Crunch game: Cowboys versus Panthers

The CITC club rugby grand final teams will be decided today at two different venues on Rarotonga.

At Raemaru Park the Arorangi Cowboys will take on the Tupapa Panthers and at Nukupure Park the Ngatangiia-Matavera Dragons will go head to head with the Avatiu Eels and the winners of these two top four matches will head to next weekends grand finals of the 2011 club season.

At Raemaru Park the Cowboys will be ready to take on the Panthers.

The last time these two teams met in round 9 the Panthers ill-discipline got the better of them in the closely fought match and the sin-binning in the second half of two Panther players at separate times, was their undoing as the Cowboys cruised to victory 28-20.

Both teams play contrasting styles of rugby the Cowboys play a more forward orientated 10 man rugby as opposed to the Panthers who enjoy the open air and more expansive 15-man game.

The Panthers have received extra fire power and support from their Aitutaki rugby family in the form of Mau George and James Mata.

Expect to see the Panthers classy veteran and 2nd 5/8 Darren Piri in the decision-making role and unleash the teams potent backline headed by speedsters Conrad Piri, Turori Matutu and Andrew Iroa.

For the Cowboys watch for strong running Number 8 Ina Tapurau and damaging props David Heather and Timi Shadow Tunui who will be expected to set the foundation for the Cowboys to control proceedings today.

Expect these individuals to have a huge bearing on the final outcome of this match.

Discipline will be the key to winning the game and the team that keeps its players in check or on the field for the majority of the match will win this match.

This senior A Grade match kicks off at 4.10pm at the Arorangi field.

Todays games are knockout matches with the winners progressing to next weeks grand finals.

With this being the final round games these are desperate times so expect some very exciting knockout matches today.

Best of luck to all teams this weekend. - Ruck and maul

Arorangi Cowboys squad David Heather, Katini Heather, Timi Tunui, Simona Nicholas, Tama Heather, Waisoi Karalo, Eddie Teraitua, Ina Tapurau, Pare Rongokea, Sami Pareeti, Pierre Rongokea, Spoon Marsters, Rouru Une, Moti Saunivalu.

Tupapa Panthers squad Trevor Arona, Tupou Faireka, Mata Arioka, Ben Tautu, Kana Nga, Eddie Tamarua, Aseli Manuqila, Kore Herman, Turori Matutu, Wallace Aroita, Sean Tamarua, Darren Piri, James Mata, Andrew Iroa, Conrad Piri, Mau George, Tua Ngametua, Mana Mokoroa.

Saturday 17 at Raemaru Park (Bench Official-Robert Graham) 12.00pm-Under 13 Arorangi Cowboys vs Eels, Ref-Fraser Nooroa assisted by Titi George and Robert Graham, 12.45pm-Under 16 Arorangi Cowboys vs Eels, Ref-Phillip Strickland assisted by Puru Samania and Titi George, 1.50pm-Under 19 Arorangi Cowboys vs Takuvaine Reds, Ref-Tutai Taurarii assisted by Fraser Nooroa and Robert Graham, 3.05pm-Senior B Arorangi Cowboys vs Takuvaine Reds, Ref-Tua Ngaputa assisted by Sean Willis and Tutai Taurarii, 4.10pm-Senior A Arorangi Cowboys vs Tupapa Panthers, Ref-Arthuer Emile assisted by Sean Willis and Tua Ngaputa.