The CITC pre-season sevens tournament came to a nail-biting end with the Avatiu Eels just managing to edge out a tough Ngatangiia side to win the senior A division by one point – 20-19.

A cheeky quick tap and try scored by experienced Eel’s player and former national sevens legend Teokotai ‘Billy Bush’ Tuaivi early in the second half and the extra energy that Goldsworthy brought to their game as a second half replacement were crucial to the Eels victory.

This was supported by a strong game from the Nicholas brothers Clive and Louis.

Clive scored a long distance 80m ‘chip and chase’ try late in the second half to seal victory for the Eels.

For the Ngatangiia Dragons their danger man Sailosi Nagi was a constant threat throughout, supported by hardworking forward Willie Kauvai Jnr.

The Dragons will definitely be better for the finals experience.

This was definitely an exciting final with the lead changing hands throughout but the Eels’ will to win was far greater.

The CITC women’s 10 competition finals was also another thrilling match.

From the opening whistle the City team came out firing, applying pressure and scoring a converted try in the third minute of play to prop Vaine Patai.

With probably 70 per cent territory and possession the City team ably lead by Brooke Rokocoko and Judy Tuara had the ingredients for victory.

However, desperate Country defense were able to cut down City try scoring opportunities.

Again the Country teams’ local speedster Patricia Taea proved the difference.

Taea scored two tries under the post, which were both converted. The Country girls then pulled on their cowgirl to celebrate their 14-12 victory.

We now look forward to more women’s rugby to be played for the remainder of the 2010 season.

The Tupapa Panthers proved too strong in the Budget Rentals & Polynesian Bike Hire under 19 grade grand finals to beat opponents Avatiu 27-5.

As expected the influence of the Cook Islands Sports Academy boys Caleb and Tatuava Tatuava, Turoa Kamana and also Volunteer Tokorangi played a major role in the final outcome of this match.

Eels players Teararoa Bishop and Adrian Tei tried hard but they seemed to be missing their ‘go to man’ Jon George who was injured in the earlier semi final match.

Another closely fought grand finals match was seen in the Origin Energy under 16 grade clash between Avatiu Eels and Arorangi Cowboys with the Eels getting the upper hand to win 26-22

The individual stars for the Eels in this grade were the skillful backline duo of Basil Matapo and Stanley Tobia assisted by workhorse Matthew James and the abrasive Nigel Hoeflich. Their combined efforts were sufficient to starve off a Cowboys outfit that was unable to find their earlier form.

The Cowboys were missing their inspirational leader Robert Heather Jnr who was ruled out of the final due to a knee injury and he seemed to be the missing link in this Cowboys outfit. But nevertheless the Eels were able to capitalize on his absence and cruise to victory in this grade.

The FBI Fish Shop U13 grade was won by a strong Arorangi Cowboys pack 35-14 against an equally talented Avatiu Eels squad.

Four tries by the Cowboys speed machine Dwayne Taio proved too much for the Eels as the Cowboys ran away with this match.

The smaller but quicker Cowboys proving that good team structure and ‘wheels’ will beat the bigger team any day.

This grade has been a refreshing addition this year’s competition format - congratulations to all the club teams in this grade who have proven that there is plenty of natural talent coming through at the grassroots-level.

Meitaki maata to the hosts club Arorangi, our admin team and referees, all the club teams that participated, our sponsors who contributed over $4000 worth in cash prizes for this event, supporters and the media for a fantastic three weeks of pre-season 7s rugby.

We now look forward to the CITC Rarotonga Club Rugby 15s which kicks off this coming weekend with matches being played on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 June .

The first round of the 2010 draw will see the Avatiu Eels host the Tupapa Panthers, Titikaveka Bulldogs host the Takuvaine Highlanders and Ngatangiia Flying Dragons host the Arorangi Cowboys.

Pre season sevens semi finals results – Under 13 Ngatangiia 25 vs Titikaveka 10, Under 16 Titikaveka 22 vs Titikaveka 14, Under 19 Arorangi 15 vs Takuvaine, Senior A Arorangi 26 vs Takuvaine 0, Under 13 Arorangi 17 vs Takuvaine 5, Under 13 Avatiu (win by default) vs Tupapa, Under 16 Arorangi 12 vs Ngatangiia 0, Under 16 Avatiu 35 vs Tupapa 5, Under 19 Avatiu 27 vs Tupapa 12, Under 19 Tupapa 28 vs Titikaveka 0, Senior A Avatiu 26 vs Tupapa 12, Senior A Ngatangiia 33 vs Titikaveka 7, Finals results – Under 13 Avatiu 14 vs Arorangi 35, Under 16 Avatiu 26 vs Arorangi22, Under 19 Avatiu 5 vs Tupapa 27, Women’s 10’s City 12 vs Country 14, Senior A Avatiu 20 vs Ngatangiia 19.