Eels win bone cruncher

Bone crunching tackles and body-on the-line-attacks were the highlights of the Avatiu Eels and Titikaveka Bulldogs premier grade match on Tuesday at the Swamp.

The two teams played out their postponed weekend game in front of a decent crowd who weren’t disappointed with the action packed game played in less than ideal conditions.

The intensity of the game was evident right from the start as only one point separated them on the points table with the Eels on 17 points and the Bulldogs on 16.

Both sides traded their fair share of blows, errors and tries but it was the Eels that edged out the tough fighting Bulldogs 15-10.

The win has shot the Eels to second place on the table now on 20 points – three points behind the Tupapa Panthers on 23 points.

The Bulldogs sit in fourth place still on 16 points with the Arorangi Bears on 19 points in third position on the table.

This week – the Eels head to Aitutaki to rumble with the Aitutaki Sharks while the Bulldogs take on the Panthers and the Takuvaine Warriors face off against the Ngatangiia Sea Eagles.

- Matariki Wilson

Friday 20 Eels vs Sharks at Vaipae field – 5pm-Premiers, Ref-S Teiotu assisted by M Une and A Tanga (bench-Nga).

Friday 20 Warriors vs Sea Eagles at the Happy Valley Field 4pm – under 16, Ref-P Ngaroi assisted by B Bishop and J Murray, 5pm-Reserves, Ref-T Benioni assisted by P Mitchell and P Ngaroi.

Friday 20 Panthers vs Bulldogs at Victoria Park – 4pm-under 16, Ref-B Bishop assisted by P Strickland and P Ngaroi, 5pm-Reserves, Ref-T Manea assisted by S Willis and P Strickland.

Saturday 21 Bears vs Eels at Raemaru Park – 1.30pm-under 13, Ref-J Murray assisted by club officials, 2.30pm-Under 19, Ref-T Manuel assisted by T George and J Hosking, 3.30pm-Reserves, Ref-M Une assisted by T Manuel and J Whitta.

Saturday 21 Warriors vs Sea Eagles and Happy Valley Field – 3pm-Premiers, Ref-A Emile assisted by T Benioni and P Mitchell (bench-P Ngaroi).

Saturday 21 Panthers vs Bulldogs at Victoria Park – 2pm-Under 13 Panthers vs Sea Eagles, Ref-B Bishop assisted by clubofficials, 3pm-Under 19, Ref-T Menea assted by J Murray and B Bishop, 4.30pm-Premiers, Ref-S Willis assisted by S Teiotu and T Manea, (bench-B Bishop).