Panthers slay the Eels

In a match that could have gone either way, reigning club rugby champions the Tupapa Panthers snuck home to defeat the Avatiu Eels at Victoria Park 18-14.

The Panthers went in the halftime break leading by 8-6 – with the Panthers first try a gifted by the Eels who couldn’t keep their hands on the ball.

The fumbled ball just metres from the Tupapa try line was pounced on by the side’s flying winger Leon Tarau much to the disbelief of the Eels and their vocal band of supporters who were silenced by his try.

Panthers speedster Conrad Piri added the extra points to give the Panthers a slim lead at the half time break with the Eels points coming via the boot of veteran Terry Piri.

The game became a tit-for-tat issue before the Eels tasted the fruit of their persistent attacks with a wingers try to Duane Gukisuva.

The try, right in front of the Eels support camp had the side and fans celebrating enthusiastically on the side line however it was the Panthers that had the last say when the sides 18-year-old replacement loose forward Gideon Ama scored the winning try for the Panthers.

Best for the Eels were mercurial first five-eight Terry Piri and rookie winger Sirla Pera and also his brother 18-year-old prop Zeru Pera.

For the Panthers Turori Matutu was once against in impressive form as he controlled his team around the park along with captain Kore Herman and impressive lock Anthony Pepe.

In other senior A grade matches at the weekend – the Cowboys edged out the Bulls in a close match.

The Cowboys scored a late try and with some last-ditch defence were able to hold off the storming Bulls after they led 17-12 at the half time break.

In another close encounter at the weekend – the Dragons, current competition leaders, were made to work hard by the bottom of the table Reds.

The Dragons in the end were able to keep the Dragons at arm’s length to win the match 27-20 with the two side’s kickers, Daniel Toa of the Dragons and Viliami Aloni of the Reds, keeping their teams in the hunt throughout the match.

Round 10 of the rugby competition will see the Cowboys take on the Eels, the Panthers meet the Dragons in the main match of the week and the Reds face the Bulls.