All Takuvaine Reds and Avatiu Eels matches are evenly contested affairs and their last encounter in round one saw the slip through to win 8-5.

On the day the Reds dominated territory and possession for the majority of the match but were unable to convert these opportunities into points on the scoreboard.

The Eels on 26 points currently lead the senior A grade table with the Reds on 16 points in 5th spot.

As we head into the business end of the season with 2 more matches of the ‘round’ to be played and top 4 positions on offer – the Reds desperately need to win today’s match to stay in top 4 contention.

For the Reds this job has been made harder with the injury to their ‘war horse’ Vaivase Samania.

His on-field presence and leadership has been pivotal to their recent success.

The Eels on the other hand need to secure a win if they are to retain their current 1st place position on the senior A grade points table, which also brings both home ground advantage at semi finals time and financial rewards.

Players who could dictate the outcome of today’s game are experienced Eels forward Teokotai ‘Billy Bush’ Tuaivi and energetic loose forward Clive Nicholas.

For the Reds watch for centre Teina Savage and busy number 8 Selafi Tovio to have some influence over today’s final result.

See you at the Takuvaine ‘Happy Valley’ field today to find out the result of today’s CITC match of the week.

Reds: Tai Boaza, Puna Iona, Futu Banaba, Travel Tou, Rodney Tiro, Mano Tekopua, Eddie Rea, Silafi Tovio, Afato Ioane, Louis Moemai, George Ngatikao, Teina Savage, Levi Tuteru, Sini Ngametua, Rouru Ngametua.

Eels: Nga Taputoa, Raita Tararo, Sonny-Bill Foster, Papa Buckley, Alex Olah, Clive Nicholas, Papali Ponini, Teokotai Tuaivi, Louis Nicholas, Ben Maaka, Bobby Hansen, Kunda Tom, Andy Kapi, Henry Taripo, Duane Gukisuva, Tairi Elikana.

Meanwhile the Arorangi Cowboys will host the Tupapa Panthers today at Raemaru Park while the Ngatangiia-Matavera Dragons will pop next door to face the Titikaveka Bulls.

- Ruck and maul

Saturday 28 Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia-Matavera at Titikaveka – 3.00pm-Under 16, Ref-Tangi Toa assisted by Paul Peyroux and Ratu Mato, 4.10pm-Senior A, Ref-Arthur Emile assisted by Ratu Mato and Paul Peyroux.

Saturday 28 Arorangi vs Tupapa at Arorangi – 1.15pm-Under 13, Ref-Dan Munro assisted by Robert Graham and Club Official, 2.05pm-Under 16, Ref-Ben Koteka assisted by Robert Graham and Pare Rongokea, 3.15pm-Women’s, Ref-Fraser Nooroa assisted by club officials, 4.05pm-Senior A, Ref-Pare Rongokea assisted by Dan Munro and Fraser Nooroa.

Saturday 28 Takuvaine vs Avatiu-Nikao at Takuvaine –12.00pm-Under 13, Ref-Poso Ngaroi assisted by Vaivase Samania and Club Official, 12.45pm-Under 16, Ref-Terry Piri assisted by Billy Tuaivi and Puru Samania, 1.50pm-Under 19, Ref-Billy Tuaivi assisted by Tua Manea and Vaivase samania, 3.05pm-Senior B, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Puru Samania and Poso Ngaroi4.10pm-Senior A, Ref-Tua Manea assisted by Simiona Teiotu and Poso Ngaroi.

Bodybuilding secret –p13, New Turtles colours –p13

Cricket starts today –p13, U19 claim PNG win –p18

It’s fight night –p19