Clash of the reds in Happy Valley

The Takuvaine field in Happy Valley will be painted red today when the Takuvaine Reds host the Arorangi Cowboys from the Wild West who also traditionally wear red uniforms for rugby battles.

The senior A matchup between the two clubs is this week’s main match and it will be a game that the Reds use to get their train back on track after last week’s 13-29 loss to defending champions the Tupapa Panthers.

The Reds were looking good for most of that match but they let the game slip in the 70th minute through lack of fitness and bad tactics in aimlessly kicking away hard-won possession.

Playing on their home ground, they will not want a repeat of last weekend’s final 10 minutes.

The Cowboys on the other hand had a comprehensive 29-nil win against a pretty decent Ngatangiia Dragons team and will take plenty of confidence heading into today’s match.

Players to watch for in the Reds camp will be 18-year-old utility back Twin Tiro who was in outstanding form last week.

Veteran midfielders and national rugby sevens representatives Ailaoa Samania and Eddie Nicholas will also be men to watch in the Reds team.

For the Cowboys – watch for their giant forward pack lead by their front rowers David Heather, Katini Heather and Timi ‘Shadow’ Tunui to lay the foundation for new first 5/8 Basil Matapo to operate.

In 2011 the Cowboys won both matches against the Reds 31-12 and 41-12.

Could this year be the year of the Reds?

Takuvaine Reds Senior A Grade – Tu Potoru, Leon Potoru, Travel Tou Jnr, Tereipa Samania, Patrick Ngarua, Mana Samania, Rodney Tiro, Twin Tiro, Tave Tereapii, Travel Pouao, Ailaoa Samania, Eddie Marama-Nicholas, Ngaro Wuatai, Ernest Nicholls, Vaike Potoru.

Arorangi Cowboys Senior A – David Heather, Agostine Heather, Titi George, Shadow Tunui, Mark Crouch, Danny Heather, Simona Wichman, George Sakaseru, Junior Tapurau, Simona Aumetua, Jean Pierre Rongokea, Basil Matapo, Toru Arona, Wasoi Karalo, Tuaine Teiti, Phillip Taoro, Tariu, Rouru Une, Joseph Napa, Jerry Phillip, Mosese Saunivalu.

In other games – the Panthers take on the Titikaveka Bulls at Victoria Park while the Ngatangiia Dragons host the Avatiu Eels at Nukupure Park.

Full draw for today’s games are on page 18.