Sharks meet Eels at the Swamp

The Aitutaki Sharks premier rugby league grade will be back on Rarotonga tomorrow to take on the Avatiu Eels at the Swamp.

This is going to be a great battle if the Sharks keep up their hard hitting ways and restrict the Eels from slipping through.

But before the Eels and Sharks showdown – week four of games will start today at Nukupure Park where the in-form Ngatangiia Sea Eagles host their country cousins the Titikaveka Bulldogs.

The under 19 and reserve grade between these two clubs will soften up the pitch today ahead of the under 16 and premier grade clash on Friday afternoon.

The Bulldogs premier grade needs to start making an impact now and if they beat the Sea Eagles this week – it will be a huge victory.

But it’s not going to be easy for the Bulldogs as the Sea Eagles have yet to lose a game this season and after their great start, they surely have their hearts and minds set on leading the competition.

While the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs battle it out on Friday at Nukupure Park, the Sharks will rumble with the Eels at the Swamp.

The Sharks are without doubt a strong team but silly mistakes and ball handling errors at crucial stages of the game have been their biggest downfall.

In saying that though the Sharks have still managed to keep up with their opponents and Friday could be the day they really show what they have.

The Eels on the other hand have had a slow start to the season and seem to lack the intensity the club is reputed for, but the Eels are well known for being slippery and keeping their cards close to their chest and the clash against the Sharks might just be the shock they need to live up to their reputation.

Meanwhile the Arorangi Bears take on the Takuvaine Warriors in what should also be an exciting game. The Bears need to keep their guard up against the Warriors from Takuvaine who will take every opportunity they are given.

- Matariki Wilson

Week 4 draw:

Thursday 24 at Nukupure Park Sea Eagles vs Bulldogs – 4pm under 19, Ref-P Rongokea assisted by P Ngaroi and R Mato, 5pm reserve grade, Ref-N Tou assisted by P Ngaroi and R Mato.

Friday 25 at Nukupure Park Sea Eagles vs Bulldogs – 4pm under 16 grade, Ref-N Tou assisted by J Murray and N Takaiti, 5pm premier grade, Ref- J Whitta assisted by N Takaiti and N Tou (sub official-J Murray).

Friday 25 at the Swamp Eels vs Sharks – 5pm premier grade, Ref-T Manea assisted by T Tuakana and A Emile (sub officials-S Teiotu and B Bishop).

Saturday 26 at the Swamp Eels vs Panthers – 12.30pm under 13 grade, Ref-J Murray assisted by club officials, 1.30pm under 16, Ref-B Bishop assisted by K Kopu and R Mato, 2.30pm CIFL masters, Ref-J Hosking assisted by retired volunteers, 3.15pm reserve grade, Ref-N Takaiti assisted by T Benioni and B Bishop, 4.45pm under 19, Ref-K Kopu assisted by N Takaiti and T Benioni.

Saturday at Raemaru Park Bear vs Warriors – 12.30pm under 13 Bears vs Sea Eagles, Ref-P Ngaroi assisted by club officials, 1.30pm under 16, Ref-M Caffery assisted by P Rongokea and P Ngaroi, 2.30pm under 19, Ref-T Manea assisted by N Tou and T Tuakana, 3.30pm reserve, Ref-S Teiotu assisted by T Tuakana and M Caffery, 5pm premier grade, Ref-A Emile assisted by N Tou and T Manea (sub officials-M Caffery and S Teiotu).