Saturday, October 1st – Robert Ziems Park Corrimal – 3pm Kick Off
• Northwestern Predators (2-1-1) vs West Sydney Pirates (3-1-0)
• (Choc’s Prediction: WST by 3)
Last time we met, this game was a close affair. This time around, it wasn’t the same at all. The Pirates came into this game with a strong gameplan and executed it to perfection. Their O relied on RB Marlou Tacugue to pound the turf and he did just that, racking up over 100 yards rushing and picking up a handful of TDs. Injuries have marred the Preds and we were forced to go back to a one-dimensional Offense with all 3 RBs picking up injuries. The Pirates exploited holes in the Preds D and O and were able to shut us out in the first half. In the second half, the Preds were able to mount a small comeback behind backup QB Jack Prichard finding starting WR Mark Shoebridge twice and Shoebridge rushing for a TD himself to make the scoreline a more respectable one. But the Pirates were too strong, with QB David Ward throwing TDs left right and centre. This Pirates team have all the makings of champions and it looks like they may surprise the league and beat Sydney Uni in November and take out the Waratah Bowl in December.
Final Score: NWP 24 – 62 WST
Saturday, October 1st – Robert Ziems Park Corrimal – 6pm Kick Off
• Wollongong Mustangs (0-1-2) vs Nepean Ducks (1-1-2)
• (Choc’s Prediction: NEP by 7)
A hard fought main event in the ‘Gong saw the Ducks prevailing over the Mustangs in a closely contested contest. The game was dead-locked at halftime with both teams scoring and going into the break 7-7. The second half saw Ducks RB Stuart Etcell add to his already growing TD tally, picking up 2 in the second half. The Mustangs fought back and came within 6 but it wasn’t enough. The Ducks will now come up against the unstoppable freight train that is West Sydney next week whole the ‘Stangs will take on the Rebels in a game which is promised to be closely contested.
Final Score: WOL 15 – 21 NEP
Saturday, October 1st – Forestville Oval – 2:30pm Kick Off
• Northern Sydney Rebels (0-1-2) vs Sydney University Lions (3-1-0)
• (Last Season: REB 6 – 90 SYD)
What a turnaround from the result of last season! Nothing but credit needs to be given to the Rebels and their coaching staff who have turned their team around and are beginning to build a powerhouse football team on the northern beaches of Sydney. The boys in purple were able to outscore the defending champions in the second and third quarters but only just fell short in the 4th to lose by 15. There was a reason why I picked the Rebels as my dark horse for the season, and it is because they are able to get results like this. They were blown out by 84 points last season and were able to hold the champs to 15 points this time around (all this with their third string QB slinging for them, a first year RB pounding the turf and a Defensive Lineman filling in at FB). The Rebels take on the Mustangs next week at home and I’m backing them to come away with their first W of the season. If the Lions don’t button up their gaps and go back to their winning ways of 2015, they will be steamrolled by the Pirates and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Pirates win the Waratah Bowl this season.
Final Score: REB 30 – 45 SYD
Saturday, October 1st – Walters Park Speers Point– 3pm Kick Off
• UTS Gators (0-1-3) vs Central Coast Sharks (1-1-2)
• (Choc’s Prediction: too close to call)
The last few games have proven to be a tough run for the Gators and unfortunately, the Sharks were able to get the better of them this week and push UTS to 0-1-4 for the season. The Gators came out firing early, going up 14-0; before the Sharks were able to level the score after a late fumble recovery in the 2nd quarter and sending both teams into the sheds locked at 14 apiece. The Sharks came out with a strong Defensive outlook in the second half, keeping the Gators score to 14 for the game, while QB Jordan Nikora was able to show everyone why he was selected as part of the NGL’s Central Coast Cyclones team, throwing for a handful of TDs. The Gators will need to do some serious damage control, as their season has been marred by injuries and they are on the verge of falling out of playoff contention. Meanwhile the Sharks have a big game ahead, travelling to Newcastle for the F3 Derby/Battle of the North, which always proves to be a classic matchup.
Final Score: UTS 14 – 30 CCS
Saturday, October 1st – Walters Park Speers Point– 3pm Kick Off
• UNSW Raiders (3-0) vs Newcastle Cobras (0-1-3)
• (Choc’s Prediction: RAI by 7)
In probably the game of the round, the Raiders were able to hold off and beat the Cobras by a single converted touchdown. The game was a very defensive battle by both teams and this reflected the scoreline going into the half, with both teams settling on 0-0. In the second half, both teams came out the way they finished the first, holding out their opponent and forcing 3 and out’s. The Cobras were unlucky not to convert any of their passes into TDs with a few crucial dropped catches which could have turned the tide of the game. The game changing play came when the Raiders were able to gain plenty of yards off a punt return. The next drive resulted in a UNSW TD with the hero RB Christian Gaitau getting on the scoreboard for the green machine and WR Max Nina converting the extra point. The Raiders were able to continue their strong defensive showing through to the end of the game and with that, they were able to leave Newcastle with the W.
Final Score: RAI 7 – 0 NEW
**Sutherland Seahawks have the Bye this week
*Photo Credit to Alfred Wong Photography
