It was a case of more than just sibling rivallry as Adelaide played host to Northern today, with the Cannons out to make ammends for a humiliating 42-8 loss last week. Whilst it wasn't their finest moment, the Cannons were able to score a victory - getting up 22-14 to maintain their premiership lead.
Adelaide: Ma'a Nonu and Peter Cusack. Carter 3/5
Northern: Michael DeVere, Ben Creagh, and Paul Wellens. Pariah 5/6
HT Score: Adelaide 12-10
Penalties: Adelaide 10-6
Completion Rates: Adelaide 60% Northern 62%
Possession: Adelaide 51%
PoM Points: Michael DeVere 3, Ben Creagh 2, and David Lyons 1.

The Brisbane faithful turned out in force to bid farewell to departing coaching Josh Hussey, but it was a case of Roger Bossert's Sydney Oilers getting the last laugh in the long rivallry - the Oilers crushing Brisbane 34-12 to keep their own season on track.
Brisbane: Josh Hannay and David Stagg. Hannay 2/2
Sydney: Timana Tahu, Amos Roberts, Jason Robinson 2, and Oliver Magne 2. Bennett 5/6
HT Score: Brisbane 12-0
Penalties: 5 all
Completion Rates: Brisbane 66% Sydney 61%
Possession: Sydney 53%
PoM Points: Oliver Magne 3, Jason Robinson 2, and Craig Wing 1.

Jonny Maquina has lifted the Central Phoenix to a crucial win in today's bout with fellow Northern Territory club, Darwin, the former Melbourne locking kicking a late penalty to guide his side to a much needed 31-28 victory.
Central: Luke Burt, Christophe Lamaison, Ashwin Willemse, and Brian Randell. Maquina 7/7. O'Gara 1 fg.
Darwin: Andre Bowen 2, Eduardo Carera, and Marius Joubert. Cooke 6/6
HT Score: Darwin 14-6
Penalties: Central 9-4
Completion Rates: Central 62% Darwin 54%
Possession: Central 51%
PoM Points: Jonny Maquina 3, George Gregan 2, and Paul Cooke 1.

The bad days at Hornsby continued today, the club slumping to its fifth straight loss with a 32-14 scoreline against the very much in form Melbourne Executioners. The hiring of former Canberra hooker Anthony Constipolous seems to be paying dividends for the Executioners, with the young Greek sensation starring for the second straight week.
Melbourne: Brian Carney, Darren Albert, Wairangi Koopu, Anthony Constipolous, and Brian O'Driscroll. Constipolous 6/7
Hornsby: Stephen Jones and Joe Roff. Roff 3/3
HT Score: Melbourne 16-8
Penalties: Hornsby 5-3
Completion Rates: Melbourne 71% Hornsby 66%
Possession: Melbourne 54%
PoM Points: Brian O'Driscroll 3, Anthony Constiplous 2, and Terry Newton 1.

Capetown are back in business, and they let the world know with an emphatic 44-6 thumping of the Auckland Pirates in South Africa. The Ravens have put all memory of their nightmare start to the season behind them with their third straight victory.
Capetown: Cameron Way, Paul Whatuira 2, Martin Gleeson, Danny Orr, Stephen Larkhim, and Bryan Fletcher 2. Way 6/8
Auckland: Dom Feaunati. Spencer 1/1
HT Score: Capetown 10-6
Penalties: Capetown 8-4
Completion Rates: Capetown 77% Auckland 61%
Possession: Capetown 61%
PoM Points: Bryan Fletcher 3, Martin Gleeson 2, and Peter Hewat 1.

A week after knocking off the premiership leading Cannons in fine style, the Punks have been brought back down to earth with a 26-16 loss to Parramatta. In a battle of two resurgent clubs, the Vikings' class showed as they went on to record their sixth victory of the season.
Parramatta: Pat Richards 2, Mark Gasnier 2, and Mark Riddell. Fitzgibbon 3/5
Surfers Paradise: Rhys Wesser 2 and Tony Grimaldi. Deacon 2/3
HT Score: Parramatta 14-10
Penalties: Surfers Paradise 4-3
Completion Rates: Parramatta 65% Surfers Paradise 54%
Possession: Parramatta 50%
PoM Points: Tim Smith 3, Pat Richards 2, and Eric Grothe Jr 1.

The Crusade continued to dog the steps of the front-running Northern Cannons, Gold Coast not looking at all troubled in their clash against Central Coast today. Luke Rooney continues to stick with Trent Pariah in the Dally M tallying as well - starring in the side's 34-12 beating of the hapless reigning premiers.
Gold Coast: Matt King, Andrew Johns, Ben Kennedy, Luke Rooney 2, and Steve Southern. Johns 5/6
Central Coast: Matt Utai and Jordan Capri. El Masri 2/2
HT Score: Gold Coast 24-6
Penalties: Gold Coast 8-6
Completion Rates: Gold Coast 66% Central Coast 62%
Possession: Gold Coast 53%
PoM Points: Luke Rooney 3, Matt King 2, and Andrew Johns 1.

Wagga's winless year continues, but the Stallions went close in today's match against Perth, going down 22-14. The first win is coming, said coach Theo Kamis, and it certainly looked like the case when Wagga surged back from 16-4 down late in the half, only to have their dreams of victory spoiled by a late Daniel Abraham try.
Wagga: Jon Wilkin, Scott Magro, and Jamie Rooney. Magro 1/3
Perth: Daniel Abraham, Jonny Wilkinson 2, and Willie Beaman. Wilkinson 3/4
HT Score: Perth 16-4
Penalties: Perth 5-4
Completion Rates: Wagga 66% Perth 62%
Possession: Wagga 53%
PoM Points: Lesley Vainikolo 3, Derick Hougard 2, and Jonny Wilkinson 1.

In this round's game of the week, the Wellington Cougars have shown their premiership credentials in toughing out an 18-14 victory over the Wollongong Destructors. Both sides scored three tries, but some uncharacteristic misses from Brett Hodgson left the visitors adrift.
Wellington: Scott Hill 2 and Paul Rauhihi. Tai 3/4
Wollongong: Danny McGuire 2 and Stacey Jones. Covell 1/1. Hodgson 0/2
HT Score: Wollongong 8-6
Completion Rates: Wellington 66% Wollongong 66%
Possession: Wollongong 51%
PoM Points: Shawn Tai 3, Danny McGuire 2, and Lance Thompson 1.

Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. Northern 7 1 0 184 132 +52 14
2. Gold Coast 6 2 0 211 139 +72 12
3. Melbourne 6 2 0 172 114 +58 12
4. Wellington 6 2 0 188 144 +44 12
5. Parramatta 6 2 0 137 125 +12 12
6. Surfers Paradise 5 3 0 175 142 +33 10
7. Darwin 4 4 0 180 111 +69 8
8. Sydney 4 4 0 169 137 +29 8

9. Wollongong 4 4 0 169 159 +10 8
10. Central 4 4 0 171 180 -9 8
11. Perth 4 4 0 144 176 -32 8
12. Capetown 3 5 0 165 146 +19 6
13. Central Coast 3 5 0 136 145 -9 6
14. Hornsby 3 5 0 160 223 -63 6
15. Auckland 3 5 0 120 202 -82 6
16. Adelaide 2 6 0 129 156 -27 4
17. Brisbane 2 6 0 139 198 -59 4
18. Wagga 0 8 0 106 226 -120 0

Another win for Melbourne.... Yay!!!

Constipolous really is coming up trumps, although i could really use jason cayless next week!

The week after the departure of good luck charm Anthony Magro, the Bondi Battlers have experienced their first loss in recent weeks, the Battlers going down 30-24 Liverpool side desperate to atone for last week's embarassing home loss.
Bondi: Matt Adamson 2, Michael Korkidas, and Brent Grose. Thorman 4/5
Liverpool: Wade Humphrys, Raymond Crown, Adam Hayden, and Lawrence Dallaglio. March 7/8
HT Score: 12 all
Penalties: Liverpool 8-7
Completion Rates: Bondi 66% Liverpool 74%
Possession: Liverpool 52%
PoM Points: Raymond Crown 3, Chris Thorman 2, and Paul March 1.

Geelong have recorded a crucial win in today's away tie against Canberra, the Bengals snaring a solid 26-12 victory against the former premiership contenders.
Canberra: Caleb Ralph and Sean Long. Flatley 2/2
Geelong: Agustin Pichot, Corey Pearson, Travis Norton, and Craig Frawley 2. Hall 3/5
HT Score: Geelong 10-6
Penalties: 6 all
Completion Rates: Canberra 62% Geelong 70%
Possession: Geelong 56%
PoM Points: Craig Frawley 3, Miguel Detreaux 2, and Travis Norton 1.

Tasmania have rebounded right back to form after last week's demoralising loss to Tamworth City, the Devils inflicting a big 38-4 defeat on the Redfern All Whites to get their season right back on track.
Tasmania: Wes Davies, Nick Fozzard, Olivier Sarramea, Varasiko Tokarei, and Imanol Harinordoquy 2. Burke 6/7
Redfern: Jamie Burrows. Hendersen 0/2
HT Score: Tasmania 18-4
Penalties: Tasmania 11-9
Completion Rates: Tasmania 75% Redfern 69%
Possession: Tasmania 59%
PoM Points: Steve Williams 3, Wes Davies 2, and Richard Gerling 1.

Newcastle's poor season continued in today's must win home clash against North Queensland, the Fear looking a shadow of their former selves in a 26-8 home beating.
Newcastle: Gareth Ellis. Harris 2/3
North Queensland: Michael Wainwright, Ben Kirchner, Nick Youngquest 2, and Kris Radlinski. Kirchner 3/5
HT Score: North Queensland 16-8
Penalties: Newcastle 7-6
Completion Rates: Newcastle 61% North Queensland 61%
Possession: North Queensland 53%
PoM Points: Ben Kirchner 3, Nick Youngquest 2, and Derren Witcombe 1.

Port Macquarie continue to prove a thorn in the side of many a Div 2 side, the Stingrays scoring an unexpected 14-10 victory over Campbelltown today to keep in touch with the top eight.
Campbelltown: Luke Williamson and Andrew Dunemann. Hicks 1/2
Port Macquarie: Alfred Songoro and Alan Tongue. Briers 1/1. Fields 2/2
HT Score: Port Macquarie 12-0
Penalties: Campbelltown 9-6
Completion Rates: Campbelltown 58% Port Macquarie 64%
Possession: Port Macquarie 51%
PoM Points: Shane Rodney 3, Andrew Dunemann 2, and John Sitizein 1.

They may have put 64 on Liverpool last week, but Lake Heights found themselves on the wrong end of a big score in today's clash with Tamworth City - the Titans rampaging over the Lightning for a 42-12 win.
Tamworth City: Joseph Goldstein, Keith Galloway, Pascal Jampy 3, Luke Davico, and Craig Smith 2. Bates 5/8
Lake Heights: Rico Gear and Willie Manu. Kempton 2/2
HT Score: Tamworth City 26-0
Penalties: Lake Heights 5-3
Completion Rates: Tamworth City 65% Lake Heights 49%
Possession: Tamworth City 58%
PoM Points: Joseph Goldstein 3, Pascal Jampy 2, and Eron Bates 1.

In a high scoring clash Eastwood have scored a vital win over the winless Waikato Breakers - cruising to a 40-26 victory after a tight fought first half.
Eastwood: Reece Simmonds 2, Craig Kenniwell, David Hodgson, Alex Chan 2, and Steve Mattai. Burrow 2/3. Hollingsworth 4/6
Waikato: Toutai Kefu, Tommy Saxton, Matt Geyer, and Toa Kohe-Love. Geyer 5/5
HT Score: Eastwood 24-20
Penalties: Eastwood 13-3
Completion Rates: Eastwood 74% Waikato 60%
Possession: Eastwood 58%
PoM Points: Rob Burrow 3, Paul Stephenson 2, and Alex Chan 1.

New England today continued northern NSW's domination of Division Two, the Ferrets barely raising a sweat in a big 22-6 victory over the unpredictable Christchurch Avalanches, who today learned that their coach has chosen to stick with them despite an offer to coach the Hornsby Mavericks in the Premier League.
Christchurch: Doug Rumble. Davidson 1/1
New England: Akido Li, Brent Stone, Kees Meeuws, and Brett Stapleton. Ferris 3/4
HT Score: New England 16-6
Penalties: Christchurch 8-6
Completion Rates: Christchurch 70% New England 73%
Possession: New England 53%
PoM Points: Reece Williams 3, Brent Stone 2, and Gael Tallic 1.

South Queensland's fall from grace continues unabated, the Underdogs looking like their namesakes in a disheartening 24-10 loss to the resurgent Carnarvon Cowboys.
Carnarvon: Jamie Venables, Mitchell Sargent, Adam Dykes, and Matthew Gafa. Luana 4/4
South Queensland: Barry Muir. Young 3/3
HT Score: Carnarvon 12-4
Penalties: South Queensland 8-5
Completion Rates: Carnarvon 73% South Queensland 65%
Possession: Carnarvon 56%
PoM Points: Jamie Venables 3, Graham Luana 2, and Joe Williams 1.

Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. Tamworth City 7 1 0 240 114 +126 14
2. New England 7 1 0 211 111 +100 14
3. North Queensland 7 1 0 183 102 +81 14
4. Tasmania 6 2 0 236 102 +134 12
5. South Queensland 5 2 1 159 146 +13 11
6. Canberra 5 3 0 172 154 +18 10
7. Bondi 5 3 0 161 168 -7 10
8. Christchurch 4 3 1 127 136 -9 9

9. Carnarvon 4 4 0 154 138 +16 8
10. Port Macquarie 4 4 0 129 178 -49 8
11. Campbelltown 3 5 0 146 146 +0 6
12. Eastwood 3 5 0 174 191 -17 6
13. Liverpool 3 5 0 138 253 -115 6
14. Geelong 2 5 1 120 147 -27 5
15. Lake Heights 1 5 2 168 178 -10 4
16. Newcastle 2 6 0 104 154 -50 4
17. Redfern 1 6 1 130 206 -76 3
18. Waikato 0 8 0 110 238 -128 0

you ripper.

YES!!!

Two away victories in a row, a combined score of 50-12 against top eight teams :D

Next week we finally get another home game, and a chance to atone for our embarassing home loss against carnavon


Look out campbelltown - the bengals are on the prowl!

Premier League Stats

Top Pointscorers
1. Trent Pariah (Northern) - 125
2. Paul Deacon (Surfers Paradise) - 118
3. Andrew Johns (Gold Coast) - 93
4. Andre Bowen (Darwin) - 86
5. Jonny Wilkinson (Perth) - 81
6. Josh Hannay (Brisbane) - 80
7. Craig Fitzgibbon (Parramatta) - 76
8. Scott Magro (Wagga) - 72
8. Brett Hodgson (Wollongong) - 72
10. Jonny Maquina (Central) - 70

Top Tryscorers
1. Luke Rooney (Gold Coast) - 12
2. Rhys Wesser (Surfers Paradise) - 10
3. Trent Pariah (Northern) - 9
3. Michael DeVere (Northern) - 9
3. Julian Santarakista (Gold Coast) - 9
6. Clyde Rathbone (Wellington) - 7
6. Jason Robinson (Sydney) - 7
8. Paul Deacon (Surfers Paradise) - 6
8. Braith Anasta (Central Coast) - 6
8. Greg Inglis (Surfers Paradise) - 6
Martin Gleeson, Scott Magro, Ma'a Nonu, and Joe Roff also on six

Dally M Leaderboard
1. Trent Pariah (Northern) - 18
2. Luke Rooney (Gold Coast) - 16
3. Clyde Rathbone (Wellington) - 13
4. Paul Deacon (Surfers Paradise) - 11
5. Michael DeVere (Northern) - 10
5. Paul Cooke (Darwin) - 10
7. Craig Fitzgibbon (Parramatta) - 9
7. Matt Orford (Wellington) - 9
7. Braith Anasta (Central Coast) - 9
7. Oliver Magne (Sydney) - 9

Division Two Stats

Top Pointscorers
1. Eron Bates (Tamworth City) - 126
2. Matthew Burke (Tasmania) - 118
3. Ben Kirchner (North Queensland) - 101
4. Daniel Ferris (New England) - 86
5. Damien Fields (Port Macquarie) - 82
6. Thomas Kempton (Lake Heights) - 70
6. Paul March (Liverpool) - 70
6. Bobby Young (South Queensland) - 70
9. Graham Luana (Carnarvon) - 66
10. Doug Rumble (Christchurch) - 62

Top Tryscorers
1. Matthew Burke (Tasmania) - 12
2. Rico Gear (Lake Heights) - 11
3. Luke Ricketson (Tamworth City) - 8
3. Nick Youngquest (North Queensland) - 8
5. Anthony Farrah (Tamworth City) - 7
5. Craig Frawley (Geelong) - 7
5. Matthew Gidley (Tamworth City) - 7
8. Christian Cullen (Eastwood) - 6
8. Caleb Ralph (Canberra) - 6
10. Ben Kirchner (North Queensland) - 5
+ a dozen others

Dally M Leaderboard
1. Matthew Burke (Tasmania) - 14
2. Eron Bates (Tamworth City) - 11
2. Thomas Kempton (Lake Heights) - 11
2. Christian Cullen (Eastwood) - 11
5. Ben Kirchner (North Queensland) - 9
5. Anthony Farrah (Tamworth City) - 9
5. Caleb Ralph (Canberra) - 9
8. Daniel Ferris (New England) - 8
8. Graham Luana (Carnarvon) - 8
8. Graeme Frame (Tamworth City) - 8
Plus Todd Byrne and Barry Liverpool

Great to see that the Oilers have the form lock of the year in Oliver Magne. He'll be looking forward to captaining France in the next World Cup. He has not had things go all his way at the Oilers, due to an outstanding performer in Ben Kennedy ahead of him. Now, he is gained the confidence in his teammates to do the job.
Jason Robinson is also displaying the best form of his career this season by scoring 7 tries. Keeping out the current Australian fullback in Anthony Minichello is no mean feat.