What better way to kick off the weekend than with a cracking grand final rematch? The unbeaten Northern Cannons had a tough away task against the form starved but always dangerous Central Coast Falcons and emerged with a hard fought 18-8 victory thanks to a hat-trick of tries from Paul Wellens.
Central Coast: Brent Sherwin. El Masri 2/2
Northern: Paul Wellens 3. Pariah 3/4
HT Score: Northern 8-2
Penalties: Central Coast 8-5
Completion Rates: Central Coast 56% Northern 73%
Possession: Northern 51%
PoM Points: Phil Graham 3, Paul Wellens 2, and Trent Pariah 1.

In a thrilling game in New Zealand, the Wellington Cougars have maintained their grip on second position with a nail-biting 24-18 victory over the courageous Adelaide Attitude, who continue their luckless season with another narrow loss.
Wellington: Nigel Vagana, Clyde Rathbone, and Jamie Thackery. Tai 6/7
Adelaide: Ma'a Nonu, Matt Henjak, and Rupeni Caucau. Carter 3/5
HT Score: Adelaide 10-8
Penalties: Wellington 12-3
Completion Rates: Wellington 71% Adelaide 72%
Possession: Wellington 55%
PoM Points: Jamie Thackery 3, Matt Orford 2, and Phil Waugh 1.

After pushing Gold Coast to the limit last week, it was back to the same for Wagga in today's home tie against Darwin - the Badgers barely raising an arm in struggle as they were thumped 40-0 in front of their dismayed fans.
Wagga: None.
Darwin: Brett Stewart 2, Scott Donald, Craig King, Paul Cooke 2, and Drew Mitchell. Bowen 6/8
HT Score: Darwin 18-0
Penalties: Darwin 7-5
Completion Rates: Wagga 75% Darwin 67%
Possession: Darwin 62%
PoM Points: Craig King 3, Paul Cooke 2, and Ben Westwood 1.

The battle between Queensland's glamour club has not failed in its promise to deliver a cracking clash, and the Gold Coast Crusade were on the right end of the scoreline, snaring an enthralling 22-20 victory over the Bulls on the back of Andrew Johns' boot.
Gold Coast: Luke Rooney, Danny Nutley, and Danny Buderus. Johns 5/6
Brisbane: Luke O'Donnell 2 and Chris Flannery. Hannay 4/5
HT Score: Gold Coast 14-8
Penalties: Gold Coast 11-7
Completion Rates: Gold Coast 80% Brisbane 61%
Possession: Gold Coast 53%
PoM Points: Luke Rooney 3, Matt King 2, and Andrew Johns 1.

Melbourne are back in the winner's circle this week, the Executioners scoring a win over fellow mid table rivals Perth, 20-12.
Melbourne: Darren Albert, Richard Horne, and James Harrison. Constipolous 4/5
Perth: Tony Fabri and Lesley Vainikolo. Wilkinson 2/2
HT Score: Melbourne 8-6
Penalties: Melbourne 10-7
Completion Rates: Melbourne 81% Perth 66%
Possession: Melbourne 54%
PoM Points: Terry Newton 3, Brian Carney 2, and Richard Horne 1.

After the usual wave of bombast and self promotion during the week from Oilers' coach Roger Bossert, the side has once again failed to deliver, the 'unbeatable' Oilers slumping to their fourth loss of the season in the form of a 16-12 loss to Parramatta.
Parramatta: Eric Grothe Jr, Craig Fitzgibbon, and Tonie Carroll. Fitzgibbon 2/4
Sydney: Amos Roberts and Craig Wing. Tupanga-anga 2/2
HT Score: Parramatta 10-0
Penalties: Parramatta 11-8
Completion Rates: Parramatta 66% Sydney 61%
Possession: Parramatta 55%
PoM Points: Craig Fitzgibbon 3, Tonie Carroll 2, and Eric Grothe Jr 1.

The nightmare continues for the formerly unbeaten Hornsby Mavericks, the side slumping to their third straight loss with an embarassing 36-16 beating at the hands of suddenly in form Auckland.
Auckland: Ben Tune 3, Dom Feaunati, Shane Mongta 2, and Cameron Davis. Spencer 4/7
Horsnby: Willie Tonga and Joe Roff 2. Roff 2/3
HT Score: Auckland 16-6
Penalties: Hornsby 7-4
Completion Rates: Auckland 60% Hornsby 58%
Possession: Auckland 55%
PoM Points: Michael Withers 3, Ben Tune 2, and Carlos Spencer 1.

The Capetown drought is over, the Ravens posting their first victory of the year with an emotional and exciting 22-12 victory over the Central Phoenix in South Africa. The return of Nathan Blacklock paid immediate dividends, 'Tingha' scoring the third try of the match before the Ravens knuckled down to defend in the second half.
Capetown: Nathan Blacklock, Martin Gleeson 2, and Radike Samo. Way 2/4
Central: Luke Burt and James Prichard. O'Gara 2/2
HT Score: Capetown 16-0
Penalties: Capetown 7-5
Completion Rates: Capetown 62% Central 64%
Possession: Capetown 57%
PoM Points: Radike Samo 3, Marty Holah 2, and Nathan Blacklock 1.

It was a low scoring thriller played out on the Gold Coast this afternoon, with Surfers Paradise flexing their premiership muscles with a 12-10 victory over the in form but injury ravaged Wollongong Destructors.
Surfers Paradise: Adam Perry and Anton Oliver. Deacon 2/2
Wollongong: Danny Ward and Jaime Soward. Hodgson 1/2
HT Score: Surfers Paradise 12-4
Penalties: Surfers Paradise 11-4
Completion Rates: Surfers Paradise 66% Wollongong 56%
Possession: Surfers Paradise 57%
PoM Points: Paul Deacon 3, Rhys Wesser 2, and Lance Thompson 1.

Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. Northern 6 0 0 154 74 +80 12
2. Wellington 5 1 0 162 96 +66 10
3. Darwin 4 2 0 136 62 +74 8
4. Gold Coast 4 2 0 143 119 +24 8
5. Melbourne 4 2 0 104 86 +18 8
6. Surfers Paradise 4 2 0 115 108 +7 8
7. Parramatta 4 2 0 87 91 -4 8
8. Central 3 3 0 122 128 -6 6

9. Wollongong 3 3 0 117 125 -8 6
10. Auckland 3 3 0 108 126 -18 6
11. Perth 3 3 0 106 124 -18 6
12. Hornsby 3 3 0 132 172 -40 6
13. Sydney 2 4 0 116 113 -3 4
14. Central Coast 2 4 0 92 105 -13 4
15. Brisbane 2 4 0 113 128 -15 4
16. Adelaide 1 5 0 97 118 -21 2
17. Capetown 1 5 0 102 126 -24 2
18. Wagga 0 6 0 80 185 -105 0

whoa-yeah imho

Auckland continue to roll on. That's 3 wins back to back now. History says that 8 wins or 16 points should be enough to avoid the bottom 2. We're well on the way to passing that mark. We're up to 10th. Bring on the Falcons

Three words:

Thank Fucking Christ

I don't like this game anymore...

someone else want to coach the Falcons?

no thanks, wouldn't want to touch them even with a million dollar bribe. :P

hooray - 1 and 5! and all 5 lost by between 2 and 6!
where are you george carmont???

Bondi's resurrection at the hands of Central Coast mentor Anthony Magro continued in today's clash against Carnarvon, the Battlers doing justice to their namesake with a solid 22-8 away victory.
Carnarvon: Steven Wild and John Stankevich. Luana 0/2
Bondi: Matt Sing, Brent Grose 2, and Matt Adamson. Thorman 3/4
HT Score: Bondi 22-0
Penalties: Carnarvon 9-3
Completion Rates: Carnarvon 68% Bondi 62%
Possession: Bondi 52%
PoM Points: Matt Sing 3, David Vaealiki 2, and Karl Temata 1.

Christchurch have won an exciting clash against the Redfern All Whites today, scoring late to blow the scoreline out from 23-16 with eight minutes remaining to 35-16 at fulltime.
Christchurch: Brett Kimmorley 2, Stacey Katu, Matt Dawson, Brian Lima, and Neale Wyatt. Davidson 5/8. Kimmorley 1 fg.
Redfern: Joe Black, Andy Hendersen, and Andrew McFadden. Dynevor 2/3
HT Score: Christchurch 22-0
Penalties: Christchurch 13-2
Completion Rates: Christchurch 71% Redfern 60%
Possession: Christchurch 65%
PoM Points: Matt Dawson 3, Brett Kimmorley 2, and Kamaal Lolesi 1.

Canberra have rebounded from a worrying loss last week to score a dramatic 32-28 victory over Eastwood in what must surely be the Division Two match of the round. The game looked locked up at 28 all with three and a half minutes remaining, but late penalties allowed Canberra to scrape home.
Eastwood: Tom O'Shea 2, Steve Mattai, Rob Burrow, and Daniel Vickerman. March 4/5
Canberra: Maleky O'Connor 2, Shannon Hegarty, Toori Tatu, and Caleb Ralph. Tatu 6/8
HT Score: Eastwood 16-14
Penalties: Canberra 11-4
Completion Rates: Eastwood 66% Canberra 70%
Possession: Canberra 52%
PoM Points: Shannon Hegarty 3, Caleb Ralph 2, and Toori Tatu 1.

New England are back in the winner's circle today, the Ferrets doing a number on out of sorts Newcastle, 24-6.
Newcastle: Ewan Dowes. Harris 1/1
New England: De Wet Barry, Vince Mellars, Kurt Grohl, and Sione Lauaki. Ferris 4/4
HT Score: New England 24-0
Penalties: New England 5-3
Completion Rates: Newcastle 66% New England 77%
Possession: New England 55%
PoM Points: Vince Mellars 3, Kurt Grohl 2, and Iestyn Harris 1.

A late penalty goal from Eron Bates has broken the hearts of the Geelong faithful, the two points nosing Tamworth City clear to a 26-24 victory over the courageous Bengals.
Tamworth City: Roy Bell, Anthony Farrah, Graeme Frame, and Stephen Kearney. Bates 5/6
Geelong: Nathan Grey, Mauro Bergamasco, Royce Simms, and Warren Jowitt. Hall 4/5
HT Score: Geelong 8-6
Penalties: Geelong 6-3
Completion Rates: Tamworth City 70% Geelong 55%
Possession: Geelong 52%
PoM Points: Matthew Gidley 3, Warren Jowitt 2, and Nathan Grey 1.

North Queensland remain one of Division Two's teams to beat, whilst Port Macquarie are starting to slip back into last year's form after succumbing to the Dolphins in today's match, 28-12.
Port Macquarie: Alan Tongue and Chris Whittaker. Fields 2/2
North Queensland: Jean-Emmanuel Cassin, Nick Youngquest 2, Brian O'Keefe, and Corey Haim. Kirchner 4/5
HT Score: North Queensland 18-6
Penalties: North Queensland 7-4
Completion Rates: Port Macquarie 54% North Queensland 59%
Possession: North Queensland 56%
PoM Points: Jean-Emmanuel Cassin 3, Corey Haim 2, and Todd Byrne 1.

Tasmania must surely be firming as promotion favourites following today's absolute demolition of the star studded Campbelltown Invasion - the Devils looking red hot as they raced in seven tries on their way to a 40-18 away win.
Campbelltown: Nathan Wood, Dan Backo, and Brad Thorn. Hicks 3/3
Tasmania: Matthew Burke, Imanol Harinordoquy, Steve Williams, Joe Mbu, Jerrie Muller, Nick Fozzard, and Tristan Law. Burke 6/7
HT Score: Tasmania 22-6
Penalties: Tasmania 14-10
Completion Rates: Campbelltown 68% Tasmania 67%
Possession: Tasmania 57%
PoM Points: Matthew Burke 3, Jerrie Muller 2, and Joe Mbu 1.

Waikato are all but certainties to take out this year's Division Two wooden spoon, the Breakers looking positively woeful as they were bested 32-18 by the Liverpool Rockets at home today.
Waikato: Henry Paul, Hutch Maivia, and Chaz Warrington. Geyer 3/4
Liverpool: Marcus Bai, Felipe Contempone, Adam Hayden, Grant Johnston, Shane Marteene, and Jamie Bloom. March 4/7
HT Score: 18 all
Penalties: Waikato 8-4
Completion Rates: Waikato 74% Liverpool 71%
Possession: Liverpool 53%
Pom Points: Steve Molloy 3, Marcus Bai 2, and Paul March 1.

South Queensland remain at the top of the Division Two roost following today's exciting clash with Lake Heights, the Underdogs triumphing 34-22 in a high scoring clash.
Lake Heights: Rico Gear, Motu Tony, Willie Talau, and Ben Jeffries. Kempton 3/4
South Queensland: Barry Muir, Lee Hookey, Shannon O'Reilly, Martin Moana, Bobby Young, and Martin Moana. Young 5/7
HT Score: South Queensland 18-10
Penalties: Lake Heights 8-4
Completion Rates: Lake Heights 60% South Queensland 67%
Possession: South Queensland 51%
PoM Points: Barry Muir 3, Bobby Young 2, and Martin Moana 1.

Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. South Queensland 5 0 1 143 94 +49 11
2. Tasmania 5 1 0 182 66 +116 10
3. Tamworth City 5 1 0 166 84 +82 10
4. New England 5 1 0 161 99 +60 10
5. North Queensland 5 1 0 145 84 +61 10
6. Christchurch 4 1 1 121 90 +31 9
7. Canberra 4 2 0 140 118 +22 8
8. Bondi 4 2 0 102 114 -12 8

9. Campbelltown 3 3 0 126 120 +6 6
10. Carnarvon 2 4 0 104 108 -4 4
11. Newcastle 2 4 0 86 108 -22 4
12. Eastwood 2 4 0 114 139 -25 4
13. Port Macquarie 2 4 0 89 152 -63 4
14. Liverpool 2 4 0 100 165 -65 4
15. Redfern 1 4 1 102 135 -33 3
16. Lake Heights 0 4 2 92 128 -36 2
17. Geelong 0 5 1 70 135 -65 1
18. Waikato 0 6 0 68 172 -104 0

ahhhh! dammit - two measly points away from my first regular season win :(

Premier League Stats

Top Point Scorers
1. Trent Pariah (Northern) - 115
2. Paul Deacon (Surfers Paradise) - 94
3. Andre Bowen (Darwin) - 70
4. Josh Hannay (Brisbane) - 66
5. Andrew Johns (Gold Coast) - 65
6. Jonny Wilkinson (Perth) - 63
7. Scott Magro (Wagga) - 62
8. Craig Fitzgibbon (Parramatta) - 58
8. Brett Hodgson (Wollongong) - 58
10. Jonny Maquina (Central) - 56

Top Try-Scorers
1. Trent Pariah (Northern) - 9
1. Luke Rooney (Gold Coast) - 9
1. Julian Santarakista (Gold Coast) - 9
4. Michael DeVere (Northern) - 8
4. Rhys Wesser (Surfers Paradise) - 8
6. Clyde Rathbone (Wellington) - 7
7. Greg Inglis (Surfers Paradise) - 6
8. Paul Deacon (Surfers Paradise) - 5
8. Vladimir Vlostov (Hornsby) - 5
8. Braith Anasta (Central Coast) - 5
+ seven others

Dally M Leaderboard
1. Trent Pariah - 18 (Northern)
2. Clyde Rathbone - 13 (Wellington)
3. Luke Rooney - 10 (Gold Coast)
4. Matt Orford (Wellington) - 9
4. Paul Deacon (Surfers Paradise) - 9
6. Vladimir Vlostov (Hornsby) - 8
6. Tommy O'Reilly (Gold Coast) - 8
6. Andre Bowen (Darwin) - 8
9. Michael DeVere (Northern) - 7
9. Justin Harrison (Hornsby) - 7
+ Julian Santarkista (Gold Coast) and Paul Cooke (Darwin)

Three points from the win????

Yay Bondi yay... I'm awesome...

Division Two Stats

Top Pointscorers
1. Eron Bates (Tamworth City) - 98
2. Matthew Burke (Tasmania) - 92
3. Ben Kirchner (North Queensland) - 87
4. Damien Fields (Port Macquarie) - 72
5. Daniel Ferris (New England) - 68
6. Bobby Young (South Queensland) - 64
7. Doug Rumble (Christchurch) - 58
8. Chris Hicks (Campbelltown) - 56
9. Paul March (Liverpool) - 50
10. Graham Luana (Carnarvon) - 44

Top Try-Scorers
1. Matthew Burke (Tasmania) - 10
2. Luke Ricketson (Tamworth City) - 8
3. Anthony Farrah (Tamworth City) - 7
3. Rico Gear (Lake Heights) - 7
5. Christian Cullen (Eastwood) - 6
5. Matthew Gidley (Tamworth City) - 6
5. Nick Youngquest (North Queensland) - 6
5. Jerrie Muller (Tasmania) - 5
9. Caleb Ralph (Canberra) - 4
9. Ben Kirchner (North Queensland) - 4
+ a fuckload of others on 4

Dally M Leaderboard
1. Matthew Burke (Tasmania) - 11
1. Christian Cullen (Eastwood) - 11
3. Eron Bates (Tamworth City) - 10
4. Anthony Farrah (Tamworth City) - 9
5. Barry Liverpool (South Queensland) - 8
5. Thomas Kempton (Lake Heights) - 8
5. Caleb Ralph (Canberra) - 8
8. Graeme Frame (Tamworth City) - 6
8. Matthew Gidley (Tamworth City) - 6
8. Ben Kirchner (Tamworth City) - 6
+ Paul March and Graham Luana

Chris,

Matt Burke has 14 POM points