Old foes lock horns today

Today’s week seven CITC ‘main match’ will feature the heavyweight clash between arch rivals and leading teams the Avatiu Eels and Arorangi Cowboys to be played at Raemaru Park.

And whenever these two old foes lock horns, sparks are sure to fly. When they met in week two of the competition it was the slippery Eels that emerged victors 20-18 and although the Cowboys went away licking their wounds, they’ve corrected their errors and grown in strength with each weekly match up.

The Eels have also been a strong force this season and after a week break in the competition for the Constitution Celebration, expect renewed vigour and intensity on the field today.

The big question will be whether the mobile Eels forward pack led by hard working captain and loose forward Clive Nicholas will be able to supply quality go forward ball for their gun backline, if this happens then the Cowboys will be in for a long hard night.

Or could the Cowboys forwards, led by human front-end loader and captain David Heather, dominate at set piece time?

Head west for the main match which kicks off at 4.10pm where Arorangi will pull out all the stops to not only win on the field but also provide off the field fun, food and entertainment including the sounds of DJ Monga.

Meanwhile, other rugby games will be played at Titikaveka today when the Bulls host the visiting Panthers while Takuvaine head to Ngatangiia to face off against hosts the Flying Dragons.

Arorangi Cowboys: David Heather (captain), Timi “Shadow” Tunui, Simiona Nicholas, Tua Boaza, Edwin Teraitua, Waisoi Kararoi, Junior Tapurau, Papa Naia, James Phillip, Spoon Marsters, David Wichman, Sami Pareeti, Tom “The Tongan” Vea, Tokyo Aniterea, Sema Robati, Turori Matutu, Pokoroa Pauka, Mamanu Emile, Titi “Fitzy” George, Johnny George, Moti Saunivalu and Sione Lomu.

Avatiu Eels: Eddie Tomokino, Manu George, Sonny-Bill Foster, Alex Olah, Ngatupuna Manuela, Lee Ponini, Clive Nicholas (captain), Lui Nicholas, Teokotai Tuaivi, Kunda Tom, Atu Rokocoko, Bruce Goldsworthy, Tai Blake, Duane Gukisuva and Tairi Elikana.

In other matches today – the Tupapa Panthers will face the Titikaveka Bulls at Victoria Park while the Ngatangiia Flying Dragons will swoop in to do battle with the Takuvaine Warriors at the happy valley field.

- Matariki Wilson

Saturday 14 Titikaveka vs Tupapa-Maraerenga at Titikaveka – 1.50pm Under 16, Ref-Ratu Mato assisted by club officials, 2.55pm Under 19, Ref-Johnny Hosking assisted by club officials, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref-Arthur Emile assisted by Johnny Hosking and club official.

Saturday 14 Ngatangiia-Matavera vs Takuvaine at Ngatangiia – 1.00pm Under 13, Ref-Tangi Toa assisted by Puru Samania and club officials, 2pm Under 16, Ref-Poto Ngaroi assisted by Puru Samania and club officials, 3.05pm Senior B, Ref-Tutai Taurarii assisted by Paul Peyroux and Tangi Toa, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref-Tua Manea assisted by Poto Ngaroi and Tutai Taurarii.

Saturday 14 Arorangi vs Avatiu-Nikao at Arorangi – 12pm Under 13, Ref-Tai Ngari assisted by club officials, 12.55pm Under 16, Ref-Dan Munro assisted by club officials, 2pm Women, Ref-Billy Tuaivi assisted by club officials, 3.05pm Senior B, Ref-Terry Piri assisted by Sean Willis and Dan Munro, 4.10pm Senior A, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Terry Piri and Sean Willis.