Rampaging Reds make history

The Takuvaine Reds rugby club family will still be celebrating their history-making victory on Saturday afternoon when the hungry Reds army overcame the Titikaveka Bulls to win the 2013 club rugby championships 22-18 and smashing a 38-year silverware draught at the Happy Valley club.

The Reds army of vocal fans were out in force confidently wearing red t-shirts that read ‘history in the making’ and they were not disappointed when their team put on a stellar rugby performance to win this year’s championships at the BCI Stadium.

Playing into a strong head wind in the first half the Reds struck first in the 7th minute of play with a try to their reliable winger Leon Paniani - after a series of phases in the Bulls red zone.

Shortly afterwards, the Reds powerhouse centre potted a drop-kick for the Reds to extend the Reds lead to 8-0.

The try of the match scored by the Reds flanker Teina Savage had the Reds supporters on their feet in massive celebrations.

The try was scored against the run of play when speedy Reds right winger Eddie Marama fielded a stray kick in his own 22 and then counter-attacks getting outside the Bulls defenders on a nice side line run, then in-passes to a fast-following Teina Savage who sprinted the final 30 metres to the line holding off would be tacklers for a brilliant Reds try.

The Bulls only points in the first half were from two penalty goals kicked by Bill Tangapiri and they trailed 6-13 against the Reds at the half time break.

Midway through the 2nd half the Reds led by a comfortable 19-6 margin and just when they and their supporters thought the Bulls were faltering – someone hit the ‘go’ button as the ‘never say die’ Bulls led by their iron-man Number 8 Tua Ofisa staged their typical late 2nd half comeback.

Ofisa scored twice for the Bulls and with a couple of goal kicks from halfback Bill Tangapiri the Bulls were back in the race to trail the Reds by four points – 22-18.

For the last 10 minutes of the match the Bulls were virtually camped in the Reds half with the Bulls unable to score that elusive match-winning try and much to the relief and thrill of the Reds supporters and fans.

Best for the Bulls was indestructible number 8 Tua Ofisa, busy lock Lloyd Matapo, skilful first 5/8 Teariki Piri and their dynamic midfielder James Tofilau.

Best for the Reds were veteran first 5/8 Vase Samania, action-man flanker Teina Savage, solid winger Leon Paniani and captain & prop Victor Mataora.

The Reds celebrated long into the weekend – a deserved celebration for a refreshing club rugby union grand finals and a history making win.

In the CITC senior B division – the Avatiu Eels were too strong for the Titikaveka Bulls to win the division championship title 12-0 with experienced Eels Bruce Goldsworthy scoring a try along with rising under 19 start Repaio Jones.

The best and fair player award went to Peleti Peleti of the Bulls.