Dragons clash with Panthers in U16

Tomorrow’s U16 Powerade Mid-week Challenge sees the Ngatangiia Flying Dragons take on Tupapa Panthers at 4.30pm at Tupapa Park.

The two teams played against each other two weeks ago with the Panthers eventual 30-10 winners.

Although the final score-line may indicate a comfortable win this certainly was not the case as the Panthers had to work hard for victory with the score at one stage mid-second half being locked at 10-10.

In the last quarter of this match – enter fresh legs off the bench in the form of classy halves Jamian Iroa and Maeva Smith and within the final 15 minute period of this match the Panthers return to the team of old and quickly racked-up 20 points in this final period of play – final score the Panthers 30-10 Dargons. No doubt the Panthers are blessed with some talented individuals but they definitely need the ‘brains-trust’ of Iroa and Smith for this team to operate efficiently.

Meanwhile, last weekend a below-strength Panthers team suffered their first loss of the season (17-5 vs Cowboys), so the Dragons will be wary of a fired-up Panthers outfit for today’s third Powerade Challenge. Dragon players to watch out for energetic halfback Ngamata ‘RugbyReady’ Miriau supported by the Mato brothers Daniel and Rangi. See you at Tupapa Park today at 4.30pm to see who wins the third U16 Powerade Mid-week Challenge – and don’t forget to bring $2 for the admission charge.....all proceeds in aid of junior development.

U16 TUPAPA PANTHERS: Makea Tupa, Toru Katuke, Joshua Mataroa, Davey Mato, Kurapai Iona, Joseph Tautu, Marouna Ioane, John Vano, Maeva Smith, Jamian Iroa, Rhys Manu, Noere Mani, Richard Vainerere, Twin Tiro, Stubby Kamana(cap), Angene Angene, Mitchell Manavaikai.

U16 NGATANGIIA FLYING DRAGONS: Junior Ngere, Steven Rani, Jonah Tangaroa, Paul Kirikava, Rangi Mato, Ricky Monga, Harmon Royal, Daniel Mato(cap), Ngamata Miriau, David Piakura, Daniel Monga, Dusty Anguna, Travel Tuaputa, Teauariki Maka, Sam Tatia, Mana Manavaroa, Matapo Morris.