Eels snake Cowboys to win U19s

The Avatiu Eels proved too strong for the Arorangi Cowboys in the Budget Rentals and Polynesian Bike Hire under 19 grade grand finals at Ngatangiia on Saturday.

With the bulk of the Eels squad being current Cook Islands Sports Academy students or having Senior A Grade experience their skill and fitness levels were superior to that of the Cowboys.

The Cowboys tried hard but their cause was not helped with a player being red-carded in the second half.

The Eels convincingly won the match 30-5 and were crowned the deserved under 19 champions in 2011 with tries scored by Johnny George who dotted down twice, Tamatoa Emile, JJ Nicholas and Stanley Tobia.

Teararoa Bishop slotted in the conversions and penalty kicks and the Cowboys sole try came from Petero Teio.

Teararoa Bishop of the Eels was awarded the most valuable player of the year award.