The masters league game today will be a curtain raiser to the Aitutaki Sharks versus Tupapa Panthers at the Tupapa field.

Calling all masters 40 years and over to be at the Tupapa Stadium ready to kick off at 4.20pm sharp.

Meanwhile last week – the Aitutaki Papa Sharks turned up in full force for a full exhibition of the league masters last Thursday at the Vaipae Stadium in Aitutaki as they prepare to take on the infamous Mongoose in a week’s time.

The masters played the curtain raiser to the Titikaveka Bulldogs and Aitutaki Sharks premier game which ended in a 30-all draw.

Surprisingly, the stadium was already packed before the masters turned up to the game as everyone was keen to see the old boys back on the field.

The Papa Hammerhead Sharks led by their speedster Murangi Mataiti (aka Mundy) was certainly all fired up for the game.

In the opposition was the Papa White Pointers led by Teokotai Samuel (aka Pakete) who later admitted that he is a ‘Once were Warriors’.

His team was beefed up with the inclusion of a few international imports with the likes of Sonny Bill Pureau, TonyMac and the Tua ‘Minator’ Dyer.

The Hammerheads were eager to hammer a few blows to the opposition targeting their imports.

Their nippy captain Mundy was doing all the damage around the ruck area and broke the line for an 80 metre dash for the try line.

However, the cool headed Pres chased him down like a starved White Pointer ready to rip into his prey.

Some classy play from both teams with Big Stevo taking the lead up front for the Pointers supported by Pekam Maoate while the local MP playing for the Hammerheads had to sub after five minutes to catch his breath.

Standoff Ned Neale for the Whites was on form with the simple tipu (scissors) fooling the opposition to put his players across the line.

Perhaps the player of the day will have to be Papa Maeva Hewitt who is well into his 70s yet still doing the hit ups and carving up the opposition – not bad for Papa Hewitt!

With the scored tied at 46-all, the Whites worked their way close to the goal post for the golden point.

The ball was fired to their standoff Pakete who aimed for the drop goal only to miss the ball altogether, however the middleman awarded the golden point on technicality with the White Pointers edging out the Hammerheads 47-46.

Certainly a much improved papa Sharks this time round as compared to their inaugural game last year against the Avatiu/Nikao Mongoose.

Speaking of the Mongoose, they are planning to travel to Aitutaki to support the Eels and play the curtain raiser to the Eels versus Sharks.

While the Mongoose are well known to outsmart a snake, perhaps they may need to do better to outsmart a hungry Shark.