Sharks and Bears in showdown

The Sharks are coming – the fierce Aitutaki Sharks rugby league team that is!

After the shenanigans of the Sharks being kicked out of the national season then reinstated – you can bet your bottom dollar they will have their teeth sharpened when they take to the field to play the Arorangi Bears in their first game of the 2012 season.

This match is expected to be a bruiser and will be played out tomorrow at 5pm at Raemaru Park in Arorangi.

While the Arorangi Bears premier grade rumble with the Sharks – the baby bears junior grades including the reserve grade will play the Titikaveka Bulldogs.

In fact, it’s going to be a busy end of week for rugby league with round three games kicking off today at Raemaru Park when the Bulldogs under 19 and reserve grades take on the Bears.

Also on Friday the league masters match will be played at Victoria Park in Tupapa along with the reserve grade match between the Takuvaine Warriors and Tupapa Panthers.

Remaining fixtures for the weekend are all worthy of ‘main game status’ with the Avatiu Eels heading east to take on the Ngatangiia-Matavera Sea Eagles at Nukupure Park while the Warriors from the Takuvaine Valley rumble with their Panther cousins from Tupapa at Victoria Park.

Whichever club you support – it’s going to be a big weekend of league on the island.

All Aitutakians on Rarotonga are being called to don your island colours and get along to Raemaru Park and support your boys in proving why they belong in the national competition.

- Matariki Wilson

Round 3 draw:

Thursday Feb 16, Bears vs Bulldogs at Raemaru Park – 4.30pm-Under 19, Ref-T.Manuel assisted by T. George/T.Tuakana, 5.30pm-Reserves, Ref-T.Tuakana assisted by T. George/T.Manuel.

Friday Feb 17, Bears vs Sharks at Raemaru Park – 5pm-Premiers, Ref-S. Willis assisted by T.Manea/J.Whitta (Sub Official-P.Ngaroi).

Friday Feb 17, Panthers vs Warriors at Victoria Park – 4.15pm-Marsters, Ref-J.Murray assisted by Papa Pat/Papa Anau, 5.00pm-Reserves, Ref-T.Benioni assisted by J.Murray/B.Bishop.

Saturday Feb 18, Panthers vs Warriors at Victoria Park – 1.00pm-Under 16, Ref-P.Ngaroi assisted by Metu/ P.Strickland, 2.00pm-Under 19, Ref-T.Tuakana assisted by Metu/ P.Strickland, 3.30pm-Premiers, Ref-A.Emile assisted by S.Teiotu/P.Ngaroi (Sub Official-Philip Strickland).

Saturday Feb 18, Sea Eagles vs Eels at Nukupure Park – 1.00pm-Under 13, Ref-J. Murray assisted by Club Official, 2.00pm-Under 16, Ref-Bishop assisted by P.Mitchell/J.Hosking, 3.30pm-Reserves, Ref-S. Willis assisted by J.Murray/J.Hosking, 5.00pm-Premiers, Ref-T.Manea assisted by P.Mitchell/B Bishop (Sub Official-J.Brown/S.Willis).