Rugby heavyweights meet today

Today’s week two CITC ‘main match’ will feature the heavyweight clash between arch rivals the Avatiu Eels and Arorangi Cowboys to be played at the Avatiu swamp.

The Eels will be in confident mode after last weekend’s round one demolition of the Tupapa Panthers – the Eels winning this match 44-7.

The Cowboys on the other hand suffered a 12-10 defeat at the hands of the much improved Ngatangiia Flying Dragons.

So, the Cowboys will need to ‘get back on the horse’ after last weekend’s loss.

But folks don’t be fooled by last week’s opening round scores. As any local rugby stalwart will tell you, any Eels versus Cowboys game is sure to be a good tester with both teams wanting to make their mark early in the 2010 season.

Both teams play contrasting styles of rugby the Eels, with their slick backline led by national rep Bruce Goldsworthy (who scored four tries last week), enjoy the wider spaces while the Cowboys play a more forward orientated game and they like to keep things tight.

The big question will be whether the mobile Eels forward pack, led by hard working captain and loose forward Clive Nicholas, will be able to supply quality go-forward ball for their gun backline – if this happens, then the Cowboys will be in for a long hard night.

Or could the Cowboys forwards, led by human front-end loader and captain David Heather, dominate at set piece time complimented by the cultured boot of veteran Cowboys first five-eighths David Wichman.

Could the recent rain with a presumed heavier track favour the Cowboys?

Or could the Eels fitness and skill be the deciding factor?

From the 2009 matches played between these two clubs, the Cowboys won two of the three – the Eels winning the crucial grand final match 27-26!

Make sure you’re at the Avatiu swamp to find out who wins the battle between these two rugby heavyweights.

Arorangi Cowboys: David Heather (Capt), Katini Heather, Titi George, Simiona Nicholas, Steven Naea, Pierre Rongokea, Emile Emile, Edwin Teraitua, Pokolong Pauka, David Wichman, Joe Mamanu, Semi Sotiti, Spoon Marsters, Tom Vea and Sema Robati.

Avatiu Eels: Eddie Tomokino, Manu George, Sonny-Bill Foster, Alex Olah, Ngatupuna Manuela, Lee Ponini, Clive Nicholas (Capt), Lui Nicholas, Teokotai Tuaivi, Kunda Tom, Atu Rokocoko, Bruce Goldsworthy, Tai Blake, Duane Gukisuva and Tairi Elikana.

In other matches today – the Tupapa Panthers will face the Titikaveka Bulls at Victoria Park while the Ngatangiia Flying Dragons will swoop in to do battle with the Takuvaine Warriors at the happy valley field.

- Ruck and maul

Saturday July 3 Tupapa-Maraerenga vs Titikaveka at Tupapa – 1.50pm Under 16, Ref-Andrew Iroa, assisted by club officials, 2.55pm Under 19, Ref-Terry Piri, assisted by Bishop Bishop and club official, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref-Simiona Teiotu, assisted by Bishop Bishop and Terry Piri

Saturday July 3 Takuvaine vs Ngatangiia- Matavera at Takuvaine – 12.00pm Under 13, Ref-Vania Tou assisted by club officials, 12.45pm Under 16, Ref-Poto Ngaroi assisted by club officials, 1.50pm Under 19, Ref-Vaivase Samania assisted by Tua Manea and club officials, 3.05pm Senior B, Ref-Tutai Tuararii assisted by Vania Tou and club officials, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref-Tua Manea assisted by Tutai Taurarii and Poto Ngaroi.

Saturday July 3 Avatiu-Nikao vs Arorangi at Avatiu – 12.00pm rippa rugby, 1pm Under 13, Ref-Tai Wichman assisted by club officials, 1.50pm Under 16, Ref-Dan Munro assisted by club officials, 3.05pm Senior B, Ref-Arthur Emile assisted by Ben Koteka and Dan Munro, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref-Pare Rongokea assisted by Arthur Emile and Tai Wichman.