Panthers eye Dragons at Muri

The revived Tupapa Panthers Senior A grade will head to Muri today to take on their hosts the Ngatangiia Dragons in today’s CITC main rugby match of the week.

The Ngatangiia Dragons need to win today to restore the confidence of their supporters after great form at the start of the season.

And while the Panthers may appear confident and buoyant, thanks to their first win last week over the Bulls 31-0, they desperately need to win today’s match if they are to seriously push up into the top four.

The Dragons danger man Sailosi Niagi will be keen to stretch his legs today – especially with the return of his injured centre partner Uso Sivo.

Expect to see plenty of action from these two as well as the triple threat Toa brothers – Thomas, Daniel and Alan – wreak havoc on the field.

This team will once again be held together by hardworking loose forward and captain Willie Kauvai who will need to fire up his team to stop the Panthers.

Players to watch for the Panthers will be their speed machine and fullback Conrad Piri, tough utility back Lua Tua and outside back Tatuava Tatuava.

Panthers: Bernard Okotai, Mana Natini, Tupou Faireka Jnr, Desmond Wildin, Robert Sword, Kore Herman, Ed Herman, Darren Manu, Lua Tua, Ben Samuel, Ben Tokorangi, Rua Ngametua, Tatuava Tatuava, Andrew Iroa, Tupe Willie and Corad Piri.

Dragons: William Kauvai Jnr, Pene Trego, Popo Tamarangi, Nooroa Samuel, Phillip Hunter, Elisa Ravalu, Uso Sivo, Phillip Taio, George Fatafai, Kevin Mapu, Thomas Toa, Daniel Toa, Alan Toa, Joshua Maui, Elia Tangimetua, Aseri Manuquila, Maara Ioakopa, Moni Ben and Boasa Sotia.

In other A grade matches – the top of the table Arorangi Cowboys will play fourth placed Takuvaine Reds at the Happy Valley today in what should be a bruising encounter.

Meanwhile, second placed Avatiu Eels, who suffered at the hands of the Cowboys last week, will host third placed Bulls who will also want to get back to their season starting form.

- Matariki Wilson

Saturday 21 Avatiu-Nikao vs Titikaveka at Avatiu – 1pm Under 16, Ref-Tai Ngari-Wichman assisted by Vania Tou and Bishop Bishop, 2pm Under 19, Ref-Johnny Hosking assisted by Bishop Bishop and Puai Wichman, 3.10pm Women, Ref-Tutai Taurarii assisted by club officials, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref-Tua Manea assisted by Tutai Taurarii and Tai Ngari-Wichman.

Saturday 21 Takuvaine vs Arorangi at Takuvaine –12.15pm Under 13, Ref-Poto Ngaroi assisted by Puru Samania and club official, 1.05pm Under 16, Ref-Dan Munro assisted by Vaivase Samania and Puru Samania, 2.55pm Senior B, Ref-Fraser Nooroa assisted by Poto Ngaroi and Sean Willis, 4.05pm Senior A, Ref-Simion Teiotu assisted by Sean Willis and Dan Munro.

Saturday 21 Ngatangiia-Matavera vs Tupapa at Ngatangiia – 2.05pm Under 13, Ref-Tangi Toa assisted by Paul Peyroux and Club Officials, 3pm Under 16, Ref-Ratu Mato assisted by Paul Peyroux and Ratu Mato, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref-Arthur Emile assisted by Ratu Mato and Tangi Toa.