Fired up Tupapa keep trophy

Friday 21: In a match of two halves a fast starting Tupapa team was able to fend off a fast finishing Avatiu to retain the Under 15 Coca Cola trophy 31-16.

Playing with the wind in the first half, Tupapa was able to accumulate a handy 24-6 lead at the halftime break and this proved to be the difference in the end with Avatiu resorting to catch up rugby in the second half.

Two of Tupapa’s first half tries were scored by speedy right winger Richard Vaine-

rere coming via strategically placed kicks.

Although Avatiu have been the form ‘weekend’ team in this grade, Avatiu’s inability to consistently control possession especially in the first-half was their undoing.

Avatiu rallied hard in the second half playing ‘catch-up’ rugby but fell short of the mark.

Overall this was an entertaining match and both teams (and management) must be commended in the quality of play with the forwards setting the foundation, wingers scoring tries, both teams kicking 40-metre drop-goals.

The midweek concept and the obvious skill improvements made in this grade has been a joy to watch.

Thank you to our major sponsor Coca Cola and rugby icon George George for your continued support of junior rugby.

Best for Tupapa were first five-eighth Jamian Iroa, busy number eight Eric Newbigging, complimented by goal-kicking centre Stubby Kamana.

Best for Avatiu were hardworking prop Jaemal Pakitoa and skilled halves Basil Matapo and Marcelo Rairoa.

Tupapa get to retain the Coca Cola Trophy for another year – congratulations Tupapa U15- CIRU