Last prep games before 15s

The recent CITC pre-season sevens tournament has not only provided some fantastic action packed games but it has also been an opportunity for local players to ease back into the rugby union season.

Avatiu were the eventual winners of the tournament in the senior A grade division – Avatiu defeating Ngatangiia 20-19 to win the pre-season tournament.

Other winners on the day were the under 13 Arorangi Cowboys who beat Avatiu 35-14, the Avatiu under16 grade who edged out Arorangi 26-22 and Tupapa under 19 grade who were too good for Avatiu winning 27-5.

The newly revamped Rarotonga club rugby union season has ticked off its first successful event in the sevens tournament and it will be all hands on deck this weekend for the start of the rugby 15s season.

This year’s club rugby season is going to be one of the biggest in recent years with all six Rarotonga clubs fielding a full complement of teams right across all grades including under 13, 16, 19 and senior teams.

Plus women’s rugby is gaining momentum and will become a regular fixture on the rugby calendar.

The ladies, who formed the Country and City teams, were one of the highlights of the tournament and after marked improvement in structure, skill and performance over the three week tournament, the rugby gals are keen to build on their recent success.

It was the Country gals who did the business on Saturday defeating their City opponents 14-12.

Women’s rugby will continue this weekend and while the men get into the swing of rugby 15’s the ladies will continue with their 10’s format although game times will be extended to two 15 minute halves with the ultimate goal of playing two 20 minute halves.

There is also talk about the inclusion of a third women’s rugby team and those of you interested in forming new clubs can contact Lara Sadaraka for advice and support.

The first round of the 2010 season will see Avatiu host the Tupapa Panthers, Titikaveka Bulldogs host the Takuvaine Highlanders and the Ngatangiia Flying Dragoons host their country brothers the Arorangi Cowboys.

The draw and referee appointments will be printed later in the week.