Showdown at the Swamp

The Avatiu Swamp will be the scene of what should be one of the toughest games of rugby this season between top of the table teams the Ngatangiia-Matavera Dragons and the Avatiu Eels.

Any opponent heading to the swamp to face the Eels knows that the team is at its slipperiest on home ground and the Dragons will need to bring their A game if they are to stay on top of the table.

It wont be an impossible task for the Dragons though as the side has been the seasons biggest improvers with their thrilling win against the Cowboys at the end of round one really giving the team the confidence they need to match their talented players.

In the last meeting between these two sides the Eels just managed to clip the Dragons wings with a 24-11 win.

But in the 60th minute of that match the Eels were only up by one point, 12-11, and when the Dragons were reduced to 14 men due to ill discipline, the Eels made them pay.

The Dragons have certainly scrubbed up their act in regard to discipline but the swamp has an uncanny way of bringing out the worst in opponents, especially if the Eels really get under their skin, which the team is famous for.

But with the leadership of stalwart Thomas Toa supported by his brothers Daniel and Alan, expect to see a no mucking around style of play by the Dragons.

Also watch out for the elusive Dragons winger Sailosi Nagi to put the points on the board for the side.

The Eels on the other hand have had a mixed bag this season with their loss at the end of round one to the Tupapa Panthers firing them up again.

The side were lucky to beat the Cowboys last week and if they are to stop the Dragons momentum they will need to play with some structure for the full 80 minutes.

The team that wins the game up front and provides quality ball for the backline will without a doubt walk away with the winning points today.

Other games at the weekend will be played at Arorangi between the Cowboys and the Titikaveka Bulls and at the Happy Valley between the Takuvaine Reds and the Tupapa Panthers.

Get out to your club and support your boys the under 13 grades kicking off from 12pm and the Senior A grade games all kicking off at 4.10pm.

- Matariki Wilson

This weeks draw :

Arorangi Cowboys vs Titikaveka Bulls at Arorangi 1.00pm Under 13, Ref: Titi George assisted by Ananaia Maeva and Anau Kino, 1.50pm Under 16, Ref: Tutai Tuakana assisted by Titi George and Opura Emile, 2.55pm Under 19, Ref: Tavake Manuel assisted by Tavake Manuel and Club Official, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref: Johnny Hosking assisted by Paul Peyroux and Tutai Tuakana.

Avatiu Eels vs Ngatangiia Dragons at Avatiu 12.45pm Under 13, Ref: Vania Tou assisted by Club Official, 1.30pm Under 16, Ref: Billy Tuaivi assisted by Arthur Emile and Kaukura Nia, 2.40pm Womens 7s, Ref: Paul Peyroux assisted by Club Officials, 3.05pm Senior B, Ref: Tua Ngaputa assisted by Bishop Bishopand Kaukura Nia, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref: Arthur Emile assisted by Tua Manea and Sean Willis.

Takuvaine Reds vs Tupapa Panthers at Takuvaine 12.00pm Under 13, Ref: Tangata Samania assisted by IeremiaTuteru and KakaioRobati, 12.45pm Under 16, Ref: Poso Ngaroi assisted by IeremiaTuteru and KakaioRobati, 1.50pm Under 19, Ref: Vaivase Samania assisted by Simiona Teiotu and Poso Ngaroi, 3.05pm Senior B, Ref: Phillip Strickland assisted by Vase Samania/Massey Mateariki, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref: Simiona Teiotu assisted by Sean Willis and Poso Ngaroi.