U16 Cowboys deal to the Eels

The Arorangi Cowboys continue to keep their hands on the Powerade trophy and sounded a warning to the remaining challengers with a comprehensive 48-0 victory over the Eels at BCI Stadium on Wednesday.

The match looked to be well out of reach of the Eels by half-time with the Cowboys out to a 28-0 lead – and so it proved.

Momentum was the key for the titleholders after the engine room of the forwards – spearheaded by the outstanding Tunui George – ensured the backs had plenty of go-forward ball.

The inside back combination of Dennis Rangi and Leo Roa ran amok, with Rangi picking up a brace and Roa scoring twice as well as adding five conversions and a penalty for a personal haul of 20 points.

Morgan Wichman, Helsom Teiti and William Boller also dotted down as a hapless Eels side were left scratching their heads as to how things got so bad.

As expected, livewire props Arama Henry and the barraging Joe Tetauru did all they could to stem the flow, but lacked any real consistent help from their pack.

Braydon Kavana and Mata Tanga also tried their best in midfield but it was to be their opposites, Roa and Rangi, who guided the Cowboys to one of the most comprehensive victories this season.

George and Mata Tanga were named ‘Most Valuable Player’ for the Cowboys and the Eels respectively.

Further under-16 action is on today with the Avatiu Eels tackling the Titikaveka Bulls at the Swamp at 4pm.

The draw for this weekend’s other main rugby action is on page 10.