktar 1.

The trend towards invitational sides winning their opening clash continued today, as the Tonga Reef Sharks made a positive step towards readmission with a 12-4 victory over the Port Kembla Voodoo.
Tonga: Luke Phillips and Bernd Mahrleim. Niu 2/2
Port Kembla: Scott Murrell. Thomas 0/1
PoM Points: Stuart Kelly 3, Amahl Singh 2, and Dan Hills 1.

In another close fought thriller, North Queensland have snuck home to a 16-14 win over Redfern thanks to a late try from Jean-Emmanual Cassin and a conversion from Ben Kirchner. It was not the kind of wins the Dolphins would have liked, but as the saying goes 'a win is a win'.
Redfern: Julian O'Neill and Joe Black. Thumper-Knox 3/3
North Queensland: Jean-Emmanuel Cassin 2 and Kris Radlinski. Kirchner 2/3
PoM Points: Albert Hommus 3, Julian O'Neill 2, and Jean-Emmanual Cassin 1.

Even the coaching genius of Anthony Magro wasn't enough to see Sutherland past Wests Panthers today in Queensland, the Suns unable to match the experience in the Panthers' outfit on the way to a 12-8 loss.
Wests: Scott Anderson and Sam Thaidy. Barnes 2/3
Sutherland: Robert Campbell. W. Campbell 1/3. Cryle 2 fgs.
PoM Points: Adam Mogg 3, Scott Anderson 2, and Sam Thaidy 1.

The invitational sides have more than impressed in the tournament thus far, and New Delhi have come achingly close to being another side to make it through to the second round. The Tigers fought valiantly against Geelong, but ultimately went down 14-12 in exciting fashion.
New Delhi: Sema Metora and Matthew Lyons. Laulu-Togage 2/5
Geelong: Agustin Pichot and Brian Urlacher. Hall 3/4
PoM Points: Ben Cohen 3, Matthew Lyons 2, and Semi Taduala 1.

After an exciting eighty minutes of football, the enthusiasm of the Jakarta Jaguars has made it impossible for Surfers Paradise to score what should have been a routine victory, and with scores locked at 28 all, extra time was called. The extra twenty minutes of play proved far too much for the amateur outfit of Jakarta however, and the Punks ran in three extra time tries for a 42-28 win.
Jakarta: Fred Robards, Matt Pethybridge, David Kratoa 2, and Kel Portas. Sibiya 4/6
Surfers Paradise: Segeni Ngethe, Jason Croker, Darren Lockyer 3, Greg Inglis, Glenn Morrison, and Tony Grimaldi. Deacon 5/8
PoM Points: Darren Lockyer 3, Paul Deacon 2, and Tony Grimaldi 1.

The draw for the second round of competition will be announced soon

Shortly after his teams 30-12 victory over the North West Kookaburras, Perth Taipans coach Andrew Young released a short statement to the press.

"I am reasonably pleased with today's performance. The guys were disappointed after our trial loss to the Ravens and going into this match were looking forward to getting some points on the board and setting a good platform for the latter stages of the Bob Fulton Cup.
It was great to see big Willie Mason at his best today and I'm sure all ASRL fans would have been glad to see him back in form after a very quiet last season. This year we are placing much more emphasis on forward play then we have in the previous seasons and Willie Mason will spearhead this new plan alongside captain Andy Farrel."

The Christchurch Avalanches have put away a very good win in their first ever match recording a good 24-8 win.

Coach Matt Lyons was quoted as saying "I am happy with the way our boys played. We managed to beat one of the finalists of Division Two last season which shows that this new team is here to make an impact."

The player of the match for Christchurch was Brian Lima who just recntly moved from the Centres to the 2nd Row which seems to be a move that has paid dividends for Christchurch.

However the Avalanches have a new challenge for next week, Premier League team the Parramatta Vikings.

Channel 9 News

Bruce Paige: Now over to sport and wal' The Punks had a scare

Wally Lewis: Thats right Bruuuuce. Jakarta took the game to the punks to finish level at full tiiiiiiiime. However the Punks were lucky enough to put the game away after extra tiiiiiime. we caught up with Surfers coach Chris maunderrrrrrr.

Some interview dude: Chris Maunder, a shaky start...

Chris: Thats right mate, its good to get a win after last seasons debacle but i thought we would play a little better then that, i guess its only early on in the season and we will work a bit harder at training this week to fix our mistakes.

Wally: Despite the bad performance from his siiiiiiiide, Darren Lockyer has returned to forrrrrrm playing his best performance for quite a whiiiiiiiiile, Darren scored a Hat Trick of triiiiies and set up 3 otthhhhers to help the punks finally win the game 44- twenty eiiiiggghhhht.

Yes, a veritable plethora of chances to try out our combo's. Damn.

Gigitty gigitty... allllrrriiiiggghhhhtttt

Central Coast on the way to another trophy for their cabnet. Wellington down, Cairns to go...

Well still got some tinkering to do with the Stingers and Mags that is disturbing <_<

lol, Hoff, the man that the character Quagmire is based on.. lol

hey magro, your sig is a fuckin classic, i love itm good luck all,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,troy



btw im issed out :)

You ..... sick ...... fuck ......

hahahahahahah its funny the way u type when your pissed.......should steer clear after beer!

do you want me to put in coffs next round?

Yeah mate, if you can caretake for the time being, that'd be choice.

haha choice ay bro!

will do coffs till the new guy comes in

The Oilers put in a great touch football performance against the Adelaide Attitude. We leaked a lot of points, but they leaked a lot more :P
Our backrow won the game for us. Each went forward at will, defended stoutly and scored a try. Andrew Ryan was our rock. he inspired the deeds of Sonny-Bill Williams, who also put in a superb performance after a quiet finish last season. magne was also superb, as he played like a second five eighth in attack. He took a lot of pressure off Jason Robinson and was rewarded with two tries.
Minichello was our most dangerous back with two tries. He is looking to keep his Australian test spot and will be hard to dislodge from the position.