Black Friday surprise possible

The standout under 16 Arorangi Cowboys will be looking to tame the Bulls from Titikaveka in today’s opening game of round four of the club rugby season.

The Cowboys are the front-runners in the under 16 grade with impressive early-season wins – 47-0 against the Reds and 39-15 against the Panthers.

The whole team has been in good form to date but two players that epitomise the Cowboys spirit are fearless and miniature open-side flanker Tunui Torope and hard-working prop Nga Jessie.

The Bulls on other hand have suffered close defeats at the hands of the Panthers 12-17 and 5-12 against the Eels.

The Bulls are very much still a ‘work in progress’ team and they do have some exciting talent and are supported by a good management team.

This makes them more than capable of a ‘Black Friday’ surprise.

Titikaveka Bulls players to watch out for are mobile prop Etuini Vakalalabure, busy flanker Tyrone Tairea supported by skillful backs Teariki Matenga Jnr, Karika Tuake and Samuel Tatuava.

This match will be played at the Arorangi rugby field at 4.30pm.

Match referee is Poto Ngaroi assisted by Titi George and club officials.

Bulls Under 16 team – Jason Uka, Aaron Pokino, Tepaku Uini, Reece Sheddon, Teariki Matenga, Harmon Royal, Eddie Myers, Matty Sheddon, Manoa Manavaroa, Tauraki Hosea, Teava Iro, Jedrek Engu, Tuaine Tekariu, Sam Tatuava, Josia Mataio. Cowboys Under 16 team – Nga Jessie, Fortes Anthony, Terua Glassie, Nuka Mokoroa, William Boller, Tunui Torope, Nick Brogan, Dennis Rangi, Morgan Wichman, Leo Roa, Teina Tairi, Ngana Nicholas, Helsom Teiti, James Taoro, Owen Turuta, R J Graham, Travel Une, Reg Heather, Nick Maui, Turama Tou.

Remaining games between the Bulls and Cowboys will be played out at the Arorangi field while the Takuvaine Reds host the Ngatangiia Dragons at the BCI Stadium.

The main game of the week will be between the Panthers and Eels at the Avatiu field.