Eels face Dragons at Muri

In the second semi final knockout match, the Avatiu Eels will head to Nukupure Park to face this years biggest improvers, the Ngatangiia-Matavera Dragons.

So far this year these two teams have won one match each against each other.

At the Ngatangiia field the Eels won the first match 24-11 and in the second round match at the Avatiu Swamp the Dragons avenged the first loss by winning 15-5 this being the first time the Dragons defeated the Eels on their home-ground in over 20 years.

After promising so much previously the Dragons have been the surprise package for this years competition by finishing in 2nd place overall on the points table after leading for most of the 2nd round.

The Eels as always have consistently been top 4 material each year.

Both teams are highly skilled with pace to burn and they both love to play open expansive rugby.

The key will be which team supplies quality go forward ball for their respective backlines. Players to watch out for in the Eels will be mercurial fullback/first 5/8 Ben Maaka and for the Dragons watch out for their dangerous attacking midfielder Sailosi Nagi who has been in outstanding form all year.

- Ruck and Maul

Ngatangiia-Matavera Dragons squad Clinton Charlie, Tereapii Monga, Tai Boaza, Po Daniel, Ronnie Kadarulevu, Maara Ioakopa, Phillip Hunter, Willie Kauvai Jnr, Elia Tangimetua, Daniel Toa, Alan Toa, Thomas Toa, Sailosi Nagi, Usa Sivo, Aseli Maoate, Tutu Tangimetua.

Avatiu Eels squad Sonny-Bill Foster, Manu George, Eddie Tomokino, Alex Olah, Silafi Epati, Eliza Toru, Lee Ponini, Clive Nicholas, Billy Tuaivi, Atu Bondini, Duane Gukisuva, Daniel Tutai, Teu Paerau, Joe Hoeflich, Ben Maaka.

Saturday 17 at Nukupure Park (Bench Official-Teariki Peyroux) 12.30pm-Under 13 Tupapa Panthers vs Ngatangiia Dragons, Ref-Poso Ngaroi assisted by Tangi Toa and Kaukura Nia, 1.30pm-Under 16 Tupapa Panthers vs Takuvaine Reds, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Bishop Bishop and Tangi Toa, 2.45pm-Under 19 Avatiu Eels vs Panthers, Ref-Billy Tuaivi assisted by Tavake Manuel and Kaukura Nia, 4.10pm-Senior A Ngatangiia Dragons vs Avatiu Eels, Ref-Johnny Hosking assisted by Simiona Teiotu and Tavake Manuel.