Mounties Vs Burwood North Ryde United
Mt Pritchard Sports Complex, Saturday, August 23
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Joshua McGowan
Summary: Mounties will be looking to bounce back from a loss when they take on Burwood North Ryde United this weekend. Despite going down to Cabramatta last weekend, Mounties can keep their hopes of a top two finish alive with a victory over the current cellar dwellers. Gus Aiga scored a double against the Two Blues and looked quite dangerous on the flanks. Look for him to make the most of any opportunities that come his way. Burwood will be fresh from the week off, after bad weather cancelled their clash with Wentworthville in round 20. Despite sitting at the foot of the competition ladder, United have been highly competitive over the last six weeks and are more than capable of causing an upset. Samiu Latu brings some attacking flair to the backline and watch for him to link with his forwards whenever there are tired defenders in the middle.
Prediction: Hard to see Mounties dropping this one, but we’re expecting Burwood to threaten. Mounties by 12.
Blacktown Workers Vs Guildford Owls
HE Laybutt Sporting Complex, Saturday, August 23
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Todd Smith
Summary: Blacktown will be aiming for four straight wins when they go head-to-head with Guilford this weekend. After a difficult season, the Workers have shown great character to finish the season on a high note and they will once again prove tough to beat at home. John Taaga and Byron Fruen have been standouts for their side in recent weeks and will threaten the defence at every given opportunity. With their clash with Kingsgrove postponed due to inclement weather, the Guildford Owls have had plenty of time to prepare for this weekend’s match with Blacktown. The Owls will be looking to stop a three game losing streak that threatens to end their finals aspirations. The front row of Jarod Clark and Casey Ellis need to lead from the front and get their team off to a confident start, if they can get on a roll early they will be tough to beat.
Prediction: Both teams will be desperate for the win, but with nothing to lose we’re leaning towards Blacktown for the win. Workers by 6.
Kingsgrove Colts Vs The Entrance Tigers
Leichhardt Oval, Saturday, August 23
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Scot Murray
Summary: Staring down the barrel of four straight losses, Kingsgrove will be looking to add a major scalp to their belts before seasons end when they take on The Entrance this weekend. The Colts will be fresh from the week off and will be hopeful of a good performance against one of the competitions heavyweight sides. Addison Demetriou has been a tireless performer this season and will once again look to lift his side when they are in need. The Entrance found themselves back in the winner’s circle last weekend, after a gritty victory over Western Suburbs. Played with finals style intensity, the victory over the Magpies may prove to be a blessing in disguise for the Tigers as we approach the big end of season games. Alan Mulia Malau proved to be the difference (scoring a double) and will be the man to watch once again this weekend.
Prediction: The Entrance to prove too strong for the Colts. Tigers by 12.
Asquith Magpies Vs Windsor Wolves
Storey Park, Saturday, August 23
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Drew Oultram
Broadcast: Radio Coverage courtesy of Triple H FM (Link available via www.triplehfm.com.au/hhh)
Summary: Asquith will be looking to keep their minor premiership dreams alive with a victory over the Wolves this weekend. The Magpies survived a high scoring affair against Auburn in round 20, outscoring their opponents 45-26. Dylan Van Noort was a standout on the day, scoring two tries, and will once again cause plenty of headaches for the opposition. Aaron Groom has been leading the side around the park with distinction and will look to get his side on the front foot early. Windsor’s loss to Cabramatta has seen them tumble out of the top-eight with only two rounds remaining in the regular season. The men from the west will be desperate to get a win this weekend and their opponents don’t come any easier next week, with the Wolves set to take on ladder leaders and reigning premiers Wentworthville. The Wolves will need to aim up this weekend or risk seeing their finals hopes slide out the back door.
Prediction: A desperate Windsor side will prove to be a tough opponent, but Asquith should finish stronger. Magpies by 8.
Auburn Warriors Vs Wentworthville Magpies
Lidcombe Oval, Saturday, August 23
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Philip Sung
Summary: The Auburn Warriors will be looking to keep their finals hopes alive when they go head-to-head with reigning premiers Wentworthville this weekend. The Warriors were outgunned in a point scoring fest against Asquith last weekend, and will need to tighten their defence if they are to threaten the Mapgies. Auburn has only won one of their previous six matches and will need experienced players Arthur Little and Sione Tovo to lead the way. Wentworthville will be fresh from the week off and will be aiming to possibly wrap up the minor premiership this weekend. The Magpies have won their last four matches, after their shock defeat to Kingsgrove, and look to be warming up to their best form ahead of the finals. Dangerous right across the park, Keehan Diamond is one of a host of players who is hitting his straps and will need to be watched closely by the opposition.
Prediction: Hard to tip against Wentworthville in their current form. Magpies by 12.
Cabramatta Two Blues Vs Western Suburbs Magpies
New Era Stadium, Sunday, August 24
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Jeff Hartup
Broadcast: Radio Coverage courtesy of Triple H FM (Link available via www.triplehfm.com.au/hhh)
Summary: Cabramatta kept their finals hopes alive last weekend with a hard fought victory over Mounties. The Two Blues currently sit in sixth position, but could find themselves outside of the top-eight if results go against them. Cabramatta have won four of their previous six matches and need to bounce back with time running out to make amends for any losses. Jake Watts and Jamie Blewitt will lead the team around the park and will need to be at their best. Despite a loss last weekend to The Entrance, Western Suburbs can take confidence into their clash with Cabramatta knowing that they didn’t make the most of their opportunities the week before. In a bruising encounter, the Magpies were guilty of overplaying their hand and will learn from their mistakes heading into this weekend. Currently in fifth position, the Magpies could also find themselves outside the eight if results go against them. Jacob Folent comes into the starting side at halfback and will look to spark his team into action.
Prediction: A very tough match to pick winner from, but we’re leaning towards the Magpies…just. Magpies by 1
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