Fight for top 4

The fate of city cousins the Takuvaine Reds and Tupapa Panthers hangs in the balance as they look to do battle in today’s main rugby match of the week at Tupapa.

There is every chance for either team to make the top 4 pending the outcome of today’s match which has to include bonus points (awarded for scoring 4 tries) and pending the result of the Eels and Dragons match.

After an ultra slow start to the season, the Panthers’ late season form has been a revelation for the hard core supporters and supported by a fantastic bunch of age grade talent.

Last week’s nail biting 19-23 loss to the Cowboys, after the Panthers lead for the majority of the match, was unfair.

The Reds of late have been a mixed bag, so they, like their opponents, would like to finish the season on a good note.

Look for Reds players number 8 Selafi Tovio and centre Teina Savage to play a big game. For the Panthers, watch for fleet footed fullback Conrad and 19-year-old centre Teu Paerau who have been the form players in the second round.

Panthers: Bernard Okotai, Mana Natini, Tupou Faireka Jnr, Mou George, Alfred Manu, Darren Manu, Robert Sword, Kore Herman, Lua Tua, Ben Samuel, Tupe Willie, Rua Ngametua, Teu Paerau, Tatuava Tatuava, Conrad Piri.

Reds: Katoa Banaba, Papa Tuteru, Travel Tou Jnr, Turoi Samania, Rodney Tiro, ManoTekopua, Selafi Tovio, Afato Matua, Vase Samania, Louis Moemai, Kakaio Brown, Teina Savage, Levi Tuteru, Rouru Ngametua,

In other games today – the Bulls will host the Arorangi Cowboys while the Dragons will rumble with Avatiu at Muri.

- Ruck and maul

Saturday 4 Titikaveka vs Arorangi at Titikaveka – 3.00pm Under 16, Ref-Dan Munro assisted by Tutai Taurarii and Bishop Bishop, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref-Arthur Emile assisted by Fraser Nooroa and Tutai Taurarii.

Saturday 4 Tupapa vs Takuvaine at Tupapa – 1.00pm Under 13, Ref-Puru Samania assisted by Poso Ngaroi and Vaivase Samania, 1.50pm Under 16, Ref-Vaivase Samania assisted by Simiona Teiotu and Club Official, 2.55pm Under 19, Ref-Poso Ngaroi assisted by Puru Samania and Sean Willis, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Sean Willis and Poso Ngaroi

Saturday 4 Ngatangiia-Matavera vs Avatiu-Nikao at Ngatangiia – 1.10pm Under 13, Ref: Tangi Toa assisted by Paul Peyroux and Billy Tuaivi, 2.00pm Under 16, Ref: Billy Tuaivi assisted by Paul Peyroux and Club Official, 3.05pm Senior B, Ref: Ben Koteka assisted by Ratu Mato and Tangi Toa, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref: Pare Rongokea assisted by Vania Tou and Ratu Mato