Wentworthville Magpies v Woy Woy Roosters
Ringrose Park, Saturday 4:30
The Roosters will travel down the F3 to Wentworthville on Saturday to take on the out of form Magpies. The Magpies last week tasted defeat at the hands of the Bulls in a big upset at home and have only won one of their last four matches. The Roosters meanwhile haven’t had a victory since round 14 when they play away to Windsor and now face the possibility of ending the season with the wooden spoon. The Magpies have minimal changes from last week’s line up with the only change being the return of Luke Carr as starting half and Steve Galea reverting to the bench. Allan Emery has changed the Woy Woy team considerably from last weeks side which lost to the resurgent Guildford outfit, and a number of player changes in the starting line up, particularly in the outside backs and front row have occurred. The last match between these sides this year at Woy Woy Oval resulted in a 26-16 victory to Wenty. Wentworthville have now fallen 5 points below competition leaders The Entrance and only sit two points above Ryde Eastwood, therefore this match being important to them if they wish to maintain their current position on the ladder.
Mono’s tip: Wentworthville Magpies
Guildford Leagues v Newtown Jets
McCredie Oval, Saturday 6:00
Newtown will travel west to Guildford on Saturday night to clash with the Owls, who still have a minimal chance of a finals appearance. The Jets stunned many with their 74-14 win against Woy Woy two weeks ago but were unable to repeat this fine performance last weekend when they were downed by the Erina Eagles by 42-24. Guildford meanwhile continue their fight for a finals position and have only lost one of their last five matches and are currently are on a two match winning streak, last week encountering for Woy Woy by 16 points. Two former Owls in Sateki Hifo and Veramu Dikidikilati will return to McCredie in the famous royal blue Jets jersey and the Bluebags faithful will be looking for big performances from this duo in the three-quaters. Guildford’s team remains unchanged from their last two wins whilst Newtown again see a number of changes due to the elevation of team members to the Jets premier league side. Trevor Schodel returns to the coaches box as Craig West takes the reins at halfback and there are 4 other changes with Zoobi, Wolfgramm, Kaleopa and Weiss new additions to the Newtown line up. The last match between these sides this year at Henson Park saw Guildford hand a thrashing to the Jets with a 40-10 scoreline and Darren Seymours men will be looking to repeat this performance. A win is necessary if Guildford is to stay in the hunt for a finals spot and the Owls Nest will be behind them all game at home.
Mono’s tip: Guildford
Windsor Wolves v Ourimbah Magpies
Windsor Complex, Saturday 7:00
The Wolves return home return home following two losses on the road and will be hoping to return to the winner’s circle against Ourimbah at 7:00 Saturday. Both teams finals chances now look to be lost and the Magpies have the chance to pinch 8th position from the Wolves with a win. Ourimbah have only won one of their last five matches and last week suffered a 26 point loss to the top of the table Tigers. Windsor meanwhile challenged the Hawks before going down by 4, in turn seeing their finals hopes disappear. The Wolves have no changes to this weeks lineup whilst the Magpies lose the experience and direction provided by Jason Bell with Matthew Thurston filling the hooking role and Robert Trembath filling the number 13 jumper. Shane Wilson has also injected himself into the team and will play off the bench after a considerable absence from the team. The Magpies won the last match between these teams at home by a 8 point margin, 28-8 though may experience trouble repeating this performance away from home as the Wolves will benefit from a strong home crowd and familiar conditions.
Mono’s tip: Windsor Wolves
The Entrance Tigers v Erina Eagles
EDSACC Oval, Sunday 2:45
The Entrance, whom now seem assured of the minor premiership with only 2 wins from 4 games needed, return home against local rivals Erina Eagles on Sunday at 2:45. The Entrance cheerleaders have had plenty to cheer about in recent weeks and the Tigers have now established an impressive 11 match winning streak. The Eagles have also been impressive over recent rounds and have won 3 of the last 4 matches, including a impressive victory over the Ryde-Eastwood Hawks, ensuring this will be a viewing spectacle for Central Coast fans. The Entrance have only two changes, both on the bench with Ben Wrigley and Grant Connor being replaced by Chris O’Briene and Steve Ekpati whilst Dean Hanger has no changes from last weekends side which defeated the Newtown Jets by 18 points. The last match between these clubs saw The Tigers keep the Eagles scoreless with a 26 point win. This being The Entrance’s last home game of the year, according to nswrl.com, a large crowd should be on hand to support the boys in black and gold on their run towards the finals.
Mono’s tip: The Entrance
Souths Juniors v Ryde-Eastwood Hawks
Mascot Oval, Sunday 3:00
Mascot Oval hosts its second Jim Beam Cup match and Souths will be hoping to maintain their current 100% winning record at the ground due their win over Windsor at the ground. This match is important for both sides with the winner gaining third position and therefore gaining the all important second chance come finals time if they can maintain their position. Souths Juniors last weekend battled out a 14 all draw with the Cougars whilst the Hawks had a narrow win over the Wolves. Coach Fletcher has named the same team from last weeks victory over Windsor whilst Joe Thomas has made two changes to the Bunnies outfit with Dane Gilmore replacing Garth Wood at fullback and Gerald Symonds taking the field at lock. Souths Juniors will be hoping to avenge the round 10 fixture between these clubs in which the Hawks won by 7. A large crowd is expected at Mascot to support Souths with a full day of junior fixtures preceding the Jim Beam Cup game, including two a-grade games.
Mono’s tip: Souths Juniors
Mono’s Match Of The Round
Sydney Bulls v St Marys-Penrith Cougars
Potts Park, Sunday 3:00
The Bulls host the Cougars in the match of the round with the outcome being a position inside the finals five. The Cougars currently sit one point ahead of the Bulls on the ladder and will be hoping to further this gap but this will be no easy feat. The Bulls last weekend knocked off the second placed Magpies away from home and are determined to clinch a finals position which if they play to potential are more than capable of. The Cougars also had a strong performance last weekend drawing with Souths Juniors and defeated Windsor at home the week before. Both teams have a tough run home and this win is vital for both sides with Guildford also a late bolter for the fifth position. The Bulls have two changes from last weeks side whom defeated Wenty with Ryan Branighan a welcome return at half back and George Azzi replacing Jason Asplet at prop whilst there are no changes for the St Marys boys. The Bulls wealth of experience may prove too much for the Cougars in this big game although the Cougars will go into this match confident of holding on to their finals position following their 12 point round 10 victory over the Bulls.
Mono’s tip: Sydney Bulls
