Eels advance to final, Panthers take on Bears

Avatiu Nikao Eels advanced to the final of the Rarotonga Club 15-year-old boys premier event yesterday afternoon after defeating Titikaveka Bulldogs in the first semi-final.

The Eels led 31-7 at halftime before defeating the Bulldogs 48-24 at Remaru Park in Arorangi.

This afternoon the Clive Nicholas-coached side will take on the winner of the second semi-final between defending champions Tupapa Panthers and Arorangi Bears.

The Panthers and Bears have played twice this year and the score is currently tied at 1-1, with the Bears winning the first game 13-3 and the Panthers winning 20-8 last weekend to even the score.

Ben Koteka of the Cook Islands Rugby Union said in both games the winning teams came out stronger in the second half.

“The 2023 champion Panthers will be under pressure to produce a good result this weekend if they want to continue their winning ways and lift the trophy again this year,” Kotka said.

According to Koteka, some of the players to watch out for in today’s match are:

The Bears have a monster forward group led by Cook Islands national team representatives Rob Heather and Tanire Mokoroa, as well as hard workers Andrew Purua and “Magic” Tonorio.

Under the guidance of captain Daniel Toa, the Black Panthers will rely heavily on their reliable and combative forward duo to provide quality balls to the speedy backline of Pita Senibiakula and Mafu Kalas.

“The Bears won 13-3 at Arorangiremaru Park in front of their home fans… Let’s wait and see if the Bears can pull off another miracle at Arorangiremaru Park this Saturday!”

Fixtures

12pm: Under 6/8 Rippa and U10 Tackle – Youth Development, 1pm: Under 12s – Youth Development, 2pm: Girls Rugby: Bears vs Panthers, 2.30pm: U14s: Bears vs Eels, 3pm: Under 16s: Bears vs Eels, 4pm Bears vs Panthers.