Tough at the top

Close rugby league matches were seen at the weekend with the Sea Eagles, Panthers and Eels premier grades all registering wins.

On Friday night the Bulldogs hosted the Eels to what the Eels probably thought would be an easy game but after a taste of what the Doggies had to offer in terms of big hits, the Eels scrambled for their protective head gear.

The Eels certainly looked the more polished of the two teams with their superior fitness the key to their win and once they began to pile on the points – it became a catch up game for the Bulldogs.

Veteran Bulldog Lloyd Matapo provided plenty of action for spectators as he still proves to be one of the most difficult players to bring down.

Young Joe Napa added spark to the Bulldogs’ mixed line up of veterans and up and coming players but it was the Eels’ day in Titikaveka as the visitors took out the match 28-20.

Out at Muri the Sea Eagles and Sharks battled it out in what was a very close match.

A number of Sharks players were not able to make the trip to Rarotonga with coach Ina Konito saying that some of the boys were still dealing with the trauma of cyclone Pat. Most of the young players had to remain on the island to help their families.

But it was still a passionate Sharks side that took to the Muri field with a large crowd of supporters in their ‘Aitutaki Appeal’ t-shirts there to support the team.

While most of the attention was on the Sharks, the staunch Sea Eagles crowd cheered on their side with just as much passion, spurring their team on to a very close 28-20 win over the Sharks.

Missing a few key players, the Sharks stuck to a basic ‘one up’ format of play with individual flare coming to the fore.

The Sea Eagles on the other hand explored a number of attacking options which saw them edge out the Sharks.

After the win, the Sea Eagles showed their community spirit in hosting the Sharks to a kaikai before the team returned home to Aitutaki.

Gate takings of over $800 will also go towards the Aitutaki relief efforts.

Meanwhile at Tupapa, the Panthers were lucky not to be gripped in a bear hug by the Arorangi Bears. The Panthers sneaked in a 26-20 win over the Bears.