U16 final excitement brews

The under 16 rugby division, sponsored by Captain Tama’s Cruises, has been the most competitive grade of the club rugby competition and the inclusion of the midweek Powerade Challenge has seen the skills in this grade dramatically improve over the season.

In this Saturday’s grand finals between the Arorangi Cowboys and Tupapa Panthers – it’s the lads from the Wild West that have the ‘favourites’ tag.

The Cowboys and Panthers have met three times this season with the Cowboys winning all three encounters.

Probably the closest that the Panthers have come to defeating the Cowboys is when the Panthers ended up losing 19-31.

The score was drawn at 19-19 all for the remaining quarter of the game before the Cowboys went on to score 12 points in the final 5 minutes of this U16 Powerade match to take out the game.

The key players in these teams are Leo Roa (Cowboys) and Aitu Newbigging (Panthers) – both play in the pivotal first 5/8 position and both players have the skill, speed and strength to break open matches with long-range line break or laying on a pin-point pass.

So whoever wins this battle between these two key individuals will determine the final outcome for their team!

Other players to watch in the Cowboys camp are hardworking lock Nuka Mokoroa, skilful halfback BJ Heather and hard running Number 8 Puna Tamarua.

For the Panthers goal kicking fullback Tyronne Marurai, speedy winger Algermaine Epati and hardworking forwards Toto-Boy Tupuna and Sam Atiau are the players to watch.

Under 16 Cowboys: Nuka Mokoroa, Chris Anthony, Fortes Anthony, Toko Toroma, Robert Graham Jnr, Richard Parima, BJ Heather, Leo Roa, Albert Taru, Myles Taio, James Taoro, Nic Brogan, Teina Tairi, Tokerau Wichman, and Teava Wichman.

Under 16 Panthers: Jeremiah Areai, Sam Atiau, Kimi Hosking, Elijah Pouhrla, Jetronca Rongo, Toto Tepuna, Jayson Vavia, Paul Harry, Tava Pouao, Tau Henry, Alex Nootai, Aitu Newbigging, Taia Taputoa, Algermaine Epati, Tyronne Marurai, Tutai Tuaputa, Dylan Areai, Roimata Moetaua, Edi Pokura, and Ben Numanga.