Wellington continue to place pressure on first placed Gold Coast heading in to their round twenty four blockbuster, the Cougars looking strong in accounting for Melbourne 24-14 at home. The ex Crusade halves' pairing starred, with Matt Orford dominant throughout.
Wellington: David Kidwell, Matt Orford 2, and Scott Hill. Tai 4/5
Melbourne: Brian O'Driscroll and Joel Clinton. Constipolous 3/3
HT Score: Wellington 22-14
Penalties: Melbourne 8-4
Completion Rates: Wellington 63% Melbourne 62%
Possession: Wellington 51%
PoM Points: Matt Orford 3, Scott Hill 2, and Sean O'Loughlin 1.

Capetown have brought Adelaide's recent run of good form to a shuddering halt, the in form Ravens proving far too strong for an injury hit Adelaide side and recording a 22-6 win over the home side.
Adelaide: Matt Giteau. Carter 1/1
Capetown: Nathan Blacklock, Paul Whatuira, and Peter Hewat. Way 5/5
HT Score: Capetown 8-0
Penalties: Adelaide 8-6
Completion Rates: Adelaide 60% Capetown 63%
Possession: Capetown 52%
PoM Points: Joe Galavao 3, Paul Whatuira 2, and Tim Jonkers 1.

Former Eastwood mentor Vahe Ohanessian has had an immediate effect on the ailing fortunes of Parramatta, with a new look Parramatta side running rampant over hapless Hornsby and scoring a desperately needed 44-16 victory.
Parramatta: Pat Richards, Ryan Cross, Jamie Lyon, Evarn Tuimavave 2, Luke Bailey, and Michael Vella 2. Fitzgibbon 6/8
Hornsby: Dean Widders and Reuben Thorne. Roff 4/5
HT Score: Parramatta 30-10
Penalties: Hornsby 10-8
Completion Rates: Parramatta 73% Hornsby 63%
Possession: Parramatta 55%
PoM Points: Jamie Lyon 3, Pat Richards 2, and Tonie Carroll 1.

The Crusade looked rusty in today's clash against Perth, with only the brilliance of a returning Andrew Johns able to see the side scrape home to an embarassing 18-16 victory over the Taipans.
Gold Coast: Julian Santarakista, Luke Rooney, and Andrew Johns. Johns 3/4
Perth: Justin Hodges, Daniel Abraham, and Andy Farrell. Wilkinson 2/3
HT Score: Gold Coast 14-4
Penalties: Perth 7-5
Completion Rates: Gold Coast 62% Perth 68%
Possession: Gold Coast 51%
PoM Points: Andrew Johns 3, Trent Waterhouse 2, and Tony Puletua 1.

The blockbuster trade that has seen Canberra's Sean Long move to Central Coast has had an immediate and emphatic effect, with the Falcons dominating much of the match against the much higher placed Northern Cannons in today's grudge match. Long scored a try and had a hand in three others in a man of the match performance. The Falcons were in control at half time but a courageous fight back from the Cannons almost stole the day. Only a late El Masri four pointer could wrap it up at 34-24.
Northern: Mat Rogers, Michael DeVere, David Lyons, and Brent Kite. Pariah 4/4
Central Coast: Jordan Capri, Hazem El Masri, Braith Anasta, Sean Long, Stuart Fielden, and Paul Sculthorpe. El Masri 5/7
HT Score: Central Coast 30-12
Penalties: 8 all
Completion Rates: Northern 67% Central Coast 68%
Possession: Central Coast 54%
PoM Points: Sean Long 3, Gareth Hock 2, and Matt Utai 1.

An inspiring performance from David Stagg has been central in Brisbane's 26-4 victory over Auckland today, the Bulls keeping their top eight dream alive thanks largely to a hat-trick from the unassuming back rower.
Auckland: Nathan Sharpe. Swain 0/1
Brisbane: Leon Bott, Jonathon Thurston, and David Stagg 3. Hannay 3/5
HT Score: Brisbane 22-0
Penalties: Brisbane 9-6
Completion Rates: Auckland 75% Brisbane 70%
Possession: Brisbane 54%
PoM Points: David Stagg 3, Leon Bott 2, and Michael Crocker 1.

The goal kicking of Darren Bennet was all that could seperate premiership contenders Sydney and Central today, with both clubs scoring three tries but the legacy of fortress Telstra remaining with the Oilers, who went on to win it 22-18. With inspirational captain Jason Robinson and up and comer Sonny-Bill Williams due back, the Oilers could be a real dark horse for this year's crown.
Sydney: Benji Marshall, Oliver Magne, and Anthony Minichiello. Bennet 5/5
Central: Clinton Schifcofske, James Prichard, and Joe Vagana. Maquina 3/3
HT Score: Sydney 8-0
Penalties: Sydney 9-4
Completion Rates: Sydney 70% Central 66%
Possession: Sydney 52%
PoM Points: Tyler Durden 3, Martin Johnson 2, and Anthony Minichiello 1.

After reaffirming his committment to the Surfers Paradise Punks earlier in the week, Chris Maunder has piloted the side back into the top eight courtesy of a 37-14 victory over the more favoured Darwin Cyclones.
Surfers Paradise: Jake Webster, Darren Lockyer, Corey Parker, Tony Grimaldi, and Monty Betham. Deacon 8/9. Deacon 1 fg.
Darwin: Drew Mitchell, Scott Donald, and Tommy Gallaghar. Bowen 1/3
HT Score: Surfers Paradise 16-8
Penalties: Surfers Paradise 9-2
Completion Rates: Surfers Paradise 69% Darwin 63%
Possession: Surfers Paradise 55%
PoM Points: Steve Menzies 3, George Gregan 2, and Eduardo Carera 1.

Wollongong won't have taken much from today's game against Wagga, with many at the club probably prefering to forget the abysmal effort shown in a narrow 12-8 victory over the relegation bound Stallions.
Wagga: Sebastian Azema. Magro 2/2
Wollongong: Paul Gallen. Hodgson 2/2. Covell 2/2
HT Score: 8 all
Penalties: Wollongong 8-5
Completion Rates: Wagga 55% Wollongong 67%
Possession: Wollongong 55%
PoM Points: Shaun Berrigan 3, Paul Gallen 2, and Kobe Patrick 1.

Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. Gold Coast 17 3 0 645 279 +366 34
2. Wellington 15 5 0 547 327 +220 30
3. Northern 15 5 0 512 364 +148 30
4. Capetown 13 7 0 545 313 +232 26
5. Wollongong 12 8 0 474 307 +167 24
6. Sydney 12 8 0 467 317 +150 24
7. Central 12 8 0 468 450 +18 24
8. Surfers Paradise 11 9 0 410 438 -28 22

9. Brisbane 10 10 0 383 371 +12 20
10. Melbourne 10 10 0 379 367 +12 20
11. Darwin 10 10 0 399 413 -14 20
12. Adelaide 9 11 0 430 376 +54 18
13. Parramatta 9 11 0 353 446 -93 18
14. Central Coast 8 12 0 387 402 -15 16
15. Auckland 6 14 0 270 559 -289 12
16. Perth 4 16 0 288 596 -308 8
17. Hornsby 4 16 0 264 597 -333 8
18. Wagga 3 17 0 302 601 -299 6

:no:
So close.

damn.

didnt realise the next round sheets were due.

will get my sheet in on time next week....lol.

Wasn't round 20 sposed to be the sub for the Crown Casino Risk matches with the byes? So with Wagga playing my team was sposed to have week off, i still won but just making sure it should of been run thats all, lol.

I could have sworn I said somewhere that I'd moved the Risk to round twenty four. Wasn't time to organise it in time for round twenty.

Newcastle have come up with a stunning upset, the Fear humiliating high flying Carnarvon 36-16 to further complicate an already hard to read top eight situation in Division Two.
Carnarvon: Cameron Shepard 2 and Joe Williams. Luana 2/3
Newcastle: Paul Johnson, Brett Firman, Kirk Reynoldson 2, Justin Smith, and Karl Pryce. Harris 6/6
HT Score: Newcastle 24-6
Penalties: Carnarvon 6-4
Completion Rates: Carnarvon 59% Newcastle 71%
Possession: Newcastle 53%
PoM Points: Karl Pryce 3, Brett Firman 2, and Cameron Dufour 1.

Aaron Downie's influence at Bondi continued in the rookie coach's second week at the helm, the Battlers accounting for top eight rivals Campbelltown 18-8.
Bondi: Manuel Manolis 2 and Jessie Kidman. Sullivan 3/3
Campbelltown: Anthony Muller and Garrett Crossman. Muller 0/2
HT Score: Bondi 12-4
Penalties: 5 all
Completion Rates: Bondi 65% Campbelltown 75%
Possession: Bondi 51%
PoM Points: Manuel Manolis 3, Kane Cleal 2, and Karl Temata 1.

The highly anticipated clash between second placed Tamworth City and third placed North Queensland has produced the most exciting of results, with two tries in two minutes near the game's death lifting Tamworth City to a level finish and a 24 all draw.
Tamworth City: Roy Bell, Matthew Gidley, Stephen Kearney, and Kurt Gidley. Bates 4/4
North Queensland: Kris Radlinski, Michael Wainwright, Brett Finch, and Bill Narwan.
HT Score: North Queensland 14-6
Penalties: 6 all
Completion Rates: Tamworth City 54% North Queensland 65%
Possession: Tamworth City 50%
PoM Points: Anthony Farrah 3, Michael Wainwright 2, and Matthew Gidley 1.

New England have toughed out a 15-12 victory over Eastwood to welcome back coach Rowland Kelly, who was recently away on an extended consultation with the Australian cricket team.
Eastwood: Bill Soulblighter and Aurelion Cologni. March 2/2
New England: De Wet Barry and Vince Mellars. Ferris 3/4. Tallic 1 fg.
HT Score: New England 6-0
Penalties: New England 10-3
Completion Rates: Eastwood 65% New England 70%
Possession: New England 56%
PoM Points: Tangiia Tongia 3, Mtombe Msabo 2, and Bronx Goodwin 1.

Liverpool have backed up last week's stunning win over Tamworth City with an impressive (albeit less so) 32-10 victory over the last placed Waikato Breakers.
Liverpool: Felipe Contempone, Wade Humphrys, Gus McCrae 2, and Shane Marteene. March 6/6
Waikato: Richie Barnett Jr and Serge Betson. Barnett Jr 1/1. Yajvi 0/1
HT Score: Liverpool 20-6
Penalties: Liverpool 11-7
Completion Rates: Liverpool 72% Waikato 68%
Possession: Liverpool 58%
PoM Points: Shane Marteene 3, Gus McCrae 2, and Paul March 1.

Central Coast's Brent Sherwin hasn't found the going easy during his first game on loan to Canberra, the Chargers stunned but not outdone in a 16 all draw with the Port Macquarie Stingrays.
Port Macquarie: Jim Gannon 2 and Craig Bowen. Briers 2/3
Canberra: Brent Sherwin and Jason Cayless. Flatley 4/5
HT Score: Canberra 12-6
Penalties: Canberra 9-4
Completion Rates: Port Macquarie 70% Canberra 64%
Possession: Canberra 51%
PoM Points: Jim Gannon 3, John Sitizein 2, and Craig Bowen 1.

It was all Tasmania in today's clash between the league leaders and the lowly Geelong Bengals, the Devils reaffirming their place atop the Division Two table with a mammoth 38-6 victory over the home side.
Geelong: Travis Norton. Detreaux 1/1
Tasmania: Wes Davies 2, Mohammed Zian-Ali, Verity Gunnarsson, Nick Fozzard, and Varasiko Tokarei. Zian-Ali 5/5. Burke 2/2
HT Score: Tasmania 20-0
Penalties: Tasmania 10-7
Completion Rates: Geelong 65% Tasmania 70%
Possession: Tasmania 60%
PoM Points: David Humphrys 3, Tiri Toa 2, and Verity Gunnarsson 1.

Redfern have added another win to their consecutive wins column, the All Whites showing plenty of heart in a 26-10 victory over the Lake Heights Lightning today. A few weeks ago seen as wooden spoon contenders, the All Whites are now within striking distance of the top eight.
Lake Heights: Thomas Kempton and Willie Manu. Kempton 1/2
Redfern: Ruben May 2, Leo Dynevor, and Jamie Burrows. Dynevor 3/5. Thumper-Knox 2/2
HT Score: 10 all
Penalties: Redfern 8-6
Completion Rates: Lake Heights 70% Redfern 63%
Possession: Redfern 57%
PoM Points: Craig Simmons 3, Leo Dynevor 2, and Ruben May 1.

South Queensland have kept their top eight aspirations alive with a 12-6 victory against Christchurch, another side keen to make a late charge into the top eight.
Christchurch: Brett Kimmorley. Davidson 1/1
South Queensland: Cameron Durnford and Shannon O'Reilly. Takawira 2/2
HT Score: South Queensland 12-0
Penalties: Christchurch 8-6
Completion Rates: Christchurch 62% South Queensland 62%
Possession: Christchurch 52%
PoM Points: Allianya Takawira 3, Lee Hookey 2, and Dean Lawford 1.

Team W L D For Against +/- Points
1. Tasmania 17 2 1 586 262 +324 35
2. Tamworth City 16 3 1 497 280 +217 33
3. North Queensland 15 4 1 419 307 +112 31
4. New England 14 5 1 484 301 +183 29
5. Canberra 12 7 1 478 376 +102 25
6. Carnarvon 12 8 0 397 308 +89 24
7. Bondi 11 9 0 368 387 -19 22
8. Port Macquarie 10 8 2 337 382 -45 22

9. Campbelltown 9 11 0 344 406 -62 18
10. South Queensland 8 11 1 293 396 -103 17
11. Redfern 7 12 1 364 399 -35 15
12. Newcastle 7 12 1 333 370 -37 15
13. Christchurch 7 12 1 323 380 -57 15
14. Lake Heights 6 12 2 363 434 -71 14
15. Eastwood 7 13 0 367 474 -107 14
16. Liverpool 7 13 0 314 499 -185 14
17. Geelong 5 14 1 300 405 -105 11
18. Waikato 3 17 0 326 527 -201 6

MAn the boys turned off towards the end and cost us a point, they will be worked hard at training this week.

have a look at Carnavons injury toll.

their loss is hardly unexpected. lol.

Paul even said he expected to have a cricket score racked up against him.

Another win for Capetown...great stuff

another win for the All Whites keeps a smile on jacks face :)

Me thinks that Northern are supposed to be on 30 points perhaps?

Nahh in the Crown Casino Risk section up to the top of the forum you said it usually takes over Roudn 20 so i just assumed. No bother.

:o i never expect to lose
well done to newcastle, hopefully with a few players returning we can turn it around next week

also, just wondering if you got the team orders i sent chris - I was pretty sure Luana was injured??

(Not that having him play is any disadvantage :D)

thats right bitches, im back. ill win the grand final.

The Falcons are coming back baby!

The yo-yo boys will win nowt, well maybe the CCR, but I'm sure the Oilers will have something to say about that.

I think Sean Long will have something to say also ;)

I didn't any orders from you, mate. Did you email them to cynicalpoet@gmail.com?

please budha mend tuqiri, sailor and rupeni soon :ph43r: