The Tupapa Panthers, Arorangi Cowboys and Avatiu Eels senior A rugby teams registered wins in the first round of the 2012 rugby union season at the weekend.

At Victoria the game of the week between the Panthers and Takuvaine Reds was a frantic match marred by handling errors by both sides.

The Panthers won the game 29-13 but the score line is a flattering one for the Panthers who only really kicked into gear in the 70th minute of the game.

The Reds, who placed 5th last season, were the first to score a try over the defending champions.

In fact the boys in red dominated possession in the first half but with ball in hand the Panthers showed their class and made the most of their possession to have the score locked up at 10-all at the half time break.

For most of the second half the score sat 17-13 in favour of the Panthers and it wasn’t until the 70th minute when the Panthers really hit full speed when the side’s first five eight Conrad Piri did an ‘Aaron Cruden’, scoring a brilliant 30 metre solo try.

Piri dummied and stepped his way past four would-be Reds defenders to score under the posts. Shortly after, the Panthers scored another try off the back of a 5 meter scrum to extend the final score to 29-13.

Although they lost this match, the Reds will still be a team to watch as they have a decent set of forwards – virtually dominating the lineouts, complemented by and an exciting backline. However they need to work on better tactics as the team kicked-away too much hard-won possession that could have been capitalised on by their capable backline.

Stand out players for the Panthers were mercurial first five eighth Conrad Piri supported by the usual suspects – number 8 and captain Kore Herrmann, strong-running midfielders Louis Moemai and Turori Matutu.

Tries for the Panthers were scored by Louis Moemai, William William, Conrad Piri and a brilliant run away try by John Marsters.

For the Reds the standout players were 18-year-old utility back Twin Tiro who started at halfback and finished in the centres, busy loose forward Rodney Tiro and the old campaigners midfielder Ailaoa Samania and strongman prop Tu ‘Atiu Warrior’ Potoru.

Tries for the Reds came via Twin Tiro with Afato Ioane and Tave Tereapii sharing the kicking duties.

At the Arorangi field – the Cowboys dominated the Dragons from Ngatangiia to win 29-0.

The Cowboys unveiled some junior talent with 17-year-old Mitiaro halfback Tereinga Murare who scored two tries in his debut match.

The other Cowboys tries were scored by centre Joseph Paeau who crossed the line twice and winger Mosese Saunivalu.

Standouts for the Cowboys were the team’s ‘new boys’ lock Mike Crouch, blindside flanker Raina Wichman and half back Murare.

Senior Dragons players Willie Kauvai Jnr and George Fatafehi and menacing hooker Johnny Mokotupu were the standout for the team from the east side.

At the Titikaveka field the Bulls were out to start the season strongly with a mix of old and new players to take on the visiting Avatiu Eels.

The Eels won the match 29-14 with tries for the slippery team scored by Clive Nicholas, Mark Charlie, Chris Mokoroa and young rising star Sirla Pera with Kunta Williams kicking the conversions and penalties for the Eels.

For the Bulls young loose forward Ben Daniels scored the Bulls try with remaining points added by first five eighth Bill Tangapiri who slotted in three penalties.

Bulls stalwart and number 8 Lloyd Matapo lead the team with lock Ben Tautu and fullback Joe Hoeflich stamping their mark on the game.

The second game of the season this weekend will see the Dragons host the Eels at Nukupure Park, the Bulls travel to Victoria Park to meet the Panthers and the Cowboys will head to the Happy Valley to take on the Takuvaine Reds.

Full results: Panthers vs Reds (Panthers scores first) – U13 grade 43 vs 0, U16 grade 27 vs 17, U19 grade 26 vs 7, Senior A grade 29 vs 13, Cowboys vs Dragons (Cowboys scores first) – U13 grade 28 vs 7, Senior A grade 29-0, Bulls vs Eels (Bulls scores first) – U16 grade 5 vs 12, U19 grade 64 vs 10, Senior A grade 14 vs 29.