Cowboys and Panthers fight for second

This week’s CITC main match of the week between the Arorangi Cowboys and Tupapa Panthers is going to be a bruising encounter, as the two teams square off as joint second place getters on the senior A grade points table.

Today’s game is crucial for both sides as the season inches into the business end with just two more rounds of games to go.

Both teams play contrasting styles of rugby, the Cowboys more forward-orientated 10-man rugby while the Panthers enjoy the free-spirited expansive 15-man game.

However, in the first round clash between these two top sides highlighted the giant gains have been made in the Panthers forwards, lead by number 8 Kore Herrmann who set the platform for their star backline lead by Turori Matutu and Conrad Piri to cut loose late in the second half and snatch the win 33-17 from the Cowboys.

It was a match that also highlighted the emergence of a competitive Panthers pack to rival the much feared Cowboys pack.

Players to watch for in the Cowboys team are their intimidating forwards lead by David Heather, Katini Heather, Timi ‘Shadow’ Tunui supported by the rest of their hard-working pack including their standout flying Fijian flanker Waisoi Karalo – a key component of the Cowboys forwards mix.

At every available opportunity expect the Panthers to unleash their classy backline made-up of national representative players Turori Matutu and Conrad Piri, who have been in outstanding form scoring five tries between them in last weekend’s match against the Bulls.

Expect these individuals to have a big bearing on how this match is played although discipline too could be crucial on the final outcome for today’s top of the table clash.

Tupapa Panthers: Mata Arioka, Teariki Faireka, Ngametua Ioane, Trevor Arona, Kana Nga, Noel Emile, Tony Tonovaka, Andy Tautu, William Williams, Metua Taamaru, Kore Herman(Capt), Koa Kopu, Aseli Manuqila, Turori Matutu, Ngatupuna Williams, Leon Tarau, Lua Tua, Lui Moemai, Johnny Marsters, Teina Savage, Conrad Piri, Pokoina Tepuretu, Walter Strickland, Alistair Newbigging, Jerry Habaibure, Geoff Halston

Arorangi Cowboys: David Heather, Agostine Heather, Shadow Tunui, Mike Crouch, Simiona Wichman, Raina Wichman, George Sakaseru, Junior Tapurau, William Heather , Jean Pierre Rongokea, Toru Arona, Terry Bates, Tereinga Murare, Basil Matapo, David Wichman, Ken Mataroa, Owen Teokoitu, Sami Tuivaga, Niroa Williams, Robert Heather Jnr, Toru Arona, Wasoi Karalo, Tuaine Teiti, James Phillips, Manu Fatuvei, Rob Heather Jnr, Andrew Purua, Nat Tairi.

Meanwhile the games between the Ngatangiia-Matavera Dragons and Titikaveka Bulls, as well as the scheduled games between the Avatiu Eels and Takuvaine Reds have been postponed till further notice out of respect for Albert Nicholas snr who passed away this week.

The staunch Avatiu Eels supporter and rugby man will be laid to rest today at the family burial grounds in Avana.

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