Cowboys shoot down Eels

The Arorangi Cowboys are the 2010 CITC club rugby champions after defeating arch rivals the Avatiu Eels 21-17 on Saturday at the Swamp.

Surprisingly it was the Cowboys discipline that was the difference between the two teams as experienced Cowboys first five-eighths David Wichman was able to convert Eels errors into points which allowed the Cowboys to remain in front on the scoreboard all game with the Eels having to resort to ‘catch-up rugby’.

In a stop start final the expected Cowboys forward dominance did not really eventuate as a much improved Eels pack were competitive in the contact areas and were able to tactically defend against a bigger Cowboys forward pack who predictably tried to exploit the Eels blindside.

Just before halftime the Eels campaign was made harder with the red carding of forward Bilsy Gukisuva for punching.

The Cowboys went into the break at the halftime with a healthy 13-3 lead.

The Cowboys scored their points via their fleet footed left wing Moti Sonivalu with the rest of their points coming via the boot of Wichman.

The lone Eels penalty was kicked by their winger Kunta Tom.

Enter the second half and from a rolling maul the Eels action man number eight Teokotai Tuaivi Jnr was driven over the try line.

With the Tom conversion the score is Cowboys 13-10 Eels.

With the Eels reduced to 13 men (Eels player in the sin bin) the Cowboys scored a try from a rolling maul to lock Simiona Nicholas to extend their lead 18-10.

The Eels then responded with a beautiful winger’s try.

From a 5m scrum the ball was worked through the backline, draw and pass, fullback Alex Roa entered the backline at pace and then unloaded a beautifully timed pass to the Eels flying left wing Duane Gukisuva who dived in next to the corner flag.

Tuaivi then steps up to nail the sideline conversion to close the Cowboys lead 18-17.

With both teams tiring an Eels player was penalised at the breakdown – Wichman kicked the 30 metre penalty for a Cowboys grand final win 21-17.

The Cowboys win was certainly sweet revenge for the club and its large contingent of supporters on Saturday after suffering a 27-26 loss at the 2009 grand final. - Ruck and maul

Full Results: Senior A- Arorangi Cowboys 21 vs Avatiu Eels 17, Senior women-City 12 v Country 5, Senior B-Arorangi Cowboys 8 vs Avatiu Eels 6, Under 19-Tupapa Panthers 34 vs Avatiu Eels 3, Under 16- Arorangi Cowboys 17 vs Avatiu Eels 12, Under 13-Tupapa Panthers 41 vs Arorangi Cowboys 0.

Story, photos – pages 10-12