The Takuvaine Reds senior A grade had no answers for the visiting Arorangi Cowboys who bulldozed their way over the Reds on Saturday to convincingly win the match up 33-8 in the weekend’s main game.

As expected – a dominant Cowboys tight five led by the front rowers Timi ‘Shadow’ Tunui, cousins David and Katini Heather supported by locks Danny Heather and Mike Crouch laid the foundation for the win.

Any Reds scrum was put under extreme pressure and any Reds ball was turned-over from the set piece with busy flanker Waisoi Karalo benefitting with two tries.

Rookie 18-year-old Cowboys fullback Nathaniel Tairi looks to be growing in confidence too, scoring two tries in the match.

With halftime approaching and the score at 5-3, the Reds were awarded a penalty and the Reds looked threatening with a long-distance break-out, however the Cowboys were able to turn-over crucial ruck ball resulting in Tairi scoring the first of his two tries.

This allowed the Cowboys to go into the halftime break leading 12-3.

This became the story of the game with the Reds regularly breaching the Cowboys line out wide but through Reds in-decision, and good work at the contact area by the Cowboys, the Reds failed to convert these opportunities into points.

As usual the standout players for the Reds were loose forwards Mana Samania and Rodney Tiro along with midfielders Ailaoa Samania and Eddie Marama Nicholas who tried hard all day but lacked support.

In other games at the weekend – the Dragons trounced the Eels 42-20 at Nukupure Park.

The Dragons went into the half time break leading 20-12 and although scores at one stage were 25-20, the Dragons finished stronger, cheered on by their boisterous home-ground supporters.

Best for the Dragons were hooker Johnny Mokotupu who scored two tries supported by his front rowers Clinton Charlie, Po Daniel and the dangerous midfield pairing of Thomas Toa and Sailosi Nagi.

At Victoria Park – the Tupapa Panthers beat the Bulls 43-12.

The Bulls were still in the game with the scores at 15-12 in favour of the Panthers at half time.

However, the second half of the game became the Turori Matutu at first five-eight and Conrad Piri at fullback ‘show’ with the two national sevens representatives upping the tempo and constantly catching the Bulls ‘wide’ with quick play and counter-attacks.

Bull captain and number 8 Lloyd Matapo and first five-eight Devon tried hard to rally the Bulls but were met by an enthusiastic Panthers outfit.

After spending three months on the sideline with injury it was good to see national sevens representative Kairan Mahia return to the field and score a good try.

This sets up a good round three match-up this week between the two leading clubs, Panthers and Cowboys, to be played at Tupapa field.

On a sad note, the Panthers have lost their head coach Ngatere Nga. Better known as ”Baby Elephant“, Ngatere was a prominent player and goal kicking forward for the champion Dragons and the Eels during his day. Deepest condolences to his family.

This week’s rugby programme kicks off on Wednesday with the Under 16 Powerade challenge at Arorangi field between the Cowboys and Reds.

Later in the week the Bulls will host the Dragons in Titikaveka, the Panthers and Cowboys will go head to head in the game of the week while the Eels host the Reds.

Full results: Cowboys vs Reds (Cowboys scores first) – Under 13 grade 73-0, Under 16 grade 47-0, Under 19 grade 31-15, Senior A grade 33-8, Dragons vs Eels (Dragons scores first) – Under 13 grade ?, Senior B grade 16-29, Senior A grade 42-20, Panthers vs Bulls (Panthers scores first) – Under 16 grade 17-12, Under 19 grade 13-12, Senior A grade 34-12.