Junior rugby grades open the season

Rugby fans were treated to exciting age grade rugby 10s and Rippa rugby at the weekend for the first round of the two week pre-season tournament.

The day, at both the Avatiu and Ngatangiia fields, began with over 60 children taking part in the mixed Rippa games with Oki Thomson a stand out in his game.

Despite adjustments to the draws – the day ran smoothly with loads of action for spectators.

At the Avatiu field – the Eels monster under 13 pack lead by captain ‘Doom’ Tetauru dominated their game against the Takuvaine Reds.

The Reds may have been the smaller pack but there were some nippy and clever plays by the boys in red who held their own against the Eels.

In the under 16 division the Eels’ fleet footed winger Christian Toa was a standout against a tenacious Takuvaine side.

Howard Tangimetua Jnr was a stand out for the Takuvaine side.

In the under 19 division – the Titikaveka Bulls were in a league of their own.

As the only grade fielded by the Titikaveka Club, the talented crew thrashed the Eels under 19 team 26-0 before beating the Takuvaine team 15-7.

After the thrashing by the Bulls, the Eels went on to show their class against Takuvaine to win 12-5 but not without being made to work for it by the Reds.

Congratulations also the Avatiu Rugby Club for a well presented field, live score updates and kai for the spectators.

Unfortunately no results or information from games played at Ngatangiia was supplied to the Cook Islands Rugby Union or Cook Islands News.

The finals of the rugby 10s pre season tournament will be this weekend with all matches to be played at the Arorangi field starting at 10am.