Panthers end Eels’ unbeaten streak

Week four of the Cook Islands Rugby Union Rarotonga Club 15s tournament at Titikaveka provided rugby fans with some exciting matches and unexpected results.

The much-anticipated match between the defending champions Tupapa Panthers and the previously undefeated Awati Unikau Eels was a closely contested affair with the outcome being hard to predict.

A strong and tricky breeze made the sideline difficult, resulting in multiple scrums that favored the outnumbered Panthers.

With limited possession, the Eels had to rely on counter-attacks and breakaway chances.

It was a race against time as the Eels needed one more try and a conversion to equalise. Their best chance was to score a try in the right corner in the final moments of the match. However, their hopes were dashed as the final conversion attempt was unsuccessful and the Panthers eventually won with a score of 19-17.

The Eels’ best players were dynamic centre-back Jale Lagidela, hard-running midfielder Bill Temo and the trio of Adyn Kapi, Toru Katuke and Li Ponini. For the Panthers, big forward Davey Mato stood out, anchoring the scrum while the entire forward group had a slight edge on the breakaway.

“It’s great to see Peniasi ‘Flash’ Dakuwaqa return to the Black Panthers at fullback, although he has been limited in quality balls and space due to the Eels’ strong defence,” said CIRU Development Manager Ben Koteka.

The 27-year-old Dakuwaka is currently on holiday playing for French professional rugby club Stade Français in the Top 14. Earlier this month, he made his debut for the Fijian national team against Georgia and scored two goals in Fiji’s 21-12 win.

At halftime, the Panthers led 8-6. David Mato and Marv Karas scored respectively, and Daniel Toa scored three goals from the penalty spot. Josh Koroy of the Eels scored once, and Vega Reupena scored four goals from the penalty spot.

In the other top-level men’s match on Friday, the Titikaweka Bulldogs upset the Arorangi Bears.

The much-improved Bulldogs surprised everyone with a narrow 21-19 win over the heavily favored Bears. The Bears led 12-10 at halftime, but the Bulldogs’ tenacious defense thwarted the Bears’ offense in the second half.

Although the Bears outshot the Bulldogs 3-2, it was the calm leadership and accurate shooting of defender Teyariki Matenga that kept the Bulldogs in the game. Matenga contributed 11 points in total and was key to their victory.

Key players for the Bears include No. 8 Andrew Purua, defender Tanire Heather and midfielder Thomas Daniel. Standouts for the Bulldogs include defenders Matenga, Tangi Akava, Kaleb Chase and Willie Rani, as well as their hard-working forward duo.

The Bulldogs’ scoring was done by Kaleb Chase and Andrew Teroi, with Matenga contributing three free throws and an extra point. The Bears’ scoring was done by Rob Heather, Andrew Purua and Samu Ritova, with Thomas Daniel contributing two extra points.