Comp brings out talent

Saturday’s town versus country rugby competition was a wonderful opportunity for clubs to showcase their age grade talents.

The competition, part of Cook Islands Rugby Union’s work in developing pathways at home, was also a great opportunity to identify the next level of rugby talent.

”Some players may be ordinary in their clubs but when placed together with better players, their game can flourish – as was the case for some players on Saturday,“ says CIRU chief executive Ben Koteka.

”This was also a great opportunity to witness our stars of tomorrow which also included some players from the outer islands.“

In the under 13 grade – town players dominated their country opponents to win 52-5.

The town team was lead by strong-running prop Doom Ponini of the Eels and number eight Sam of the Panthers and also fleet-footed fullback Mark Leito of the Eels.

Leito scored a brilliant 80m solo try.

The town team proved too strong for the country team with Trey Williams of the Dragons and halfback Junior Nganu of the Cowboys stand out players for the country team, tackling their hearts out.

Country dominated that under 16 division beating the town side 22-12.

This was an evenly-fought match for the Cowboys-dominated country team led by strong-running number 8 Dennis Rangi (Cowboys), busy prop Steven Rani (Dragons) and skillful first five-eighth Teariki Matenga Jnr (Bulls).

Best for the town team were their big tight head prop Alfonz Rima (Reds), ace first five-eighth Aitu Newbigging (Panthers) and utility players bothers Jason and Thomas Pototu (Reds).

The town under 19 team proved too strong for their country opponents winning the game 48-3 with centre JJ Nicholas (Eels) and props Vaike Potoru (Reds) and Makea Tupa (Panthers) the stand out for the town twam.

Bests for the country team were loose forwards Naea Maeva (Bulls) and Charles Numanga (Bulls) who tried hard but lacked support.

With this town versus country tournament set to become an annual feature of our local rugby calendar – the second series of this great age grade combat is set to be played on Saturday September 29.