Saturday, October 29th – Robert Ziems Park Corrimal – 6:00pm Kick Off
• Sutherland Seahawks (3-1-3) vs. Wollongong Mustangs (1-1-5)
• (Choc’s Prediction: WOL by 3)
Another solid performance from the Seahawks has now helped them cement their place in the playoffs. Going into the halftime break leading 26-6, the Seahawks never looked like giving in, finishing the game 42-20 winners and that certainly shut me up! The ‘Stangs are likely to fall short of the playoffs this season after a lacklustre season but they have shown great heart, giving some teams a good run for their money. Hopefully, with some signings in the off season, they are able to turn this season around next year. The Hawks will come up against UTS next week and will look to continue their winning ways and gain some momentum heading into the playoffs.
Final Score: SEA 42 – 20 WOL
Saturday, October 29th – The David Phillips Sporting Complex Daceyville – 3:30pm Kick Off
• Northern Sydney Rebels (2-1-4) vs. UTS Gators (1-1-5)
• (Choc’s Prediction: REB by 7)
A very very dominant first half display by the Rebels in this one saw them run out winners over a lacklustre UTS. The big O of the Rebels were able to pack on the points in the first half, while their D were able to keep the Gators to a single unconverted score. The Rebels led 20-6 going into halfime. The second half was a similar display but the Gators were able to fight back and put some points on the board to bring it within 11. The late charge by UTS was a case of too little, too late as the Rebels were able to pick up their third win of the season. In order to qualify for their first every playoff berth, the Rebels will now need to beat either Central Coast or Nepean in their last 2 games in order to have a shot. Meanwhile, UTS have fallen short of the playoffs for the first time in many years and no doubt, Head Coach Rocco Bosco will be working hard in the off season to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Final Score: REB 31 – 20 UTS
Saturday, October 29th – The David Phillips Sporting Complex Daceyville – 6:30pm Kick Off
• UNSW Raiders (7-0) vs. Sydney University Lions (6-1-0)
• (Choc’s Prediction: SYD by 3)
There seemed to be a lot of bad blood over social media leading into this one, and it delivered! The Lions came out and showed everyone why they are the top dogs in the GNSW, beating the undefeated Raiders and setting up a monster clash next week against the Pirates. The Raiders came into this one after crushing the Predators last week and I actually thought they may have a chance to topple the defending champs. But Coach Ogborne and his Lions came out with a great gameplan and delivered. With RB Alex Watson racking up the yards on the ground, the Lions gave the Raiders D their first real test this season, stacking up 35 points and snapping their undefeated streak. They have now set themselves up for the big showdown with the Pirates next weekend while the Raiders will look to bounce back against Wollongong before taking on the Pirates themselves the following week. A good 2 weeks of football to come!
Final Score: RAI 18 – 35 SYD
Saturday, October 29th – Lidcombe Oval – 3:00pm Kick Off
• Newcastle Cobras (0-1-7) vs. Nepean Ducks (3-1-3)
• (Choc’s Prediction: NEP by 7)
It’s been a tough season for the Cobras but being on their sideline last weekend, you would never know it. Their morale is still high and week in week out, their players still show up to games, travelling far and wide to enjoy a hit out with their mates. But this was to be the day of the Ducks. Nepean came out firing and gave Newcastle a great challenge. The Cobras were able to stay in it during the first half, just behind 19-12 with 2 minutes to go. However 2 fumble recoveries (which were both returned for TDs) and a long TD pass to WR Grant McNaughton suddenly saw them on the end of a potential blowout. The Ducks went into the break, up 40-12. In the second half, the Cobras were able to fight back for some pride, matching their opponents score in the second half (both teams scoring 14 points apiece). With this win, the Ducks are likely to be guaranteed a spot in the playoffs, for the first time in their club history. They face the hungry Predators who are also seeking a win to reach the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Cobras have a bye this weekend before taking on the defending champions Sydney Uni in the final game of the regular season.
Final Score: NEW 26 – 54 NEP
Saturday, October 29th – Lidcombe Oval – 6:00pm Kick Off
• Northwestern Predators (2-1-5) vs. Central Coast Sharks (3-1-3)
• (Choc’s Prediction: NWP by 3)
I may be biased but I think the Sharks will agree, this was easily the game of the round. Both the Sharks and Predators came into this one needing a win to either cement their playoff spot or keep their playoff hopes alive. The Predators were able to strike first going up 6-0 before the Sharks bounced back with Sharks QB Jordan Nikora throwing for one of his many TD’s for the night. More back and forth action had both teams pretty much neck and neck going into the break. The second half began slowly for the Predators, as the Sharks were able to get a 2 TD lead after some costly errors by the Predators O. The Preds were able to bounce back to bring it within 8 points with 4 minutes to go in the game. Then, the action really began. The Predators were able to run in a TD behind RB Joel Scrivener after a long drive and tied the game up with a 2 point conversion ran in by QB Mark Shoebridge. The Preds then attempted an onside/squib kick which was recovered by the Sharks RB Robert Darby and he ran it in for a TD. The Predators were able to stuff the 2 point conversion by the Sharks and they led by 6 with 1 minute to play. With all 3 timeouts remaining, QB Mark Shoebridge was able to rally his O and Scrivener scored another TD (after some great blocking by the Preds O line.. particularly the Left Tackle 😉 ) on the ground with 1 second left on the game clock. With the game tied at 28-28, Shoebridge opted to go for the 2 point conversion to close out the game. The Sharks D line rushed Shoebridge forcing him to roll out of the pocket and with some great blocking by the Preds O, Shoebridge dived for the far plyon and sealed the W for his team. On a side note, all the Preds would like to give a massive shoutout to the Sharks, you guys played like animals and gave us one hell of a game. And Thommo, hope your injury isn’t too serious mate!
Final Score: NWP 30 – 28 CCS
**West Sydney Pirates have the Bye this week
**Photo Credit to TM Fotos
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