Western Suburbs Magpies Vs Kingsgrove Colts
Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Saturday, May 10
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Scot Murray
Summary: The Kingsgrove Colts produced arguably their best performance of the season last weekend; drawing with the Windsor Wolves 26-all. After a couple of tough games in a row, Kingsgrove were able to put together an 80 minute performance based on determined defence and making the most of their opportunities. Coleman Edmond has been in great form and will be the danger man for their opposition this weekend. Western Suburbs continued their impressive form in round seven, defeating Mounties 26-18. It was the Magpies second big performance in as many weeks after they disposed of Premiers Wentworthville a fortnight ago and Coach Leo Epifania would be hopeful of them making it three-in-a-row against the Colts. Rusty Bristow and Junior Vai Vai form a formidable combination in the centre’s for the black and whites.
Prediction: Western Suburbs to continue their good form. Magpies by 8.
Auburn Warriors Vs Blacktown Workers
Lidcombe Oval, Saturday, May 10
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Jeff Hartup
Summary: The Auburn Warriors found themselves at the top of the Ron Massey Cup ladder at the end of round seven after a 30-22 defeat of Guildford. The Warriors have now won six games from their first seven and look to be setting themselves up for a serious shot at this year’s title. John Sila and Heka Nanai have been causing their opposition plenty of headaches in recent weeks and will look to continue their impressive form. After winning only one game this season, Blacktown will enter the game as serious underdogs and will need a massive form reversal if they are to overcome their opponents this weekend. The Workers went down 50-22 to Burwood last weekend in the battle of the cellar dwellers and Coach Adam Tuite will be looking for a big improvement from his troops against the Warriors.
Prediction: Auburn look to be serious contenders in 2014 and will be expected to win this weekend. Warriors by 18.
Windsor Wolves Vs Guildford Owls
Windsor Sports Complex, Saturday, May 10
Kick-off: 5.00pm
Referee: Ryan Jackson
Radio 89.9FM (Link available via www.hawkesburyradio.com.au)
Summary: Windsor will be unhappy with letting a possible two points slip through their fingers last weekend. The Wolves had several opportunities to take control of the game against the Colts but were unable to convert their opportunities into points on a consistent basis. Kieran Croft was a standout for the Wolves and has now scored six tries so far this season. Guildford may not have secured the two points in round seven, but they can be pleased with their efforts in taking on a strong Warriors outfit. The Owls have been impressive during their wins this year, but need to improve their consistency if they are to secure a top eight position at season’s end; which is a proposition they are more than capable of.
Prediction: A tough game to pick, but we’re leaning towards the Owls to cause an upset away from home. Owls by 6.
Burwood North Ryde United Vs Asquith Magpies
Goddard Park, Sunday, May 11
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Daniel Olford
Broadcast: Radio Coverage courtesy of Triple H FM (Link available via www.triplehfm.com.au/hhh)
Summary: Burwood secured their first win of the season last weekend when they defeated Blacktown 50-22. After a tough start to the season, the win will come as a massive confidence boost to United and they will be hopeful of continuing their form against the Magpies. Joe Kavoa, Ajay Vaivaka, Samiu Latu and Jordan Tongahai all scored doubles last weekend and will need to be watched by their opposition. Asquith moved their way into fifth position following last weekend’s 30-16 defeat of Cabramatta and also a midweek win against the Colts. In freezing conditions, the Magpies were dominant from start to finish against their more fancied opponents and showed their potential to be a top-four side when they are at their best. Fullback Jack Hawkins was a standout for the home side and will provide the spark once again for his side against United.
Prediction: Asquith to continue their winning ways. Magpies by 8.
The Entrance Tigers Vs Mounties
EDSACC Oval, Sunday, May 11
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Drew Oultram
Summary: The Entrance scored their most impressive win of the season last weekend, accounting for Wentworthville 23-20. In one of the best games of the 2014 season, both teams played the game at a frantic pace and posed plenty of questions of their oppositions defence. In a tight contest, Alan Mulia Malau was the difference for the home side with a double and a number of powerful surging runs. Watch for him to threaten Mounties defence on the kick return. Mounties will be looking to get themselves back in the winner’s circle this weekend, after going down 26-18 to Western Suburbs. Mounties have now lost three of their last four after a positive start to the year and will be intent on arresting their current slide. Braeden Batiste and Brett Lahey have been trusted with guiding their side and will look to threaten the Tigers at every opportunity.
Prediction: This match has the feeling of going down to the wire and we think the Tigers will come out just on top. Tigers by 2.
Cabramatta Two Blues Vs Wentworthville Magpies
New Era Stadium, Sunday, May 11
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Lawrence McDonnel
Summary: Wentworthville are facing the unusual prospect of their third consecutive defeat when they take on Cabramatta in round eight. The Magpies were hammered by Western Suburbs two weeks ago and despite improving last weekend; it still wasn’t enough to topple the Tigers. There’s no doubting Wenty’s ability to blow teams off the park, but they will have to get down and dirty to topple the Two Blues and this could be just the challenge they need to get back on track. Cabramatta slipped out of the top four last week after a 30-16 defeat at the hands of Asquith. The Two Blues have won two of their last three matches and will be pumped up to take on the reigning Premiers in front of their home crowd, particularly when they’re vulnerable. Shannon Gallant, Brett Manning and Hala Katoa make up a strong back three that will test the Magpies defence.
Prediction: A difficult match to pick, but we’re leaning towards Wenty to strike back after two defeats. Wenty by 2.
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Click here to view the Ron Massey Cup ladder
Click here to view all of the results from last weekend
Click here to view the round eight team lists
