The Titikaveka Bulls caused the biggest upset of the club rugby competition when they beat the Cowboys 14-9 on Saturday.

It was a scrappy two-try victory to the Bulls through Bill Tangapiri and Ben Tautu while the Cowboys could only accumulate points via the boot of David Wichman.

Meanwhile the match of the week between the top of the table Panthers and so-called ‘underdogs’ the Eels was an entertaining battle at the Swamp.

The Eels underdog tag heading into the game certainly stirred the camp when they took on the Panthers in their own 15-man running game to score four tries to Tupapa’s two and win the match 32-23.

The Eels made their intentions clear early running in two well-taken tries to fullback Kunta Tom and left winger Duane Gukisuva and with a conversion and a booming 52-metre penalty goal kicked by number 8 Clive Nicholas the Eels were in the lead 15-0 after 10 minutes.

From 60 metres out the Panthers replied with a well-worked scrum move resulting in a line-break. With his blistering pace, centre Kairan Mahia scored a try in the corner which was converted by Conrad Piri to get on the score board and tail the Eels 7-15.

Solid Eels centre Junior Kiriau scored a try after chasing his own ‘bomb’ and dotted down close to the posts.

Panthers first five eight Conrad Piri kicked in penalties before the half time break with the scores at 22-16 in favour of the Eels.

The second half became a one sided battle with the Panthers dominating territory and possession but they were unable to capitalise on opportunities against a resistant Eels defence, with the Eels twice reduced to 14 men as two players were yellow-carded for indiscipline.

After constant Panthers pressure, the Eels finally broke out of their half and scored a long-distance breakaway try by bustling rookie hooker Boaza Atetu before Clive Nicholas nailed another long distance penalty to push their lead further 30-16.

Panthers midfeilder Turori Matutu showed his class when he scored under the posts to pull back the Eels’ lead 30-23.

The final points on the board came via the boot of Eels winger Duane Gukisuva who banged in a drop kick to finish up the game 32-23.

Best for the Eels were mercurial first five eight Terry Piri – the mastermind behind this victory with his control and decision-making keeping the opposition guessing at all times.

Young Sirla Pera was also a standout for the Eels showing calm and composure under pressure, foiling one Tupapa try and assisting in his team’s tries.

Best for the Panthers were midfielders Turori Matutu and Kairan Mahia, who looks to be returning to form after a three-month long injury break.

In the other senior A game at the weekend, the Dragons smashed the Reds 20-8 with the Reds’ score coming via a try to Tu Potoru and a penalty by Twin Tiro.

The Dragons’ points were scored by their standout players centre Sailosi Ngai, fullback Juda Loki and prop Clinton Charlie.

Best for the Reds were backs Twin Tiro and centre Eddie Marama-Nicholas and loose forwards Mana Havi and Patrick Ngarua.

- Ruck and maul

Full results: Eels vs Panthers (Eels scores first) – Under 13 grade 38 vs 5, Under 16 grade 40 vs 7, Under 19 grade 7 vs 3, Senior B grade 21 vs 7, Senior A grade 33 vs 23, Cowboys vs Bulls (Cowboys scores first) – Under 16 grade 76 vs 5, Under 19 grade 15 vs 5, Senior A grade 9 vs 14, Reds vs Dragons (Reds scores first) – Under 13 grade 0 vs 40, Senior A grade 8vs 20.