Saturday, October 7th – Neptune Oval – 3pm Kick Off
- Nepean Ducks (1-1-1) vs. Sydney University Lions (3-1)
- (Choc’s Prediction: SYD by 7)
Looks like the Lions came out in this one with something to prove. After a close loss to the Pirates (their first in 3 years), they came out guns blazing and their stats showed their resilience. In the opening quarter, the Ducks D were able to keep the Lions to just 7 points, but after this was when the Lions turned up the heat. With game leader RB Godfred Agyemang pounding the turf, and QB Ike Fuchs lighting it up through the air (17/20, 353 yds, 7TDs), the Lions dominated this meeting and have put the league on notice that they aren’t down and out yet. Next week the defending champs will take some much-needed R&R as they have the bye, whilst the Ducks will meet the Kings in a must win game to secure a playoff spot.
Final Score: NEP 14 – 53 SYD
Saturday, October 7th – Neptune Oval – 6pm Kick Off
- UTS Gators (4-0) vs. Newcastle Kings (1-1-2)
- (Choc’s Prediction: UTS by 7)
After this week’s performance, the Gators have set the bar high and have shown they may be the team to beat this year. A strong, dominant performance by QB Jordan Rowland and his O has put the league on notice. In my opinion, I think Rowland has set the standard this season and has built a strong case for the 2017 League MVP award. The Gators will have a big test next week coming up against the Raiders, who have had a mediocre season compared to their 2016 campaign. In the meantime, the Kings will host their first and only home game this season, taking on the travelling Ducks.
Final Score: UTS 50 – 6 NEW
Saturday, October 7th – Zeims Park – 3pm Kick Off
- Wollongong Mustangs (1-1-1) vs. UNSW Raiders (1-3)
- (Choc’s Prediction: RAI by 7)
I tell you what, I knew this one was going to be close but I never knew it was going to be this close! The Raiders and Mustangs went score for score, back and forth all game. This began with Raiders RB Rustum Todd scoring on the opening drive, and the Mustangs replying almost instantaneously. The Raiders went into the break trailing the Mustangs 20-14, and both teams came out in the 4th quarter desperately trying to get their second wins for the season. Looks like the returning suspended players for the Raiders were the keys in this one as QB Lukas Vojnar found Max Nina in the closing minutes of the game to secure the win for the green machine. Next week, the Raiders will look to snap the undefeated streak of their University rivals when they meet UTS; whilst the Mustangs will travel to Lidcombe to face the Pirates.
Final Score: WOL 26 – 28 RAI
Saturday, October 7th – Zeims Park – 6pm Kick Off
- Sutherland Seahawks (1-2) vs. West Sydney Pirates (3-0)
- (Choc’s Prediction: WST by 10)
This one was a high scoring affair! Looks like both defences were a bit shaky with a total of 87 points scored in this meeting. The Pirates controlled this one from the opening whistle, leading all 4 quarters and exposing the leaky Seahawks D. On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks O saw some scores through WR Mitchell Read who picked up a hatrick (and a career high) of TDs. But it wasn’t enough for the dominant Pirates, who ran away with this one in the second half. Next week, the Pirates will take on the Mustangs whilst the Seahawks will travel north to Newcastle to do battle with the Rebels in a game where both must win to jump ranks in the table and hopefully secure an early playoff spot.
Final Score: SEA 28 – 59 WST
Saturday, October 7th – Forestville Park – 3pm Kick Off
- North Sydney Rebels (1-3) vs. Central Coast Sharks (1-1-2)
- (Choc’s Prediction: too close to call)
Definitely a close matchup between these two saw the Rebels getting their second win for the season over the Sharks. The Rebels rotated their O around and saw Mitch Kirk step up into QB. He threw for 2 TDs and ran in a third, whilst the Rebels strong secondary scored through a pick 6 by DB Josh McCarthy. It was a disappointing day for the Sharks as they had 2 TDs called back for various reasons. There were some shining moments of consistency which is a good sign for the Central Coast outfit, who will look to the tail end of the season to pick up a few wins and secure a playoff spot. Next week, the Preds will clash with the Sharks at home whist the Rebels travel north to Newcastle to meet the Seahawks.
Final Score: REB 25 – 6 CCS
**Northwestern Predators have the Bye this week
*Photo Credit: TM Photography
