Panthers on track after good win

In the second challenge of the Powerade trophy the Tupapa Panthers under 16 squad proved too strong for their city-cousins the Takuvaine Warriors – the Panthers winning 43-0.

In this mid-week Wednesday match played at Tupapa Park, the Panthers’ eight-try effort in wet conditions proved that they are on track to retain the trophy in 2010.

The Panthers went into the halftime break with a 25-0 lead, on the back of a hat-trick of tries scored by strong-running inside centre Noere Mani.

The next Powerade challenge will be played on July 21 with the Panthers to take on the Ngatangiia Flying Dragons.

At the post-match formalities, the captains thanked the sponsors as well as their opponents for their efforts.

The Powerade MVPs were awarded to courageous fullback Albert Ngatuakana (Warriors) and for the winners, energetic halfback Maeva Smith (Panthers).

The Tupapa tries came via Noere Mani (3), Richard Vainerere, Maeva Smith, Jamian Iroa, Stubby Kamana, Mitchell Manavaikai with Jamian Iroa slotting in two conversions.

Next week on Thursday July 15 at Avatiu field, a combined Under 16 Avatiu-Tupapa team will play two matches against touring UK Ballycare School’s under 15 and under 16 teams as they wind up their tour to New Zealand in paradise.