The week four Cook Islands Rugby Union Rarotonga Club 15s competition in Titikaveka provided rugby fans with thrilling action and unexpected results.

The much-anticipated match between the defending champions Tupapa Panthers and the previously unbeaten Avatiu Nikao Eels was a tightly contested battle that could have gone either way.

The strong and tricky breeze made lineout throws difficult, resulting in numerous scrums that favoured the larger Panthers pack.

The Eels had to rely on counter-attacks and broken-play opportunities due to limited possession.

It was a race against time as the Eels needed another try with a conversion to level the scores. Their best chance came with a try scored in the right-hand corner in the dying moments of the game. However, their hopes were dashed as the final conversion attempt was unsuccessful, handing the win to the Panthers 19-17.

The best players for the Eels were dynamic halfback Jale Lagidela, strong-running midfielder Bill Temo, and the trio of Adyn Kapi, Toru Katuke, and Li Ponini. For the Panthers, big prop Davey Mato was a standout, anchoring the scrum, while the entire forward pack had a slight edge at the breakdown.

CIRU development manager Ben Koteka said: “It was also great to see Peniasi ‘Flash’ Dakuwaqa back playing at fullback for the Panthers, although he received limited quality ball and space due to the strong Eels defence.”

The 27-year-old Dakuwaqa, currently on holiday, plays for French professional rugby club Stade Français in the Top 14 competition. He made his debut for the Fijian national side against Georgia earlier this month where he scored two tries in Fiji’s 21-12 win.

The Panthers led at halftime by 8-6. Their tries were scored by Davey Mato and Mafu Kalas, with Daniel Toa adding three penalties. For the Eels, Josh Koroi scored a try, and Viiga ReUpena kicked four penalties.

In the other premier men’s match played on Friday, Titikaveka Bulldogs managed a stunning upset against the Arorangi Bears.

The much-improved Bulldogs surprised everyone with a victory over the highly favoured Bears, winning by a slim margin of 21-19. The Bears led at halftime, 12-10, but the Bulldogs’ tenacious defence in the second half thwarted the Bears’ attacks.

Although the Bears outscored the Bulldogs with three tries to two, it was the composed leadership and accurate goal-kicking of utility back Teariki Matenga that kept the Bulldogs in the game. Matenga contributed a total of 11 points, proving instrumental in their victory.

Key players for the Bears included number 8 Andrew Purua, lock Tanire Heather, and midfielder Thomas Daniel. The standout players for the Bulldogs were utility backs Matenga, Tangi Akava, Kaleb Chase, and Willie Rani, along with their hardworking forward pack.

The Bulldogs’ tries were scored by Kaleb Chase and Andrew Teroi, with Matenga adding three penalties and a conversion. For the Bears, tries were scored by Rob Heather, Andrew Purua, and Samu Ritova, with Thomas Daniel converting two of them.