Age grade rugby clash today

Club rugby returns today with the Titikaveka Bulls and Tupapa Panthers under-16 grade clash at the Titikaveka field.

Today’s game kicks off at 4.20pm and will be followed by the first game of the inter-vaka women’s rugby 10’s series.

This match kicks off at 5.30pm between Vaka Takitumu and Vaka Te Au O Tonga.

After their close win against the Avatiu Eels under-16 team 12-7, the Bulls will be in for another bruising encounter and will be heading into this game as underdogs in a do-or-die match to keep their hopes of finishing in the top four alive.

The Panthers have talent to burn and the showdown promises to be a thriller.

For the Panthers, watch for number 8 Christian Toa and first five-eighth Aitu Newbigging.

Expect the Bulls to be led well by impressive first five-eighth Teariki Matenga and midfielders Edrek Engu and Travel Tuaputa. The teams are:

Panthers: Jason Vavia, Maire Taripo, Christian Toa (captain), Marouna Ioane, Gordon Tua, Taia Taputoa, Simon Marsters, Tuki Paitai, Aitu Newbigging, Ben Patia, Taua Pouao, Tau Henry, Timi Palmer, Stephen Rani, Kora Kora, Jamal Nicholas, Ngametua Tekorona, Paul Kirikava. Bulls: Jason Uka, Aaron Pokino, Tepaku Uini, Reece Richmond, Teariki Matenga, Harmon Royal, Eddie Myers, Matangaro Varu, Manoa Manavaroa, Tauraki Hosea, Teava Iro, Jedrek Engu, Tuaine Tekariu, Sam Tatuava, Travel Tuaputa, Teremoana, Tyrone Tairea, Dezharn Henry, Harmon Royale, Karika Tuake, Teava Iro, Henry Hosea. Any women wanting to lace up their boots for a run tonight are encouraged to get along to the Titikaveka field for the women’s inter vaka game between Te Au O Tonga and Takitumu, which kicks off at 5.30pm after the 4.20pm under-16 match.

Remaining games between the Bulls and Panthers will be played out on Saturday while the Avatiu Eels take on the Ngatangiia-Matavera Dragons and the Arorangi Cowboys rumble with the Takuvaine Reds.