Panthers unable to catch Eels

The Avatiu Eels senior A grade revelled in the wet conditions at the BCI Stadium were they managed to hold on to a slim 16-13 lead to defeat defending champions the Tupapa Panthers for the 2012 crown.

The Eels started the first half on fire, dominating possession, position and the score board with their first try coming just 10 minutes into the game.

Hard working Eels number 8 Mark Charlie crossed the chalk after working a front of the lineout move that caught the Panthers off guard.

In fact, the Eels exploited the Panthers’ unmanned blindside on a number of occasions before heading into the break with a comfortable 13-3 lead.

Just after halftime the Eels extended their lead to 16-3 through a Pita Tare penalty.

In the 60th minute in typical Panthers fashion and in a moment of sheer brilliance, the Panthers worked a counter-attack with first five-eight Darren Piri weaving his way past four defenders and from 20 metres out placing a nicely weighted grubber kick into the in goal area where brother and Eels opponent Terry Piri took his time about collecting the ball.

Out of nowhere fleet-footed Panthers left-winger John Marsters snuck in under Piri’s nose to ground the ball and score the try sending the strong band of Panthers supporters to their feet to dance in the rain.

With the sideline conversion and another penalty kicked by their fullback Conrad Piri, all of a sudden the Panthers were in the hunt at 13-16.

The try and three point gap lifted the intensity of the Panthers game and improved their supply of possession and field position for their normal last-minute fast-finish.

In the last three minutes of play the Panthers were awarded two kickable 40 metre and 45 metre penalties but unfortunately for the Panthers both kicks went astray.

The Eels managed to defend their line as the Panthers surged but it was too little too late for the Panthers as the hooter sounded to the relief of the Eels who switched off rugby mode and got right into party mode on the field.

Panthers veteran midfielder Darren Piri, captain and number 8 Kore Herrman, busy prop Teariki Faireka and hard working Noel Emile were the stand out players for the Panthers all season and all game.

For the Eels, powerhouse prop Sam Pera, rookie loose forward Wally Tangata Jnr and skilful ‘Aitutaki’ fullback Pita Tare were instrumental in the team’s grand final win.

Pera scooped up the man of the match award while Panthers captain Kore Herrmann was awarded the most valuable player of the season award.