62 points a record

The Avatiu Eels posted the highest score of the domestic rugby league season so far after thrashing the Titikaveka Bulldogs 62-16 on Friday at the Swamp.

The Eels ranks were boosted with a number of returning players including ‘tricky dicky’ winger Kunta Tom who posted the first try of the game less than five minutes after the starting whistle.

The Eels went on to score 10 more tries in the game.

When they rallied together, the Bulldogs had flashes of brilliance with their young stars Joe Napa and Devon Mitchell the stand out players in the side – both scoring a try each.

The team was again ably led by captain Travel Tyler, but a lack of cohesion and sloppy defence seems to be what the Bulldogs struggle with.

With their band of vocal supporters behind them – the Bulldogs players played with plenty of heart and for the love of the game.

While the Eels certainly outclassed the Bulldogs on the field, the team’s ball handling errors went through the roof and ill discipline saw two Eels players sin binned – one for being lippy to the ref – and both left the remaining players on the field to carry their slack.

The Eels are just fortunate enough to have players like Clive Nicholas, Tepou Taana, Mark Charlie and Bobby Hansen who just play the game – not play games.

So a great score by the Eels but certainly not a perfect game.

On Aitutaki, the Sharks just nipped at the Sea Eagles’ wings but weren’t able to sink their teeth in as the Sea Eagles edged out the Sharks in a tight 26-24 battle.

Meanwhile the upset of the weekend was the Panthers first loss against the rampaging Bears.

Playing on home ground was certainly an advantage for the Bears, but the classy Panthers just couldn’t find their winning form against a resurgent Bears side.