Eels unleash lethal attack as Panthers survive Bears scare

The Eels defeated Takuvaine (TKV) Reds 53-21 in the opening match before the Panthers overcame the host Bears 20-12 in a closely fought battle. FILE PIC/ CISNOC/26091501

The final round of preliminary competition was held last Saturday at Raemaru Park in Arorangi.

The Eels defeated Takuvaine (TKV) Reds 53-21 in the opening match before the Panthers overcame the host Bears 20-12 in a closely fought battle.

Cook Islands Rugby Union development manager Ben Koteka said the Eels were comprehensive in their win over the TKV Reds.

“With the full Eels squad back on board, they are now starting to showcase their talent with their key individuals, fullback Nathan Nabou, who scored a hat-trick of tries, loose forward/lineout thrower Fale Sooialo, who scored a brace of tries, number 8 Bill Temo and utility backs Tama Nicholas and Nuku Tetava all prominent on the scoreboard,” Koteka reported.

The TKV Reds played well, led by mercurial first five-eighth Viiga Reupena and strong-running ball carriers Napolioni Tuivanua and Alowesi Vulailai – “however, last Saturday was not their day”.

“Although the Reds looked to dominate the scrums, the Eels’ ability to value and survive-on scraps of possession by quickly transitioning into their lethal attack-mode, saw them run the opposition off their feet.”

The Eels led at halftime 25-14.

Koteka labelled the Panthers versus Bears clash a “stop-start match that failed to fire”.

The Panthers eventually won the match 20-12 against a valiant Bears outfit.

“The Bears put up a good fight this weekend, leading at the halftime break by 7 points to 6 and then in the 50th minute the Bears extended their lead to 12 points to 6,” Koteka said.

“However, at crucial times for the Bears they were their own worst enemy, their lack of composure and execution saw them miss out on further point scoring opportunities, that would put extra pressure on the current club champions.”

The Panthers were able to weather the storm, and in the final 20 minutes of play, they scored two converted tries – the second try a 90-metre special from their midfield flyer Petero Lagilagi – to win the match.

Avatiu Eels: 53 (Tries: Nathan Nabou [3], Fale Sooialo [2], Tama Nicholas & Bill Temo. Conv: Nuku Tetava [3] & T Nicholas [3]. Pen: T Nicholas [2]) Takuvaine Reds: 21 (Tries: Viiga Reupena, Petero Naivaru & Taki 'Pio' Tabuasei. Conv: V Reupena [3])

Tupapa Panthers: 20 (Tries: Koroseta Veni & Petero Lagilagi. Conv: Daniel Toa [2]. Pen: D Toa [2]) Arorangi Bears: 12 (Tries: Jeremiah Nia & Taio Taio. Conv: Douglas Matakibau)