Avatiu Nikao Eels and Lady Bears have won the preliminary rounds title in the Cook Islands Rugby League 13s competition.

The Eels thumped winless Titikaveka Bulldogs 56-0 at Teimurimotia Park yesterday.

The win puts the Clive Nicholas-coached side back on top of the points table ahead of the finals which starts with the playoffs next weekend.

The Eels and defending champions Tupapa Panthers both have 12 points each but the former has better goal difference score.

In the lone and final premier men’s match (preliminary rounds), the on song Arorangi Bears will take on Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles at Nukupure Park at 4.30pm. In the curtain raiser match, the Under 19 Bears will face the Panthers at 3pm.

The Bears who are favoured to win this clash are expected to finish third unless they record a monstrous win against the Sea Eagles.

Both teams are expected to meet again in the third-place playoff next weekend with the winner qualifying for the semi-final.

The Panthers and the Eels will be meeting in the top place playoff with the winner advancing into the final and loser getting another chance in the semis.

Meanwhile the resurgent Lady Bears defeated Lady Eels 16-8 at Aretere Park yesterday to finish on top in the women’s competition ahead of Lady Panthers.

Lady Bears and Lady Panthers will meet in the top place playoffs next week with the winner heading straight into the final and losing team taking on the winner of the Lady Eels versus defending champions Lady Bulldogs in the semis.