During the week there was pre-match talk of key Panthers players being injured leading into the Finals, however last Saturday the Panthers showed their true championship qualities with a commanding 32 – 13 victory at their marae “Victoria Park”. Any talk of Panther player injuries were dispelled with a 4 try to 1 victory, including an 80 minute dominant set piece scrum and lineout effort.
The Bears pack were expected to dominate at set piece time, scrum and lineout, however that did not eventuate as they struggled against a Panthers outfit that contested and won the physicality battle.
Without a set piece platform to launch their attack and build pressure, the Bears struggled throughout the match, there best form of attack the sporadic pick and go and occasional counter attack.
Bests players for the Bears were; busy and feisty left winger Ratu Saulala, never-say-die fullback Steve Willis and skillful first 5/8 Viiga Ruepena – who never gave up the fight.
The Panthers bests players were their whole forward pack – they set the platform for their halves to create and their outside backs to thrive and constantly pressure the opposition all day.
The Panthers led comfortably at halftime by 27 – 6.
Post-match Best & Fairest Player Awards were given to the Panthers first 5/8 Gabby Komaisavou who made a miraculous recovery after injuring his hand 2 weeks go and the Bears busy left winger Ratu Saulala.
Congratulations to the Darren Piri coached Panthers team who win this Championships for the fourth year in a row!
ARORANGI BEARS: 13 Try: Franco Smith Conv: Viiga Ruepena Pen: V Ruepena(2)
EELS WIN the U19 TITLE:
U19 AVATIU EELS 29 – 17 ARORANGI BEARS
This was an exciting match at one stage, mid-second half, the scoreline was drawn 17 all.
It was like watching the power of the monster Eels pack against the speed and skill of the Bears backline.
However Eels finishing strongest, their ability to consistently apply pressure resulting in two late tries to their big forwards Beau Daniel (Number 8) and Francis Akava (lock).
Best players for the Cowboys were strong-running fullback and captain Tepa Tuaputa and speedy midfielder Toru Mateariki – he was a constant threat with ball in hand.
Best players for the Eels were their hardworking captain Tupui Tuaivi (lock), goalkicking hooker Jordan Peraua and lively fullback Nathan Nabou.
The Eels led at halftime by 17 – 10.
AVATIU EELS: 29 Tries: Maka Maui, Ryan Daniel, Beau Daniel & Francis Akava Conv: Jordan Peraua (3) Pen: J Peraua
In the early afternoon all the Under 9s & Under 11s Clubs; Tupapa Panthers, Arorangi Bears, Avatiu Eels and the Takuvaine Reds played Quick Rip Rugby and all the teams received prizes from Vodafone.
In her speech Vodafone Sales Representative Jules Westrupp gave all teams, both boys & girls especially, words of encouragement and acknowledged the marked improvement in skillset throughout the season.
Message of Appreciation: thank you to the Tupapa Rugby Club for hosting our Finals, all the Clubs & teams, coaches & management, all our sponsors, media team, the referees, admin team, the volunteers and all the spectators for all your support – meitaki ma’ata and God bless always.
Review of some of the matches played at Tupapa Field today Saturday 24/07/21.
Senior A Grade “Match of the Day played between Avatiu EELS 38 – 8 Takuvaine REDS
In this stop-start match the Avatiu Eels finishing much stronger against their town cousins the Takuvaine Reds, the Eels winning by 38 – 8. At halftime the Eels led by 14 – 8.
Best players for the Reds were their dynamo half Jason Potoru who started at first 5/8 and finished up at halfback. He was well supported by barnstorming number 8 Seroni Raululu – until he got tired and goalkicking loose forward Tuku Samuel.
Best players for the Eels were the usual players; number 8 Lae Logologoivalu, centre John Penu and the newly converted loose forward Josh Motu.
Takuviane Reds: 8 Try: Jason Potoru Pen: Tuku Samuel
OTHER RESULTS:
Womens 7s:
The Avatiu Eels ladies played two matches last Saturday and they won them both.
In their first match (v Bears Ladies) they won by 31 – 7. The Eels try scorers were: Vaiana Rima, Nicole Tiore, Maea Mokoroa, Mahana Syjp & Pare Noovao. Noovao kicking 3 conversions. The lone Bears Ladies converted try was scored by Stephanie Nooroa.
In the Eels second match this was a real contest with the Eels just winning by 7 – 5 against a resilient Takuvaine Reds. The Eels second half try was scored by pivot Shay Te Whata and converted by Pare Noovao. The lone Takuvaine try was scored by their halfback Manea Poa after a line break by centre Patty Taea.
As the fitness levels and rugby nous increases the standard of the Womens 7s matches continues to improve each week too – keep up the great work ladies and management.
Under 16 Grade: Avatiu Eels 21 – 12 Arorangi Bears
This was an exciting match to watch with the halftime score locked at 7-all. The way in which these youngsters were able to move the ball into space resulted in some thrilling team tries being scored by both teams.
Avatiu Eels: 21 Tries: Francis Akava (2) & Ryan Daniel Conv: Teava Nicholas (3)
Arorangi Bears: 12 Tries: William Andrew & Ngametua Tuakana Conv: James Tarau
In the U13 Grade the Avatiu Eels defeated the Arorangi Bears by 32 – 0.
The U9s/U11s started the day playing Quick Rip and it was great to see that all Clubs (Reds, Panthers, Bear & Eels) were able to field teams in both these grades.
The bigger and more experienced Rarotonga team proving a bit too strong for the visiting Aitutaki team.
The Rarotonga set piece scrum and lineout ensuring a steady supply of possession for their backline to launch repeated attacks and pressure Aitutaki into making mistakes.
Although surprisingly the Aitutaki scrum late in the second half did win a couple of tight-heads – that just goes to show the fighting spirit of this Aitutaki team.
The Aitutaki team played with plenty of spirit and they did look for opportunity to counter-attack but it was sporadic.
At the post-match awards – the best players for the Aitutaki team went to loose forward Maitoi Henry and first 5/8 Ruatiaki Drollet.
Best players for the Rarotonga team were lock Armani Ama and fullback (& Captain) Joseph “Tepa” Tuaputa.
Rarotonga led at halftime by 19 – 0.
U19 RAROTONGA: 46 Tries: JJ Karika(2), Ryan Daniel, Beau Daniel, Armani Ama, Villi Kama, Maru Tearaitoa & John Noovao Conv: JJ Karika(2) & Francis Terepo
U19 AITUTAKI: 0
Match #2: U19 Rarotonga v Aitutaki will be played this Friday @ 4.30pm at the Avatiu “Aretere” Field.
Results from the Round #3 rugby matches played at Avatiu Field last Saturday 17/07/21 afternoon.
##Match of the Day – Senior A Grade: Tupapa Panthers 27 – 5 Avatiu Eels
In the end the Panthers proving too strong for the Eels, the Panthers winning by 27 – 5. The Panthers speedsters Junior Buresova and Peniasi Dakuwaqa both scoring a brace of tries. Best players for the Eels were front rower KC Kora, utility players Lai Logologoivalu and John Penu. The best players for the Panthers were their point-scorers Junior, Peniasi and goal kicking first 5/8 Jojo Karati.
In the other Senior A Grade match played at Avatiu Field the Arorangi Bears won this match by 46 – 12 against the Takuvaine Reds. The Bears leading at the halftime break by 15 – 5.
In the Womens 7s: the lady Bears played twice that afternoon losing 0 – 24 (Avatiu Eels), but they won their second match by 15 – 5 against the newbies TKV Reds. Congratulations to TKV Reds for organizing a Womens 7s team.
Round #3 Results from Saturday 17/07/21 at Avatiu Field:
Round #2 Results from Saturday 10/07/21 at Arorangi Field
In the main Senior A Grade: Match of the Day the Arorangi Bears won by 22 – 17 against the Avatiu Eels.
Although the Eels scored 3 tries (to 1) and led at the halftime break by 10 – 9, however they were unable to shake off a persistent Bears team.
The Bears were led by their pointscoring machine and first 5/8 Viiga Ruepena who scored a total of 19 points – that also included a try from a quick lineout – that caught everyone by surprise.
As expected this was a tough and uncompromising match between these two teams.
Best players for the Eels were barnstorming number 8 Lae Logologoivalu and their energetic hooker and Captain – Joshua Caffery.
Best players for the Bears were Ruepena and his loose forwards Andrew Purua and Fale Sooialo.
ARORANGI BEARS: 22 Try: Viiga Ruepena Conv: V Ruepena Penalty: V Ruepena(4) & Leo Roa
In the other Senior A Grade match this was won by the Tupapa Panthers by 38 – 6 against the Takuvaine Reds. The Panthers led at halftime by only 14 – 6. It was great to have the Reds involved in our competition again and they kept the Panthers honest in the first half although as the game wore on their lack of fitness was evident. This is only the Reds first match of the year and together with their experienced coach Frank Karati they will get better and I am sure they will be threat to all teams this season. Again it was the Panthers extra fitness together with the express pace of Peniasi Dakuwaqa, Tua Ravula and Junior Buresova who helped them to finish stronger in this match.
WOMENS 7s: Avatiu Eels 24 – 14 Arorangi Lady Bears. This was another exciting contest with the Eels racing away to a 19 – 0 halftime lead with tries to Vaiana Rima, Shae Te Whata and Pare Noovao. The Bears replied in the second half with two well-taken converted tries to utility back Rima Browne. However it was the final try to winger Mahana Sijp that sealed this win for the Eels. Next week we welcome the TKV Reds Womens team to the 2021 competition mix!
Other Results:
U19 Eels 29 – 12 Bears
U16 Eels 22 – 19 Bears
U13 Eels 32 – 0 Bears
The Saturday games kicked-off @ 10.45am with the Under 9 & Under 11s playing Quick Rip Rugby. It was great to have all 4 Clubs (Takuvaine Reds, Avatiu Eels, Tupapa Panthers & Arorangi Bears) represented in these grades including the newbies TKV Reds in their brand new uniforms.
Senior A Grade: TUPAPA PANTHERS 27 v 3 ARORANGI BEARS
Being the first match of the of the season it was a stop-start affair for both teams. With the halftime score at 10 – 0 the Bears were in with a chance however it was the extreme pace of Panthers fullback Peniasi Dakuwaqa that put the result beyond doubt as he ran in two long-range tries. The Bears kept the champion Panthers team honest and on a positive note for the Bears they were able to blood four of their U19 players; Armani Ama, Ben Sokia, Filimoni Kama and Taio Taio. Best players for the Bears were Number 8 Andrew Purua and his loose forward partner Fale Sooialo. Panthers best players were halfback Junior Buresova and as usual, loose forward Thomas Toa.
In this exciting 7s match the extra pace of the Eels girls were a bonus with Vaiana Rima and Nicole Tiore both scoring two tries each for the Eels team. The Bears tries were scored by Tara Williams and Rima Browne with the halftime score at 5-all.
U19: Arorangi Bears 22 – 10 Avatiu Eels
This was a good contest between these two teams. The best players for the Eels were their forwards Beau Daniel and Tupui Tuaivi. Best players for the Bears were fullback Tepa Tuaputa and winger Nuku Mokoroa.
It was a good opening round of matches with the U16s and U13s playing rugby 10s and the Under 9s/11s (Boys & Girls) playing Quick Rip from 11am. Thank you to the Tupapa Rugby Club for being our hosts.
While the Club Championship season usually starts in June, there will hopefully be other events during the year that we can organise to keep our players toned for the Rugby Season. We will keep you informed about what it is on.
Our talented women players are a growth area for Cook Islands Rugby.
2020 Club Championship Final
PANTHERS WIN EXTRA TIME THRILLER
from Saturday 19/09/20 @ Arorangi Field
SENIOR A Grade: TUPAPA Panthers 22 – 16 AVATIU Eels
With the scores locked at 16-all at fulltime the teams went into extra time (2x 10minutes) with the Panthers kicking themselves to a 22 – 16 victory.
This was one of the most exciting Finals ever and give credit to both teams for the quality of this intense final that kept the audience on the edge of their seats throughout.
The halftime score was locked at 8-all.
The Eels will count themselves unlucky not to win this match as they took the game to the Panthers, the Eels leading for the majority of this match.
Although the Eels struggled to win quality set piece scrum and lineout ball they made up in other areas, by running strongly in the pick & go and being aggressive in the contact area.
With the Eels direct and physical approach the normally lethal Panthers attack lacked fluency.
The Eels will rue the fact that in the 75th minute of the match and with the score at 16 – 11, the Eels were in a commanding position to close out this match.
However the never-say-die Panthers had other ideas and from out of nothing, they were able to score an incredible solo try to their right winger Peniasi “Flash” Dakuwaqa who scorched 50 metres to beat at least 5 defenders with pace, power and balance, on his way to the try line. This try bringing the score level at 16-all, with the pressure conversion to come.
Unfortunately for the Panthers the pressure conversion into the swirly wind missed, leaving the full time score at 16-all.
So both teams went into Extra time that resulted in the Panthers first 5/8 Viiga Ruepena successfully kicking two penalty goals in this extra time period for the Panthers to win (22-16) and retain the Championship trophy again for another year.
Best players for the Eels were their workaholic forwards Genesis Piri, Adyn Kapi, Josh Caffery, Li Ponini and first 5/8 Kelepi Komaisavou and midfielder Leki Hauvela.
And for the Panthers their best players were; forwards Davey Mato, Thomas Toa and first 5/8 Viiga Ruepena and fullback Junior Buresova.
The Vodafone Best & Fairest Player(s) were awarded to: Genesis Piri (Eels) and Davey Mato(Panthers).
This was an exciting match with some excellent tries being scored especially the Town 80 metre counter-attack team effort that resulted in their opening try to midfielder Nathan Nabou.
Mid-way send half we have a drawn score line at 17-all and the momentum looks to have shifted in favour of the Town team.
However through good leadership of some of the experienced Country players, the Country team were able to pile-on 15 unanswered points during the latter stages of this exciting match.
A lot credit must go to the coaches of this young Town team, there work in building a competitive outfit with the majority of these players aged 16-17 years of age, so this bodes well for the future of this Grade.
Best players for Town were; forwards; Temaruata Tearitoa and Tupui Tuaivi, utility backs; Waqa Delaimoala, Joaquin Pantaleon, Nathan Nabou and Jireh Vunibaka.
Best players for Country were forwards; Rau Nga, Xavier Rauraa, Sianna Short, Armani Ama and backs Tom Daniel and Ben Sokia.
The halftime score was 10-all.
U19 COUNTRY: 32 Tries: Taio Taio, Xavier Rauraa, Thomas Daniel & Ben Tearii Conv: Armani Ama(3) Pen: Armani Ama (2)
The Country had to adjust their plans early as they loss two of their leading players pretty much around the same time due to ankle injuries.
So they were able to adapt to these forced changes with other players stepping up to the plate.
The Country team were able to score two tries in each half to win by 22 – 7.
The Town tried hard and they did make some good line breaks however they were unable to finish these promising moves due to some good desperate Country defense.
Country led at halftime by 10 – nil.
Best players for the Town were; Nooti Peraua and Maka Maui.
Best players for the Country were; Henry Mataio, Abel Heather and Zac Tuaati.
U16 COUNTRY: 22 Tries: Mii Paia, Beau Daniel, Jessie Toa & Zac Tuaati Conv: Zac Tuaati
U16 TOW: 7 Try: Terry Akava Conv: Nooti Peraua
CIRU MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION: During this unprecedented time of uncertainty CIRU would like to say thank you to all our clubs – players, coaches & management, volunteers, referees, medics, sponsors, spectators, supporters and to the Arorangi Rugby Club as wonderful Finals hosts. Thank you all for allowing us to come together as a happy, healthy & safe community, meitaki ma’ata and God bless always.
Club Games and Results
PANTHERS WIN 4TH CHAMPIONSHIP IN A ROW IN 2021
=======================================================================
SENIOR A: TUPAPA 32 – 13 ARORANGI BEARS
During the week there was pre-match talk of key Panthers players being injured leading into the Finals, however last Saturday the Panthers showed their true championship qualities with a commanding 32 – 13 victory at their marae “Victoria Park”. Any talk of Panther player injuries were dispelled with a 4 try to 1 victory, including an 80 minute dominant set piece scrum and lineout effort.
The Bears pack were expected to dominate at set piece time, scrum and lineout, however that did not eventuate as they struggled against a Panthers outfit that contested and won the physicality battle.
Without a set piece platform to launch their attack and build pressure, the Bears struggled throughout the match, there best form of attack the sporadic pick and go and occasional counter attack.
Bests players for the Bears were; busy and feisty left winger Ratu Saulala, never-say-die fullback Steve Willis and skillful first 5/8 Viiga Ruepena – who never gave up the fight.
The Panthers bests players were their whole forward pack – they set the platform for their halves to create and their outside backs to thrive and constantly pressure the opposition all day.
The Panthers led comfortably at halftime by 27 – 6.
Post-match Best & Fairest Player Awards were given to the Panthers first 5/8 Gabby Komaisavou who made a miraculous recovery after injuring his hand 2 weeks go and the Bears busy left winger Ratu Saulala.
Congratulations to the Darren Piri coached Panthers team who win this Championships for the fourth year in a row!
TUPAPA PANTHERS: 32 Tries: Peniasi Dakuwaqa, Tua Ravla, Simeli Ravula & Savenaca “Junior” Buresova Conv: Kelepi “Gabby” Komaisavou(3) Pen: K Komaisavou(2)
ARORANGI BEARS: 13 Try: Franco Smith Conv: Viiga Ruepena Pen: V Ruepena(2)
EELS WIN the U19 TITLE:
U19 AVATIU EELS 29 – 17 ARORANGI BEARS
This was an exciting match at one stage, mid-second half, the scoreline was drawn 17 all.
It was like watching the power of the monster Eels pack against the speed and skill of the Bears backline.
However Eels finishing strongest, their ability to consistently apply pressure resulting in two late tries to their big forwards Beau Daniel (Number 8) and Francis Akava (lock).
Best players for the Cowboys were strong-running fullback and captain Tepa Tuaputa and speedy midfielder Toru Mateariki – he was a constant threat with ball in hand.
Best players for the Eels were their hardworking captain Tupui Tuaivi (lock), goalkicking hooker Jordan Peraua and lively fullback Nathan Nabou.
The Eels led at halftime by 17 – 10.
AVATIU EELS: 29 Tries: Maka Maui, Ryan Daniel, Beau Daniel & Francis Akava Conv: Jordan Peraua (3) Pen: J Peraua
ARORANGI BEARS: 17 Tries: Toru Mateariki, Tepa Tuaputa & Taio Taio Conv: Sonny Aratangi
In the early afternoon all the Under 9s & Under 11s Clubs; Tupapa Panthers, Arorangi Bears, Avatiu Eels and the Takuvaine Reds played Quick Rip Rugby and all the teams received prizes from Vodafone.
In her speech Vodafone Sales Representative Jules Westrupp gave all teams, both boys & girls especially, words of encouragement and acknowledged the marked improvement in skillset throughout the season.
Message of Appreciation: thank you to the Tupapa Rugby Club for hosting our Finals, all the Clubs & teams, coaches & management, all our sponsors, media team, the referees, admin team, the volunteers and all the spectators for all your support – meitaki ma’ata and God bless always.
====================================================================
Review of some of the matches played at Tupapa Field today Saturday 24/07/21.
Senior A Grade “Match of the Day played between Avatiu EELS 38 – 8 Takuvaine REDS
In this stop-start match the Avatiu Eels finishing much stronger against their town cousins the Takuvaine Reds, the Eels winning by 38 – 8. At halftime the Eels led by 14 – 8.
Best players for the Reds were their dynamo half Jason Potoru who started at first 5/8 and finished up at halfback. He was well supported by barnstorming number 8 Seroni Raululu – until he got tired and goalkicking loose forward Tuku Samuel.
Best players for the Eels were the usual players; number 8 Lae Logologoivalu, centre John Penu and the newly converted loose forward Josh Motu.
Avatiu Eels: 38 Tries: John Penu(2), Junior Kiriau(2) & Tereinga Terekia Conv: Teariki Matenga (3) & Tereinga Napa
Takuviane Reds: 8 Try: Jason Potoru Pen: Tuku Samuel
OTHER RESULTS:
Womens 7s:
The Avatiu Eels ladies played two matches last Saturday and they won them both.
In their first match (v Bears Ladies) they won by 31 – 7. The Eels try scorers were: Vaiana Rima, Nicole Tiore, Maea Mokoroa, Mahana Syjp & Pare Noovao. Noovao kicking 3 conversions. The lone Bears Ladies converted try was scored by Stephanie Nooroa.
In the Eels second match this was a real contest with the Eels just winning by 7 – 5 against a resilient Takuvaine Reds. The Eels second half try was scored by pivot Shay Te Whata and converted by Pare Noovao. The lone Takuvaine try was scored by their halfback Manea Poa after a line break by centre Patty Taea.
As the fitness levels and rugby nous increases the standard of the Womens 7s matches continues to improve each week too – keep up the great work ladies and management.
Under 16 Grade: Avatiu Eels 21 – 12 Arorangi Bears
This was an exciting match to watch with the halftime score locked at 7-all. The way in which these youngsters were able to move the ball into space resulted in some thrilling team tries being scored by both teams.
Avatiu Eels: 21 Tries: Francis Akava (2) & Ryan Daniel Conv: Teava Nicholas (3)
Arorangi Bears: 12 Tries: William Andrew & Ngametua Tuakana Conv: James Tarau
In the U13 Grade the Avatiu Eels defeated the Arorangi Bears by 32 – 0.
The U9s/U11s started the day playing Quick Rip and it was great to see that all Clubs (Reds, Panthers, Bear & Eels) were able to field teams in both these grades.
========================================================================
U19 RAROTONGA 46 – 0 U19 AITUTAKI (20 July 2021)
The bigger and more experienced Rarotonga team proving a bit too strong for the visiting Aitutaki team.
The Rarotonga set piece scrum and lineout ensuring a steady supply of possession for their backline to launch repeated attacks and pressure Aitutaki into making mistakes.
Although surprisingly the Aitutaki scrum late in the second half did win a couple of tight-heads – that just goes to show the fighting spirit of this Aitutaki team.
The Aitutaki team played with plenty of spirit and they did look for opportunity to counter-attack but it was sporadic.
At the post-match awards – the best players for the Aitutaki team went to loose forward Maitoi Henry and first 5/8 Ruatiaki Drollet.
Best players for the Rarotonga team were lock Armani Ama and fullback (& Captain) Joseph “Tepa” Tuaputa.
Rarotonga led at halftime by 19 – 0.
U19 RAROTONGA: 46 Tries: JJ Karika(2), Ryan Daniel, Beau Daniel, Armani Ama, Villi Kama, Maru Tearaitoa & John Noovao Conv: JJ Karika(2) & Francis Terepo
U19 AITUTAKI: 0
Match #2: U19 Rarotonga v Aitutaki will be played this Friday @ 4.30pm at the Avatiu “Aretere” Field.
=========================================================================
Results from the Round #3 rugby matches played at Avatiu Field last Saturday 17/07/21 afternoon.
##Match of the Day – Senior A Grade: Tupapa Panthers 27 – 5 Avatiu Eels
In the end the Panthers proving too strong for the Eels, the Panthers winning by 27 – 5. The Panthers speedsters Junior Buresova and Peniasi Dakuwaqa both scoring a brace of tries. Best players for the Eels were front rower KC Kora, utility players Lai Logologoivalu and John Penu. The best players for the Panthers were their point-scorers Junior, Peniasi and goal kicking first 5/8 Jojo Karati.
Tupapa Panthers: 27 Tries: Junior Buresova(2) & Peniasi Dakuwaqa(2), Conv: Jojo Karati(2) Pen: J Karati
Avatiu Eels: Try: Penitito Lio
In the other Senior A Grade match played at Avatiu Field the Arorangi Bears won this match by 46 – 12 against the Takuvaine Reds. The Bears leading at the halftime break by 15 – 5.
In the Womens 7s: the lady Bears played twice that afternoon losing 0 – 24 (Avatiu Eels), but they won their second match by 15 – 5 against the newbies TKV Reds. Congratulations to TKV Reds for organizing a Womens 7s team.
Round #3 Results from Saturday 17/07/21 at Avatiu Field:
=========================================================================
Round #2 Results from Saturday 10/07/21 at Arorangi Field
In the main Senior A Grade: Match of the Day the Arorangi Bears won by 22 – 17 against the Avatiu Eels.
Although the Eels scored 3 tries (to 1) and led at the halftime break by 10 – 9, however they were unable to shake off a persistent Bears team.
The Bears were led by their pointscoring machine and first 5/8 Viiga Ruepena who scored a total of 19 points – that also included a try from a quick lineout – that caught everyone by surprise.
As expected this was a tough and uncompromising match between these two teams.
Best players for the Eels were barnstorming number 8 Lae Logologoivalu and their energetic hooker and Captain – Joshua Caffery.
Best players for the Bears were Ruepena and his loose forwards Andrew Purua and Fale Sooialo.
ARORANGI BEARS: 22 Try: Viiga Ruepena Conv: V Ruepena Penalty: V Ruepena(4) & Leo Roa
AVATIU EELS: 15 Tries: Tevita Niusoma, Mika Leawere & Lae Logologoivalu
In the other Senior A Grade match this was won by the Tupapa Panthers by 38 – 6 against the Takuvaine Reds. The Panthers led at halftime by only 14 – 6. It was great to have the Reds involved in our competition again and they kept the Panthers honest in the first half although as the game wore on their lack of fitness was evident. This is only the Reds first match of the year and together with their experienced coach Frank Karati they will get better and I am sure they will be threat to all teams this season. Again it was the Panthers extra fitness together with the express pace of Peniasi Dakuwaqa, Tua Ravula and Junior Buresova who helped them to finish stronger in this match.
Tupapa Panthers: 38 Tries: Peniasi Dakuwaqa(3), Tua Ravula, Tomasi Wellington & Junior Buresova Conv: Jojo Karati(3)
Takuvaine Reds: 6 Penalty: Daniel Toa (2)
WOMENS 7s: Avatiu Eels 24 – 14 Arorangi Lady Bears. This was another exciting contest with the Eels racing away to a 19 – 0 halftime lead with tries to Vaiana Rima, Shae Te Whata and Pare Noovao. The Bears replied in the second half with two well-taken converted tries to utility back Rima Browne. However it was the final try to winger Mahana Sijp that sealed this win for the Eels. Next week we welcome the TKV Reds Womens team to the 2021 competition mix!
Other Results:
The Saturday games kicked-off @ 10.45am with the Under 9 & Under 11s playing Quick Rip Rugby. It was great to have all 4 Clubs (Takuvaine Reds, Avatiu Eels, Tupapa Panthers & Arorangi Bears) represented in these grades including the newbies TKV Reds in their brand new uniforms.
=========================================================================
RESULTS: Saturday 3/07/21 at TUPAPA Field:
Being the first match of the of the season it was a stop-start affair for both teams. With the halftime score at 10 – 0 the Bears were in with a chance however it was the extreme pace of Panthers fullback Peniasi Dakuwaqa that put the result beyond doubt as he ran in two long-range tries. The Bears kept the champion Panthers team honest and on a positive note for the Bears they were able to blood four of their U19 players; Armani Ama, Ben Sokia, Filimoni Kama and Taio Taio. Best players for the Bears were Number 8 Andrew Purua and his loose forward partner Fale Sooialo. Panthers best players were halfback Junior Buresova and as usual, loose forward Thomas Toa.
TUPAPA PANTHERS: 27 Tries: Peniasi Dakuwaqa(2), Marouna Ioane, Kave Mocedike & Samsoni Ratokabula Conv: Jojo Karati
ARORANGI BEARS: 3 Pen: Viiga Ruepena
In this exciting 7s match the extra pace of the Eels girls were a bonus with Vaiana Rima and Nicole Tiore both scoring two tries each for the Eels team. The Bears tries were scored by Tara Williams and Rima Browne with the halftime score at 5-all.
This was a good contest between these two teams. The best players for the Eels were their forwards Beau Daniel and Tupui Tuaivi. Best players for the Bears were fullback Tepa Tuaputa and winger Nuku Mokoroa.
It was a good opening round of matches with the U16s and U13s playing rugby 10s and the Under 9s/11s (Boys & Girls) playing Quick Rip from 11am. Thank you to the Tupapa Rugby Club for being our hosts.
========================================================================
While the Club Championship season usually starts in June, there will hopefully be other events during the year that we can organise to keep our players toned for the Rugby Season. We will keep you informed about what it is on.
2020 Club Championship Final
PANTHERS WIN EXTRA TIME THRILLER
from Saturday 19/09/20 @ Arorangi Field
SENIOR A Grade: TUPAPA Panthers 22 – 16 AVATIU Eels
With the scores locked at 16-all at fulltime the teams went into extra time (2x 10minutes) with the Panthers kicking themselves to a 22 – 16 victory.
This was one of the most exciting Finals ever and give credit to both teams for the quality of this intense final that kept the audience on the edge of their seats throughout.
The halftime score was locked at 8-all.
The Eels will count themselves unlucky not to win this match as they took the game to the Panthers, the Eels leading for the majority of this match.
Although the Eels struggled to win quality set piece scrum and lineout ball they made up in other areas, by running strongly in the pick & go and being aggressive in the contact area.
With the Eels direct and physical approach the normally lethal Panthers attack lacked fluency.
The Eels will rue the fact that in the 75th minute of the match and with the score at 16 – 11, the Eels were in a commanding position to close out this match.
However the never-say-die Panthers had other ideas and from out of nothing, they were able to score an incredible solo try to their right winger Peniasi “Flash” Dakuwaqa who scorched 50 metres to beat at least 5 defenders with pace, power and balance, on his way to the try line. This try bringing the score level at 16-all, with the pressure conversion to come.
Unfortunately for the Panthers the pressure conversion into the swirly wind missed, leaving the full time score at 16-all.
So both teams went into Extra time that resulted in the Panthers first 5/8 Viiga Ruepena successfully kicking two penalty goals in this extra time period for the Panthers to win (22-16) and retain the Championship trophy again for another year.
Best players for the Eels were their workaholic forwards Genesis Piri, Adyn Kapi, Josh Caffery, Li Ponini and first 5/8 Kelepi Komaisavou and midfielder Leki Hauvela.
And for the Panthers their best players were; forwards Davey Mato, Thomas Toa and first 5/8 Viiga Ruepena and fullback Junior Buresova.
The Vodafone Best & Fairest Player(s) were awarded to: Genesis Piri (Eels) and Davey Mato(Panthers).
TUPAPA Panthers: 22 Tries: Peniasi Dakuwaqa (2) Pen: Viiga Ruepena (4)
AVATIU Eels: 16 Tries: Lai Rogorogoivalu & Kelepi Komaisavou Pen: Kelepi Komaisavou (2)
U19 Grade: COUNTRY 32 – 17 TOWN
This was an exciting match with some excellent tries being scored especially the Town 80 metre counter-attack team effort that resulted in their opening try to midfielder Nathan Nabou.
Mid-way send half we have a drawn score line at 17-all and the momentum looks to have shifted in favour of the Town team.
However through good leadership of some of the experienced Country players, the Country team were able to pile-on 15 unanswered points during the latter stages of this exciting match.
A lot credit must go to the coaches of this young Town team, there work in building a competitive outfit with the majority of these players aged 16-17 years of age, so this bodes well for the future of this Grade.
Best players for Town were; forwards; Temaruata Tearitoa and Tupui Tuaivi, utility backs; Waqa Delaimoala, Joaquin Pantaleon, Nathan Nabou and Jireh Vunibaka.
Best players for Country were forwards; Rau Nga, Xavier Rauraa, Sianna Short, Armani Ama and backs Tom Daniel and Ben Sokia.
The halftime score was 10-all.
U19 COUNTRY: 32 Tries: Taio Taio, Xavier Rauraa, Thomas Daniel & Ben Tearii Conv: Armani Ama(3) Pen: Armani Ama (2)
U19 TOWN: 17 Tries: Nathan Nabou & Okirua Eliu Conv: Jireh Vunibaka (2) Pen: Jireh Vunibaka
U16 Grade: COUNTRY 22 – 7 TOWN
The Country had to adjust their plans early as they loss two of their leading players pretty much around the same time due to ankle injuries.
So they were able to adapt to these forced changes with other players stepping up to the plate.
The Country team were able to score two tries in each half to win by 22 – 7.
The Town tried hard and they did make some good line breaks however they were unable to finish these promising moves due to some good desperate Country defense.
Country led at halftime by 10 – nil.
Best players for the Town were; Nooti Peraua and Maka Maui.
Best players for the Country were; Henry Mataio, Abel Heather and Zac Tuaati.
U16 COUNTRY: 22 Tries: Mii Paia, Beau Daniel, Jessie Toa & Zac Tuaati Conv: Zac Tuaati
U16 TOW: 7 Try: Terry Akava Conv: Nooti Peraua
CIRU MESSAGE OF APPRECIATION: During this unprecedented time of uncertainty CIRU would like to say thank you to all our clubs – players, coaches & management, volunteers, referees, medics, sponsors, spectators, supporters and to the Arorangi Rugby Club as wonderful Finals hosts. Thank you all for allowing us to come together as a happy, healthy & safe community, meitaki ma’ata and God bless always.