A few housekeeping items first; apologies for how late this article is. I’ve been away for the last 2 weeks and was only able to catch up this week. The results will be quite short as I was not present for any games this week but keep an eye out for my week 5 preview later this week.
Also GNSW had a league bye for the weekend of the 30th of September so we will roll straight into round 5 next week!
Saturday, September 23rd – Sydney University Square – 3pm Kick Off
- Newcastle Kings (1-2) vs. Wollongong Mustangs (1-1)
- (Choc’s Prediction: too close to call)
Last time the Kings and Mustangs met, the game came down to the wire and the ‘Stangs took it out in the dying minutes. This year, both teams were deadlocked and couldn’t be separated at all. This is a true reflection of how both teams have improved since last year and their real test will come in the latter end of the season when they take on the top teams in the league
Final Score: NEW 18 – 18 WOL
Saturday, September 23rd – Sydney University Square – 6pm Kick Off
- Sydney University Lions (3-0) vs. West Sydney Pirates (2-0)
- (Choc’s Prediction: too close to call)
I’m not gonna count my chickens before they hatch but I think this could be a passing of the proverbial torch (so to speak). The Pirates came out on top in this one against the Lions, their first defeat in 3 seasons. The Pirates struck first before the Lions answered back in the first quarter. From there, it was an extremely defensive outing with both teams going back and forth before the Pirates came out blazing in the third quarter to score twice and secure the win for their team. Now I don’t want to talk smack about the Lions, but they are not the same team compared to last year. This will be interesting for them and definitely keep an eye on their record; I’d be interested to see where they finish on the ladder and their playoff performance.
Final Score: SYD 7 – WST
- Sutherland Seahawks (0-2) vs. Northwestern Predators (1-2)
- (Choc’s Prediction: 😉 )
I really wish I could have made this game, but being away for a Bucks Weekend had taken priority. The Preds opened the scoring in this one, but consistency and complacency was our biggest issue. We let the Seahawks come back and take the lead and we were then fighting back for the lead; something that’s been consistent with our performances in the last 3 weeks. We’ve now had 2 weeks off (including the league bye) so here’s hoping we can come back and get some wins in the tail end of the season to secure a playoff spot.
Final Score: SEA 24 – 16 NWP
Saturday, September 23rd – Neptune Oval – 6pm Kick Off
- UTS Gators (3-0) vs. Central Coast Sharks (1-1-1)
- (Choc’s Prediction: UTS by 3)
The Gators move to 4-0 with the win in this one over the Sharks. They now sit at the top of the table and have proven themselves to be a worthy playoff contender this season. With a tough road ahead of them (UNSW, West Sydney and Sydney Uni still to play), this will be a true test of their heart and depth as to whether they can continue this great run of form into the finals.
Final Score: UTS 22 – 14 CCS
Saturday, September 23rd – Forestville Park – 2pm Kick Off
- North Sydney Rebels (0-3) vs. UNSW Raiders (1-2)
- (Choc’s Prediction: REB by 3)
I CALLED IT! The Rebels have always been the Raiders Kryptonite and this game proved just that. With the unfortunate suspension of starting QB Lukas Vojnar as well as injuries to both starting RBs Christian Gaitau and Lamar Dansby, the Raiders were spread thin in this one. The Rebels were able to get their first win of the season in front of their home crowd and will now try to pick up the momentum in the tailend of the season.
Final Score: REB 7 – 3 RAI
**Nepean Ducks have the Bye this week
*Photo Credit: Alex Lambousis (check out Snag from the Pirates bringing the hammer down!)
