Crucial match to test Dragons

The Arorangi Cowboys, currently sitting in 2nd place on the senior A rugby grade points table, will take on 3rd placed team the Ngatangiia-Matavera Dragons in todays CITC main match of the week showdown.

Just one point separates these two teams on the table with the Cowboys sitting on 17 points and the Dragons on 16 which will make for an interesting encounter today.

As the host of todays game the Dragons will have the home ground advantage but the match is sure to test their mettle as the Cowboys will come out all guns blazing.

This will be a crucial match for the Dragons as the Cowboys will test them to see if they really do have the necessary firepower to state a serious claim for the 2011 championship title.

So far in the season the Dragons have played clever rugby and have been able to stay in touch with their opponents by taking advantage of the bonus points system which rewards extra points to teams that score more than 4 tries and lose within 7 points of the winning team.

The Dragons ranks will be strengthened by the return from injury of their Fijian flyer fullback Sailosi Nagi and 18-year-old Juda Loki.

The injection of these two flyers will give the Dragons much needed pace out wide complemented by the Toa brothers Thomas, Daniel and Alan in the centre and they will surely test the Cowboys defence on the edges, which has looked to be the best avenue of attack for Cowboys opposition teams in recent weeks.

The talented Dragons team will need to play with more cohesion and self belief than theyve played with in recent games.

The big question today is whether the Dragons forward pack can deliver sufficient quality go forward ball to their talented back line or will the feared Cowboys forwards strangle the Dragons into submission.

Be at Nukupure Park for what is going to be a hot showdown between the Dragons and Cowboys.

Apart from the hot action on the field, fantastic food will also be on sale at the Ngatangiia field and the bar at the clubrooms will also be open in the afternoon for cool beverages.

Dragons Clinton Charlie, Tua Mato, Tai Kaina, Po Daniels, Donelle Campbell, Tutu Tangimetua, Phillip Hunter, Sereli Maoate, Elia Tangimetua, Daniel Toa, Alan Toa, Thomas Toa, Koli Nassau, Juda Loki, Sailosi Nagi, Pius Kirikava Jnr, Jay Maui, Poni Nawaqa, James Pirangi, Maara Ioakapo.

Cowboys Timi Tunui, Katini Heather, Terry Bates, Tama Heather, James Phillips, Waisoi Tuivaga, Edwin Teraitua, Pierre Rongokea, Cosmar Bell, Spoon Marsters, Rouru Une, Johnny George, Sami Mamanu, Pokolong Pauka, Pomare Pokipoki.

At the Avatiu field the Eels will host the Tupapa Panthers and at the Titikaveka field the Bulls will rumble with the Takuvaine Reds. - Ruck and maul

Saturday July 16 round 5 rugby draw :

Titikaveka Bulls vs Takuvaine Reds at Titikaveka 1.00pm Under 13 grade, Ref-Puru Samania assisted by club officials, 1.50pm Under 16 grade, Ref-Vaivase Samania assisted by Ieremia Tuteru and Kakaio Rob, 2.55pm-Under 19 grade, Ref-Tavake Manuel assisted by Ieremia Tuteru and Kakaio Robati, 4.10pm Senior A grade, Ref-Johnny Hosking assisted by Tavake Manuel and Vaivase Samania.

Avatiu Eels vs Tupapa Panthers at Avatiu 12.00pm Under 13, Ref- Poso Ngaroi assisted by club officials, 12.45pm Under 16, Ref-Billy Tuaivi assisted by club official, 1.50pm Under 19, Ref-Phillip Strickland assisted by Arthur Emile and Billy Tuaivi, 3.05pm Senior B, Ref- Simiona Teiotu assisted by Bishop Bishop and Poso Ngaroi, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref-Arthur Emile assisted by Phillip Strickland and Simiona Teiotu

Ngatangiia Dragons vs Arorangi Cowboys at Ngatangiia 12.40pm Under 13 grade, Ref-Kaukura Nia assisted by club officials, 1.35pm Under 16 grade, Ref- Dan Munro assisted by Titi George and Opura Emile, 2.40pm Women sevens, Ref-Paul Peyroux assisted by Opura Emile and club officials, 3.05pm Senior B grade, Ref-Tutai Taurarii assisted by Paul Peyroux and Tangi Toa, 4.10pm Senior A grade, Ref-Tua Manea assisted byTutai Taurarii and Kaukura Nia.