It’s grand final time today at the BCI Stadium where 2011 senior A grade defending champion the Tupapa Panthers will square off against old rivals the Avatiu Eels.

The top two teams have met twice this season and have won a game each so today’s final will decide the champions for this year.

In their round one game the Eels outsmarted the Panthers 33-23 with the Eels veteran first five-eight Terry Piri the key man in the Eels win.

In the second round encounter between these two teams the tables turned when the Panthers edged out the Eels 18-14 with the Panthers 18-year-old replacement loose forward clinching the win with a last minute try.

Heading into today’s game – the Panthers will be without their playmaker Turori Matutu who is overseas.

The side will be missing his guidance and direction however Tupapa have reigned in former national rugby legend and veteran Darren Piri who should fill the void for the Panthers.

The Eels on the other hand boast a talented young side made up of seven players from last year’s champion under 19 squad including impressive blindside flanker Walter Tangata Jnr, busy hooker Boaza Atetu, rookie winger Sirla Pera and his younger brother prop Zeru Pera, utility back JJ Nicholas, workaholic lock Pearse Numanga and solid halfback Tauae Bishop.

While this side has a ‘development’ look – it’s today’s game that will count over the club’s future.

Both squads have received reinforcements from Aitutaki via skillful fullback Pita Tare in the Eels and barn-storming loose forward Mau George in the Panthers.

Today’s game will also feature four sets of brothers. These include the outstanding Piri brothers Darren and Conrad in the Panthers squad facing brother Terry in the Eels. The three Pera brothers Sam, Sirla and Zeru will battle alongside the Nicholas brothers Louis and Clive and the Gukisuva brothers Bilsy and Duane.

This match is in the ‘too hard’ to predict basket but if the Panthers are to retain the title again this year, the under-rated Panthers forward pack lead by number 8 and captain Kore Herrmann will, as always, have to step up to the plate and set the foundation for today’s victory.

Potentially, man-for-man, a nice mixture of youth and experience, the Eels have a very strong 22-man line-up, but have yet to see them ‘click’ as a team for the full 80-minutes.

Avatiu Eels – Sam Pera, Boaza Atetu, Eddie Tomokino, Louis Nicholas(Capt.), Alex Olah, Clive Nicholas, Walter Tangata Jnr, Mark Charlie, Sami Waqa, Tauae Bishop, Terry Piri, Duane Gukisuva, Andy Kapi, Silafi Tovio, Matthew Pierre, Pita Tare, Lee Ponini, JJ Nicholas, Sirla Pera, Bilsy Gukisuva.

Tupapa Panthers – Teariki Faireka, Ngametua Ioane, Mata Arioka, Anthony Pepe, Andy Tautu, Gerry Labaibule, Mau George, Kore Herman(Capt.), Aseli Manuquila, Teina Savage, Leon Tarau, Darren Piri, Kairan Mahia, John Marsters, Conrad Piri, Trevor Arona, Lefou Jack, Lua Tua, Louis Moemai, Eddie Tamarua, Junior Kirikava & Gideon Ama.

Before the senior A game kicks off at 4pm – there will be another Panthers and Eels battle in the senior B grade grand finals.

The Eels have comprehensively won both their round competition matches against the Panthers however the Panthers surprised all by defeating the Dragons in last weekend’s knockout semi finals to book their spot in today’s grand finals.

Today’s grand finals kicks off with the Avarua Bakery under 13 match between the Avatiu Eels and Arorangi Cowboys at 12.30pm followed by the Polynesian Rental Cars under 19 grade grand finals between the Arorangi Cowboys and Titikaveka Bull at 1.30pm.

At 2.50pm the CITC senior B Panthers and Eels will go head to head before the two clubs meet again at 4pm for the senior A grade grand finals.

Get along to the BCI Stadium and cheer your club on.