Tupapa Panthers’ four year in a row win in the Rarotonga Club 15s competition came to an end on Saturday.

In the competition final held at Victoria Park in Tupapa, the Panthers went down to Avatiu Nikao Eels 29-40.

The Eels led 16-10 at the break.

The Albert Nicholas-coached Eels extended their lead in the second spell but the Panthers bounced back, scoring on the hooter to level the match 29-all at fulltime.

Two halves of 10 minutes each (extra time) was held with the Eels finding another gear to score 11 additional points with a try to their barnstorming number eight Lai Rogorogoivalu and a penalty and drop goal kicked by the man of the moment Viiga Ruepena, who scored 30 points for the Eels.

The Eels last won the title in 2017 under Nicholas, who marked his return this season.

In the under-19 final, Arorangi Bears defeated the Eels 32-14 while TKV thumped Bears 56-0 in U16 match.

Results

Senior A – Vodafone Best & Fairest Players were: Davey Mato [Panthers] and Viiga Ruepena (Eels). Avatiu Eels: 40 (Tries: Viiga Ruepena, Joshua Koroi & Lai Rogorogoivalu. Conv: V Ruepena (2). Pen: V Ruepena (6). Pot: V Ruepena) Tupapa Panthers: 29 (Tries: *Penalty tries (2), Jovilisi Naqitawa & Peniasi Dakuwaqa. Conv: Afereti Anau. Pen: A Anau. *Automatic 7 points)

U19 – Vodafone Best & Fairest Players were: Tupui Tuaivi (Eels) and Nia Remuera (Bears). U19 Arorangi Bears: 32 (Tries: Nia Remuera, Fili Cama, Tevii Ngametua, Julio Tauu & Abel Heather. Conv: J Tauu (2). Pen: N Remuera) U19 Avatiu Eels: 14 (Tries: Aaron Simpson & *Penalty try. Conv: Jordan Peraua. *Automatic 7 points)

U16 – Vodafone Best & Fairest players were: Teina Ngametua (Bears) and Joseph Badrokadroka (Reds). Takuvaine Reds: 56 (Tries: Paul Ngaroi, Roma Daniel, Rowland Mateyawa, Tione Nand, Joseph Badrokadroka, Taonge Poila, Shane Tuteru, Juvima Pouao & Ioane Ioane. Conv: S Tuteru (5) Arorangi Bears: 0