Eels slip away from Takuvaine

Bulls 22 vs Dragons 16

Cowboys 20 vs Panthers 19

After a halftime coaches ‘rev-up’ the Avatiu Eels rugby team came out firing in the second spell to beat hosts the Takuvaine Reds 35-10.

With a lot more ‘go-forward’ provided by the Nicholas brothers Louis and Clive under the direction of ex-national players Number 8 Teokotai Tuaivi and first five-eighths Terry Piri together with the finishing power of speedy winger Duane Gukisuva – the Eels definitely hit top gear in the final 40 minutes of play.

The Reds tried hard throughout but they tended to ‘kick away’ hard won possession especially early in the first half straight into the hands of the Eels back three who returned or counter attacked with interest.

The longer the game wore on it was always going to be a hard slog for the Reds as the renowned fast finishing Eels superior fitness and skills were evident.

The Eels secured the important win and also crucial bonus points by scoring four tries.

The Eels now further extend their lead of the Senior A grade points table after last weekend’s results.

Avatiu tries came via Teokotai Tuaivi Jnr (2), Atu Tangata, Duane Gukisuva while the Reds Tai Kaina dotted down for the team and Afato Matua slotted in penalty.

In other Senior A grade matches at the weekend the Cowboys were able to win a tight-tussle against the Panthers 19-20 while the Bulls were surprise winners 22-16 over country cousins the Flying Dragons.

This week the Bulls host the Cowboys while the Dragons will host the Eels.

The main match will be between the Panthers and Reds at the Tupapa Park.

Reds vs Eels (Reds score first) – Snr A-10 vs 35, Snr B-10 vs 10, U19-0 vs 38, U16-0 vs 40, U13014 vs 5, Cowboys vs Panthers (Cowboys score first) – Snr A-20 vs 19, U1619 vs 27, U13-0 vs 83, Bulls vs Dragons (Bulls score first) – Snr A-22 vs 16, Snr B-17 vs 14, U16-22 vs 7.