Junior rugby ready for 15s

After two weeks of pre-season rugby – junior Rarotonga rugby players are now set for the start of the main 2012 rugby 15s season this Saturday.

Rarotonga turned on perfect weather for the pre-season 10s grand finals at Raemaru Park. The day started with over 60 kids taking part in the under 10 mixed Rippa rugby competition.

To cater for the super keen youngsters – two fields were set up to allow for all the kids to enjoy their Rippa games.

The day’s games then turned to the grand finals of the pre-season tournament.

After two weekends of play, the grand finals in the under 13 division were contested by the monster Avatiu Eels and the eager Arorangi Cowboys outfit.

The Cowboys played a valiant game but it was the big Eels pack lead by captain Doom Ponini complemented by the pace of midfielder Mark Leto that did the damage to win the game over the Cowboys 45-14.

Nick Maui and KL Iro were the standouts in the talented Cowboys pack.

In the under 16 grand finals – the Tupapa Panthers faced the Arorangi Cowboys in a closely fought match but the Panthers were able to hold off the Cowboys to win 10-7.

Impressive skills were displayed by busy Panther halfback Aitu Newbigging and winger Travel Tuaputa who scored their match-winning try.

Best for the Cowboys were Leo Roa and Helsom Teiti.

It was another Panthers versus Cowboys grand finals in the under 19 division where the Cowboys were the favourites heading into the match.

However, the Cowboys were their own worst enemies with indiscipline an issue.

The Wild West team were unable to breakdown the workman-like ethic of the Panthers who edged the Cowboys out to win 19-12.

Best for the Panthers were classy backs Maeva Smith and Ruben ‘Kiribati’ and hard-working prop Makea Tupa.

Australian based under 18 regional shotput champion and NSW school boys rep Tepai Moeroa was a standout for the Cowboys and speedy winger Luke Tukaroa played in a class of his own.

Congratulations to all the clubs on the island for fielding teams and giving your players a great start to the main union season.

This Friday and Saturday – club rugby players will kick off the 2012 rugby 15s season in all grades including under 10 mixed rippa, under 13, 16, 19, senior B and senior A grades.

The first round draw will see the Tupapa Panthers host Takuvaine, the Ngatangiia Flying Dragons head to Arorangi to face the Cowboys and the Titikaveka Bulls host the Avatiu Eels.