Eels and Bears in the spotlight

The Avatiu Eels will be looking to recover from their top of the table clash misfire last week when they face the Arorangi Bears today.

The Eels, who are sitting one point behind the table-topping Tupapa Panthers, put in a less than inspiring performance last week when they drew 10-all with Tupapa.

This weekend they will travel to Arorangi to play the Bears, the match taking the spotlight for Saturday as the only premier-grade game scheduled for the day.

The Aitutaki Sharks were scheduled to host the Panthers at Aitutaki last night and the Takuvaine Warriors played the Titikaveka Bulldogs in their first game for the season at Happy Valley. Full results and a review from those matches can be expected in Monday’s edition of Cook Islands News.

Meanwhile, the Bears and the Eels will play at the end of a full day of rugby league at Raemaru Park.

The under 13s sides start the day’s play from 1pm, with the under 19s and reserves also due to hit the pitch before the seniors’ 5pm kick-off.

The Tupapa Panthers’ junior grades will also play today, taking on the Ngatangiia Sea Eagles at Nukupure Park in Muri.

Although the Sea Eagles’ premier side will not be playing this weekend – they have been given the bye – the junior sides will get a run on the pitch from 1pm.

Today’s matches: Saturday, March 24 at Nukupure Park – Ngatangiia Sea Eagles v Tupapa Panthers. 1pm – under 13s, refs: R. Mato assisted by club officials. 2pm – under 16s, refs: P. Mitchell assisted by P. Strickland and R. Mato. 3pm – reserves, refs: T. Benioni assisted by P. Mitchell and P. Strickland.

Saturday, March 24 at Raemaru Park - Arorangi Bears v Avatiu Eels. 1pm – under 13s, refs: J. Hosking assisted by M. Raina and A. Nicholas. 2pm – under 19s, refs: T. Manuel assisted by A. Nicholas and M. Raina. 3.30pm – reserves, refs: T. Manea assisted by M. Une and J. Hosking. 5pm – premiers, refs: A. Emile assisted by S. Willis and T. Tuakana. Bench officials: J. Brown and T. George.