The week three Cook Islands Rugby Union Rarotonga Club 15s competition saw thrilling matches and impressive displays of talent.

In the feature match held at Raemaru Park, the Arorangi Bears faced off against the Tupapa Panthers in a closely contested match.

The Bears emerged victorious with a score of 13-3. The game was tight throughout, with the Bears leading 6-3. In the 75^th minute, lock Geoff Taripo scored a decisive rolling maul try, breaking the deadlock. Basil Matapo’s successful conversion gave the Bears a comfortable lead, which they maintained until the end of the match. The Panthers’ attempts to launch a comeback were thwarted by the Bears’ resolute defence.

The key to the Bears’ victory was their forward pack, which managed to grind out a win against the reigning club champions. The Panthers missed their midfield strike weapon, Fereti Anau, who retired before halftime with a hamstring injury.

For the Panthers, standout players included 17-year-old number 8 TJ Willie, currently a rugby scholarship student at Waitaki College in New Zealand, first 5/8 Daneil Toa, and counter-attacking fullback Mafu Kalas. The Bears’ best players were loose forwards Albert Etuete and Leni Seu and side-stepping midfielder Thomas Daniel.

Additionally, Saturday afternoon featured numerous junior development games and the women’s games between Arorangi and Tupapa. These events provided a valuable platform for women and emerging athletes to display their skills and gain experience, promising a bright future for Cook Islands rugby.

On Friday, the Avatiu Nikao Eels overcame the Titikaveka Bulldogs with a score of 26-13.

The Eels got off to a strong start, scoring two early converted tries to lead 14-0. However, they then shifted into a more defensive mode, allowing the Bulldogs to claw their way back into the game. By halftime, the Eels’ lead had narrowed to just one point, 14-13. Despite the Bulldogs’ efforts, they were unable to score in the second half. The Eels regained their momentum and secured the victory with a final score of 26-13.

The Bulldogs' standout players included hardworking forwards Raykon Marsters and Bambridge Valoa, goalkicking first 5/8 Teariki Matenga, and elusive midfielder Tangi Akava. For the Eels, multi-skilled fullback Viiga Reupena and energetic forwards Tamanui Nicholas and Toru Katuke were key contributors.

Eels’ Reupena and Arorangi Bear’s Jeff Taripo were named Man of the Match for their respective games.

Results

Eels: 26 (Tries: Nathan Nabou, Tamanui Nicholas, Ioane Moore and Adyn Kapi. Conv: Tamatoa Nicholas [3]) Bulldogs: 13 (Try: Teara Henderson, Conv: Teariki Matenga. Pen: T Matenga [2])

Bears: 13 (Try: Geoff Taripo. Conv: Basil Matapo. Pen: B Matapo [2]) Panthers: 3 (Pen: Daniel Toa).