Avatiu Nikao Eels is through to the Rarotonga Club 15s premier men’s final after beating Titikaveka Bulldogs in the first semifinal yesterday afternoon.

The Eels defeated the Bulldogs 48-24, after leading 31-7 at the break, at Raemaru Park in Arorangi.

The Clive Nicholas-coached side will take on the winner of the second semifinal between defending champions Tupapa Panthers and Arorangi Bears to be held this afternoon.

The Panthers and Bears have played each other twice this year with the ledger currently at one-all, the Bears winning the first match 13–3, and then last weekend the Panthers squared the ledger with a 20-points to 8 victory. 

Cook Islands Rugby Union’s Ben Koteka said in both matches, the winning team had a stronger second half finish.

“The pressure will be on the 2023 champions Panthers team to produce the goods this weekend if they want to carry on their winning ways and lift the Championship Trophy again this year,” Koteka said.

According to Koteka, some players to lookout for in today’s clash are:

For the Bears, their monster-pack of forward led by Cook Islands national reps Rob Heather and Tanire Mokoroa and willing workers Andrew Purua and “Magic” Tonorio.

The Panthers will rely heavily on their reliable and combative forward-pack to supply quality ball for their speedy backline Pita Senibiakula and Mafu Kalas, under the guidance of goalkicking first five eighth and captain Daniel Toa.

“The Bears’ 13-3 victory was played at Raemaru Park – Arorangi in front of their vocal home supporters … could the Bears spring another surprise this Saturday at Raemaru Park – Arorangi, be there to find out!”

Fixtures

12 noon: Under 6/8s Rippa and U10s Tackle – Junior Development, 1pm: Under 12s – Junior Development, 2pm: Womens Rugby: Bears v Panthers, 2.30pm: U14s: Bears v Eels, 3pm: Under 16s: Bears v Eels, 4pm Bears vs Panthers.