Hard fought age grade rugby finals

Age grade club rugby teams in Saturday’s grand finals set an exciting tempo for the main match of the day between the Takuvaine Reds and Titikaveka Bulls where the Reds made history in their 22-18 win over the Bulls.

In the Ocean Fresh under 19 grade – the Avatiu Eels edged out the Cowboys with a successful 35 metre pressure penalty goal after the fulltime hooter to win the grand finals 24-22.

It was a composed Eels halfback Marcelo Rairoa that stepped up to the plate to kick the match winning points for the Eels.

This was a thrilling match with the Eels at one stage leading 21-7, before the Cowboys staged their comeback – just falling short at the finish line.

Best for the Cowboys were Number 8 Andre Iro, prop John Vano and centre Akiona Tairi.

Best for the Eels were their regular A graders number 8 Stanley Tobia, props Zeru Pera & Toru Katuke and goal kicking halfback Marcelo Rairoa.

The Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes under 16 grand finals between the Arorangi Cowboys and Tupapa Panthers was another brilliant display of school boy rugby with the Cowboys just scrapping in with a win 22-21 against the Tenacious Panthers.

Right on fulltime a missed Panthers touch finder was fielded by the Cowboys Leo Roa who launched a counter-attack which finishes with centre Teina Tairi scoring the match-winning try close to the goal posts for the Cowboys to convert and win the match.

The Panthers led at half time by 14-12.

Best for the Panthers were creative inside centre Aitu Newbigging, goal kicking fullback Tyrone Marurai and energetic Number 8 Edi Pokura.

Best for the Cowboys were halves Leo Roa and BJ Heather, centre Teina Tairi and hard-working lock Nuka Mokoroa.

In the Palace Takeaways under 14 grand finals – the Avatiu Eels were just too strong for the Arorangi Cowboys to win the encounter 33-8 and division championship title.

The Eels duo of Mark Leito and Doom Ponini led the way for the victorious Eels.

The division 2013 best and fairest player award went to Kayal Iro of the Cowboys.

Cook Islands Rugby Union would like to thank the organisers, sponsors, match officials, all the clubs – coaches, management and players, supporters and all members of the rugby family for the great support this season.