Auckland Rugby League Inc

APPLIANCE SHED FOX MEMORIAL MEDIA RELEASE ROUND 18

Another round of the Appliance Shed Fox Memorial and another couple of upsets! None, more so than the Glenora Bears taking on the minor Premiers, Mt Albert Lions and not only have they taken the two points but also secured the Konica Minolta Roope Rooster in the process.

The other upset was the earlier game at Fowlds Park with Bay Roskill and fellow 2013 strugglers Northcote taking on each other as though they were playing for the title. The Vikings desperately needed the win to have any chance of staying in the top tier for 2014 and that is exactly the way they played. The lead changed hands on several occasions with man of the match, Sione Niuvao Taka cementing the win right on full time with his third try. The win now puts them on equal points with the Tigers but Northcote have the far better point’s differential.

In the other games, Papakura accounted for a rejuvenated Marist 24 – 14 with the Sea Eagles top four hopes still very much alive. With Howick wanting to hold on to their second spot they had to work hard against 4th placed Mangere East but took the win 30 – 24. Another win this weekend will give them the chance of getting the direct route to the Grand Final. Pt Chevalier, also with plenty to play for overcame a sluggish Otahuhu Leopards side that appears to have given up after missing the chance to play finals footy this season. The Pirates are still chasing the all-important second spot in a race with the Hornets and played accordingly coming out easy winners 30 – 6.

The TV cameras move to Birkenhead War Memorial this weekend for the last games in regular season. The 11.00am game, replayed on Maori Television at 3.30pm has the Mt Albert Lions up against the Mangere East Hawks who are fully aware a loss could eliminate them from the Finals. Mt Albert will not have been happy letting the Konica Minolta Roope Rooster go to Glenora and will be out to make amends even though the game will not change their position at the top of the table. This will go down to the wire but the Lions will come through in preparation for their first finals game next weekend.

The 2.30pm game, replayed on Maori television on Sunday at 1.30pm will be a big occasion for Northcote, not just to get the win and seal themselves a spot for the Fox in 2014, but they will want to farewell their retiring Captain in style. Tane Hart will hang up his boots after tomorrows encounter with Marist and bring to an end a wonderful career that has seen him play and captain Auckland & New Zealand Maori, North Harbour in the Bartercard Cup, Akarana, East Coast Bays and of course Northcote. Marist however, will want to end the season on a high and could quite possibly spoil Tane’s party but with a big crowd on hand to say goodbye to one of the great servants of the game. The Tigers will take the win so let the party begin!

Glenora will host the Bay Roskill Vikings which means the Konica Minolta Roope Rooster will also be on the line for the last time this season with the winner being able to call themselves 2013 holders. The Bears will want to show that last weekend’s efforts over the Lions was not a one off and will hold off a confident challenge from the Vikings in front of a packed Harold Moody Park crowd.

At Walker Park, Pt Chevalier will be fighting for second spot but a very desperate Papakura side who will know the result of the Mangere East vs Mt Albert game before they take the field will be fighting for much more… a finals series berth if the Hawks stumble. The Pirates showed great form against the Leopards in Round 17 and will want to continue in the same way, it will be a titanic encounter but Pt Chevalier will hold on for a close win.

Same with Howick who face a disappointing Otahuhu side at Paparoa Park. A loss could see them slip to third so they will go all out to ensure that is not the case. The Leopards will have no answer for a team that is looking very much like 2013 title contenders!

Some great footy right through the grades this weekend, for more information on the Premierships and all other grades, please go to www.aucklandleague.co.nz

Gordon Gibbons FOOTBALL OPERATIONS MANAGER k:\#wp\2013 premiership\media 26 july.doc