Kingsgrove Colts Vs Guildford Owls
Hurstville Oval, Saturday, May 17
Kick-off: 2.00pm
Referee: Jeff Hartup
Summary: The Kingsgrove Colts will be aiming to stay in touch with the top-eight when they clash with Guildford at Hurstville Oval this weekend. The Colts were outclassed by Western Suburbs last weekend and will be hungry for an improved performance. Halfback Abbas Miskie has been improving each week and the Colts will look to him to lead the side around the park. Guildford will be full of confidence heading into this weekend’s clash after a vital victory over Windsor in round eight. The Owls showed great courage to hold out a fast finishing Wolves side and they will need to replicate that defence against the Colts. Harmony Hunt has been in good form in recent weeks and will need to be watched closely.
Prediction: Guildford to maintain their position in the top-eight. Owls by 12.
Blacktown Workers Vs Windsor Wolves
HE Laybutt Sporting Complex, Saturday, May 17
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Drew Oultram
Summary: Blacktown produced their best performance of the year last weekend; pushing competition front-runners Asquith all the way at Lidcombe Oval. Having lost playmaker Gus Jasmin and Matt Callaghan during the game, the Workers had to finish the game with only one player remaining on the bench and showed great courage to continue fighting until the final siren. John Lepai was in devastating form for his side and if he can replicate that form this weekend, Blacktown will be in with a big chance of winning their second game of the season. Windsor will be hoping to return to the winners circle for the first time in three weeks after going down in a close contest to Guildford. The Wolves will need to improve on their discipline that cost them dearly against the Owls. With the experience of Kieran Croft, Hutch Maiava and Ian Riccardi in their lineup, the Wolves have the ability to turn things around and return to being a premiership force.
Prediction: Blacktown to receive a confidence boost after last weekend’s efforts. Workers by 6.
Western Suburbs Magpies Vs The Entrance Tigers
Lidcombe Oval, Saturday, May 17
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Ryan Jackson
Summary: Western Suburbs will be aiming for their fourth-straight win when they take on The Entrance in what appears to be the match of the round for the Ron Massey Cup. The Magpies have been in ominous form over the last three weeks and look to be a genuine premiership contender in 2014. Dayne Craig has been a standout for his side and will be the man to watch for the Magpies. The Entrance will be going for their fifth-straight win this weekend and will be hardened for battle after a tough 12-11 win over Mounties last weekend. The Tigers had to do it the hard way against their opponents and will be confident knowing they can win ugly if required. Jake Fitzpatrick has been leading from the front and will need to be at his best if the Tigers want to claim a fifth-straight victim.
Prediction: It’s second v fourth on the ladder and we’re leaning towards the home advantage to predict a winner. Magpies by 4.
Wentworthville Magpies Vs Burwood North Ryde United
Ringrose Park, Sunday, May 18
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Scot Murray
Summary: Wentworthville have now gone three weeks without victory after drawing 28-28 with Cabramatta last weekend after consecutive defeats. The Magpies still sit in third on the Ron Massey Cup competition ladder, but will be desperate for a win against Burwood this weekend. The Magpies boast one of the strongest rosters in the competition and it can only be a matter of time before they rediscover their mojo and secure the two points. Burwood will be wary of facing a Magpies side coming off three weeks without a win and will be bracing themselves for the worst. Burwood were soundly beaten 44-10 by Asquith last weekend and will need to improve greatly if they are to trouble the reigning Premiers. Props Sione Kite and Brendan Tarrant hold the key for their side.
Prediction: Hard to see Wenty going a month without a ‘W’ next to their name. Magpies by 12.
Asquith Magpies Vs Auburn Warriors
Storey Park, Sunday, May 18
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Damien Briscoe
Broadcast: Radio Coverage courtesy of Triple H FM (Link available via www.triplehfm.com.au/hhh)
Summary: The Auburn Warriors continued their good form in round eight of the Ron Massey Cup, accounting for Blacktown 46-36. Despite being pushed the distance, the Warriors still found a way to win and that is the sign of a composed outfit. It’s now been six weeks since Auburns last defeat and the form of John Sila and Heka Nanai with 12 tries between them has been one of the major reasons for their success. Asquith will be aiming for their third-straight win after defeating Burwood 44-10 and will have their credentials tested when they take on the Warriors. Adam Kalcina and Daniel Vaseak have been in great form for the Magpies with the latter scoring a hat-trick against United. Asquith currently sits in fifth position on the ladder and could find themselves as high as second after the weekend’s matches.
Prediction: Auburn to sneak home against a determined Asquith outfit. Warriors by 2.
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