The key to Arorangi Bears’ victory was their forward pack, which managed to grind out a win against the reigning club champions Tupapa Panthers. Picture: cb_sports_official/24072111
The week three Cook Islands Rugby Union Rarotonga Club 15s competition saw thrilling matches and impressive displays of talent.
In the feature match held at Raemaru Park, the Arorangi
Bears faced off against the Tupapa Panthers in a closely contested match.
The Bears emerged victorious with a score of 13-3. The game
was tight throughout, with the Bears leading 6-3. In the 75th minute,
lock Geoff Taripo scored a decisive rolling maul try, breaking the deadlock.
Basil Matapo’s successful conversion gave the Bears a comfortable lead, which
they maintained until the end of the match. The Panthers’ attempts to launch a
comeback were thwarted by the Bears’ resolute defence.
The key to the Bears’ victory was their forward pack, which
managed to grind out a win against the reigning club champions. The Panthers
missed their midfield strike weapon, Fereti Anau, who retired before halftime
with a hamstring injury.
For the Panthers, standout players included 17-year-old number
8 TJ Willie, currently a rugby scholarship student at Waitaki College in New
Zealand, first 5/8 Daneil Toa, and counter-attacking fullback Mafu Kalas. The
Bears’ best players were loose forwards Albert Etuete and Leni Seu and
side-stepping midfielder Thomas Daniel.
Additionally, Saturday afternoon featured numerous junior
development games and the women’s games between Arorangi and Tupapa. These
events provided a valuable platform for women and emerging athletes to display
their skills and gain experience, promising a bright future for Cook Islands
rugby.
On Friday, the Avatiu Nikao Eels overcame the Titikaveka
Bulldogs with a score of 26-13.
The Eels got off to a strong start, scoring two early
converted tries to lead 14-0. However, they then shifted into a more defensive
mode, allowing the Bulldogs to claw their way back into the game. By halftime,
the Eels’ lead had narrowed to just one point, 14-13. Despite the Bulldogs’
efforts, they were unable to score in the second half. The Eels regained their
momentum and secured the victory with a final score of 26-13.
The Bulldogs’ standout players included hardworking
forwards Raykon Marsters and Bambridge Valoa, goalkicking first 5/8 Teariki
Matenga, and elusive midfielder Tangi Akava. For the Eels, multi-skilled
fullback Viiga Reupena and energetic forwards Tamanui Nicholas and Toru Katuke
were key contributors.
Eels’ Reupena and Arorangi Bear’s Jeff Taripo were named
Man of the Match for their respective games.
Results
Eels: 26 (Tries: Nathan Nabou, Tamanui Nicholas, Ioane
Moore and Adyn Kapi. Conv: Tamatoa Nicholas [3]) Bulldogs: 13 (Try: Teara
Henderson, Conv: Teariki Matenga. Pen: T Matenga [2])
Bears: 13 (Try: Geoff Taripo. Conv: Basil Matapo. Pen:
B Matapo [2]) Panthers: 3 (Pen: Daniel Toa).