Auburn Warriors Vs Guildford Owls
Belmore Sports Ground, Saturday, August 2
Kick-off: 12.45pm
Referee: Todd Smith
Summary: Auburn will be out to break a three-game losing streak when they go head-to-head with Guildford this weekend. The Warriors currently sit just inside the top-eight and will be looking to maintain a slim lead over their rivals with a victory this weekend. Despite scoring 30 points last weekend, the Warriors were still beaten by Windsor; proving that they have many improvements to make in defence if they are to threaten for the title. Guildford’s three-game winning streak came to an unexpected halt last weekend when they were defeated 42-28 by cellar dwellers Burwood. The Owls had been one of the big improvers over the second half of the season and will be looking to atone for their efforts this weekend. Jack Le Hang has been in great form for his side and his battle with Warriors centre Heka Nanai looks to be a feature of the match.
Prediction: Guildford to snap back into form against the Warriors. Owls by 6.
Windsor Wolves Vs Kingsgrove Colts
Windsor Sports Complex, Saturday, August 2
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Joshua McGowan
Summary: Windsor made it three wins from their last five appearances last weekend with a 42-30 victory over Auburn. In a see-sawing affair, the Wolves showed they have the firepower to match it with one of the highest point scoring teams in the competition by overcoming a 24-18 half-time deficit. The Wolves currently sit just outside the top-eight and a victory this weekend could see them slide into eighth position on point’s differential. Logan Geyer has been in strong form at fullback and will be looking to inject himself into the contest at any given opportunity. After three victories from their last four matches, the Kingsgrove Colts were brought back to earth last weekend with a heavy defeat to Mounties. The Colts were never really in the contest against the second-ranked team in the competition, and will need to put the pieces back together this weekend to threaten the Wolves. Coleman Edmond has been a standout in recent weeks and will need to be watched closely by the opposition defence.
Prediction: Windsor to make it four from six against a gallant Colts side. Wolves by 14.
Western Suburbs Magpies Vs Mounties
Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Saturday, August 2
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Phil Sung
Summary: Western Suburbs will attempt to cling onto their tenuous position in the top-eight when they clash with Mounties this weekend. The Magpies have only won one of their previous five matches and will need to turn things around if they are to contest the finals this season. Despite a strong performance against reigning Premiers Wentworthville, the Magpies would be disappointed with the loss and will be full of energy this weekend. Look for forwards Shane Lalogafau and Tunui Maurangi to lead the way. Mounties sent a strong warning to their Premiership rivals last weekend with a 62-6 victory over a resurgent Kingsgrove Colts. Unbeaten for nine weeks and currently sitting in second position, Mounties look to be coming good at the right end of the season and will take some serious beating in the 2014 finals. Kurt Horton and Francis Vaiotu have been in stellar form and will need to be watched closely by the opposition.
Prediction: Western Suburbs will be desperate for a victory, but Mounties should be too strong on the day. Mounties by 10.
Burwood North Ryde United Vs Blacktown Workers
Goddard Park, Sunday, August 3
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Scot Murray
Summary: After a tough season, Burwood made it three wins from their last four appearances last weekend with a 42-28 win over Guildford. With their chances of playing finals football looking forlorn mid-way through the season, United have shown great character to secure a string of late season victories and salvage something from their season. Ajay Vaikava has been in great form scoring eight tries from his last seven appearances. Blacktown will be looking to take a leaf out of their opposition’s book this weekend after winning only one of their last five encounters. Like Blacktown, the Workers have also endured a tough season and will need to show a similar attitude if they are to finish the season on a positive note. The Workers have a superior defensive record to their opponents and will need to prove that ‘defence is the best form of attack’ if they are to win.
Prediction: A tough clash between two desperate sides ensures a good close game of football. United by 2.
Cabramatta Two Blues Vs Asquith Magpies
New Era Stadium, Sunday, August 3
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Jeff Hartup
Summary: Cabramatta have rocketed back into Premiership contention in recent weeks with three strong victories over The Entrance, Blacktown and Windsor. The Two Blues had an indifferent middle section of the year but have begun to display the form that has made them competition heavyweights for countless seasons. Dave Farkas and Bobbie Goulding have been leading the side around the park with distinction and with a lethal backline and hardworking forwards, the Two Blues are suddenly looking like the team that no one wants to play in the finals. Asquith will be looking forward to this weekend’s clash after going down to The Entrance last weekend in a highly entertaining match at Storey Park. The Magpie shave failed to secure a victory over the last three weeks but have been up to their eyeballs in every contest. Ben Fisher and Aaron Groom will be looking forward to the challenge in the halves and the best performing pair will have a major say on the outcome of this battle.
Prediction: A high quality game between two teams who will go deep into the finals. Two Blues by 8.
Wentworthville Magpies Vs The Entrance Tigers
Ringrose Park, Sunday, August 3
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Liam Nicholls
Summary: A possible Grand Final preview awaits fans at Ringrose Park this weekend as the Magpies and Tigers go head-to-head. The reigning Premiers have found themselves on top of the table after two straight victories and are beginning to look like the team that took out the title last year. Shock losses to Kingsgrove and Asquith had people doubting Wenty, but they have shown their ability to win tight games in recent weeks and that could make all the difference in the finals. Nicholas Walker, Matthew Mundine, Brendan Waters and Lionel O’Mally form a dangerous spine that will look to put points on early in the contest. The Entrance bounced back to form after three straight losses to defeat Asquith last weekend and that win will provide them with plenty of confidence this weekend. The Tigers have arguably been the form team of the Ron Massey Cup this season, but facing the premiers at home could prove to be the ultimate test. Look for Perry Le Brocque, Adam McInnes, Jake Fitzpatrick and Scott Jones to challenge their opposition.
Prediction: Possibly the game of the season. This will go down to the wire. Magpies by 6.
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