Titikaveka Bulldogs will face Rarotonga Club 15’s defending champions Avatiu Nikao Eels at Raemaru Park, Arorangi on Friday.

Eels won their first match on their home ground on Saturday taking down Arorangi Bears in a hard-fought match 17-12.

While the Bulldogs lost against Tupapa Panthers 41-7 at the first match of the 15’s season last Thursday.

Cook Island Rugby Union Development Manager Ben Koteka said the reigning 2022 Rarotonga Club 15s champions the Eels were able to win despite the wet and soggy ground.

With the halftime score locked at 5-all against the Bear, the second half became an arm wrestle with the Eels unlucky not to score on a few occasions, due to stubborn scrambling Bears defense.

The Bears did field a massive-sized forward pack but they were unable to dominate a more mobile and resolute Eels pack who would not give in and they were able to physically match them at the breakdowns.   

Koteka said best players for the Bears were young loose forward Tamaau Tepai and prop Daniel ‘Magic’ Tonorio and utility back/forward Robert Heather.

Best players for the Eels were forwards Faafoi Afato, Joshua Motu and Adyn Kapi and classy first 5/8 Viiga Ruepena.

Avatiu Eels - Tries: Faafoi Afato [2] and Tevita Niusoma     Conv: T Niusoma

Arorangi Bears- 12   Tries: Albert Edwards and Tua Tepai    Conv: Taio Taio

And looking back at the Panthers and Bulldogs match, Koteka said it was the Panthers forward who laid the foundation for this win with their dominant scrum putting all sorts of pressure on the Bulldogs.

“Although the Bulldogs played with plenty of ‘bite’ and effort, they were unable to build constant pressure nor compete at set piece time with a lot of their good work undone with numerous tight-heads conceded at scrum time.”   

Best players for the Bulldogs were forwards; Ewen Iro and Alex Connal and their speedy backs Apisau Tobariri and Coseas Boe.

Best players for the Panthers were their entire forward pack, Koteka said.

“Great to see some young Panthers blood being introduced with forwards, ex-Waitaki High School scholarship students Alistair Newbigging and Olive Willie, and young speedster John Noovao on the end of the best team try of the day too.”

Tupapa Panthers -   Tries: Davey Mato, Jone Baikeibavu, Daniel Toa, Alistair Newbigging Jnr, Savenaca ‘Junior’ Buresova, John Noovao and Kana Nga   Conv: Daniel Toa [3]

Titikaveka Bulldogs: Try: Eli Bendini     Conv: Teara Henderson.

Matches:

At Raemaru Park [Arorangi]: Senior A Grade Mens:

FRIDAY 14TH July: Titikaveka Bulldogs v Avatiu Eels

SATURDAY 15th July: Arorangi Bears v Tupapa Panthers