Dragons out for revenge today

The Ngatangiia-Matavera Dragons senior A rugby team currently lead the competition by 19 points and will face the ferocious Arorangi Cowboys in today’s main match of the day.

The Cowboys, along with the Eels and Panthers, are on 17 points and the last time the Dragons faced the Cowboys in the first match of the 2012 season – the Cowboys thrashed the Dragons 29-0.

Now with their full complement of players back on board, the Dragons have obviously recovered from that heavy first round loss to be top of the ladder.

The forward pack now has some extra front row steel with props Clinton Charlie and Terii Aberahama in charge.

But watch for the big and dangerous Dragons midfield pairing of Thomas Toa and Sailosi Nagi to ignite the Dragons efforts today – this midfield combo have proven to be a handful for all opposition this season and they will definitely lead the charge for the Dragons on their hard and fast track.

So far in 2012 the Cowboys have been inconsistent weekly performers, however they will be quietly confident after last weekend’s 20-19 victory against the Eels whereby their forward pack performed to optimum level in that particular match.

Although the Cowboys tight five normally receive all the accolades, keep an eye on their loose forward trio of strong-running number 8 Ina Tapurau and busy flankers Waisoi Karalo and Brendan Smith to be scavenging all day for opportunities – this loose forward trio combination was outstanding in last weekend’s match.

The Dragons are on home turf and in front of their passionate band of supporters presenting a great opportunity for the hosts to extinguish the memory of that 1st round thrashing at the hands of the Cowboys.

Today’s main game kicks off at 4pm.

Dragons Senior A grade – Clinton Charlie, Johnny Mokotupu, Terii Aberahama, Tutu Tangimetua, Saulo Iotawa, Willie Kauvai Jnr, Laisa Ravalu, Sireli Maoate, Elia Tangimetua, Daniel Toa, Alan Toa, Thomas Toa, Sailosi Nagi, Koli Nasau, Juda Loki, George Fatafeli, Tereapii Monga, Oki Naea, Mura Herman.

Cowboys Senior A grade – Timi Tunui, Katini Heather, David Heather(Capt), Katu Teiti, Andrew Purua, Mike Crouch, Brendan Smith, Raina Wichman, Phillip Taio, Waisoi Karalo, Ina Tapurau, David Wichman, Tereinga Murare, Rob Heather, Rouru Une, Niroa Williams, Nathaneil Tairi, Tokoiva George.

In other games the Avatiu Eels will host the Titikaveka Bulls at the Swamp while the Reds host the Panthers at the BCI Stadium.

Full weekend rugby draw on page 18.