7s tournament a test of depth

The first day of the Corporate 7s hosted by the Ngatangiia club was a test of team depth and player stamina.

The 8 team competition was split into two pools with each team playing three games which really tested the teams depth and player fitness.

With the open transfer ruling and player movement allowed it was a great opportunity to see the new team makeups and to see how they are tracking at this stage of the season as they prepare for our marquee tournament the Cook Islands International 7s Tournament to be played at the end of the month.

It also seemed to be a front rower’s day with some of the bigger lads impressing with run-away tries.

At the end of the day – last week’s club 7s winners the Reds topped their Pool closely followed by the Panthers, Cowboys and Titikaveka Telecom Colts.

Defending international 7s champions the Titikaveka Stallions topped Pool B with the Eels hot on their heels followed by the Tabusoro Recyclers and the Ngatangiia Dragons.

Standout players on the day include powerhouse midfielder Fou Amate who scored 7 tries on the day from 3 matches for the Reds was Colts evergreen Lloyd ‘Bacon’ Matapo looked fresh on the pitch.

Usa Tovio was a standout for the Tabusoro Recyclers while the Toa brothers Thomas & Daniel and Tom Weeks lead the way for the Dragons.

Eels speedster Duane Gukisuva and elusive 19-year old pivot Repaio Jones and JJ Nicholas were in top form for their club while James Tofilau and Sailosi Nagi were the danger men for the Stallions.

Strong running halfback Tautua Ofisa who played for the Panthers was almost unstoppable and elusive forward Waisoi Karalo was the standout for the Cowboys.

Day two of the tournament will be played next Saturday at the Titikaveka field.

Full results and quarter final draws along with more action photos will be published in tomorrow’s sports pages.