Panthers win Constitution Sevens

The Tupapa Panthers had the legs and energy to defeat a fatigued Avatiu Eels sevens side and take out the 2011 CITC Constitution Sevens trophy in Ngatangiia on Saturday.

The Panthers defeated the Ngatangiia-Matavera Dragons 15-10 in extra time of their semi finals, after a draw at full time, to progress to the grand finals.

The Eels also won their semi final match against the tough Aitutaki team in extra time after the game was locked at 19-all at the end of the game.

In the Eels and Panthers grand finals match two late tries by the Panthers scored by team flyers Conrad Piri and Joe Hoeflich allowed the Panthers to defeat the Eels 10-0.

The majority of the game was a real slug-fest.

It was the third game of the day for both teams and they were unable to finish off their line breaks with scrambling last-ditch defence a feature of the game.

The Panthers cause was helped when an Eels player was sent to the sin bin allowing the teams wingers to exploit the 6-man Eels team and win the game.

The Panthers elusive young player Taime Tangatapoto was awarded player of the tournament for his creativity on the field.

In the plate finals, a young Cook Islands Sports Academy side faced a Bulls side dominated by Fijian players.

The game was hard fought with some impressive plays seen from the CISA pack, but it was a last minute converted try by Bulls winger Sione Fameteau that allowed the Bulls to take the edge and win the game 14-12.

In the womens tournament, the Pacific Games squad managed to defeat a speedy and tough Rarotonga selection side in a closely fought match.

Overall, Cook Islands Rugby Union chief executive officer Ben Koteka says it has been 3 days of fantastic rugby sevens at all levels from the under 15 boys and girls division to the senior mens and womens competition.

This competition has grown from an 8 team event in 2010 to the 20 team event we have just witnessed in 2011, says Koteka.

Thank you to all the stakeholders who have allowed this competition to happen as this event will now become a permanent fixture on our rugby calendar. Thank you maata to our rugby family from Tahiti and to Laurent Tardieu and his under 15 and under 17 Faa a Tahiti teams who took in the tournament all good for regional development.

The normal club rugby competition returns this weekend for week 8 of games. - MW