The slick Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers showed their prowess by capitalising on the Avatiu Eels mistakes, securing a decisive win 34 – 16 in Saturday's Cook Islands Rugby League (CIRL) 13s domestic competition at Temurimotia Park in Titikaveka.

In the second round of the tournament, the Panthers convincing win over the defending champions Avatiu Eels proved that their skills in attacking and controlling positions, well placed balls and well-constructed tries were just too good.

Once the Eels fixed their ball handling and held onto their position they scored, but not enough to catch the Panthers who won 36 – 16.

Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the week (Game 9) went to Panthers captain Eric Newbigging who scored a try and one try assist.

A solid performer, Newbigging is a consistent powerhouse on the field, a big defense machine and leader - a forward that does it all.

In a post-match interview with CIRL, Newbigging said he was pleased with their game – “We stuck to our game plan, same as we have been doing for the past weeks.

“But, there are a few things we need to work on for some of us: our fitness and ball handling,” he said.

Avatiu Eels captain Josh Motu said, “It’s always going to be tough against the Panthers. We played on and off… we have to work on our discipline, we're giving away penalties and we need to work on our ball handling.”
Meanwhile, tempers flared amongst the players in the Bears and Warriors game as well as the Panthers and Eels, which saw big rumbles on the field.

In the first men’s premier match, the Arorangi Bears beat the Takuvaine Warriors 52 – 10. The Warriors have been absent from the league for about a decade and must be commended for their never give up and play hard until the final whistle attitude.

Unfortunately, due to an accidental landing position, a Bears player was carried out of the field on a stretcher and escorted to the hospital via ambulance.

In the women’s match, the Tupapa Lady Panthers took the game with 24 points vs Arorangi Lady Bears 12.

The Women’s player of the match went to Samantha Lockington from the Arorangi Bears who scored two tries and one try assist. She is a great ball runner and performed very well despite her team losing.

After the absence of last week’s games due to a “strike” by referees because of abuse, over the weekend both the players and supporters displayed good behaviour towards the referees.

Throughout the games, emcee for the day Member of Parliament for Titikaveka Sonny Williams frequently announced reminders over the sound systems for spectators to remain calm, enjoy the game and allow the referees to do their jobs.

The Avatiu Eels Premier Men’s League Team: Coach Clive Nicholas, Manager Okesene Moananu; 1 Nathan Nabou, 2 Haba Tamarua, 3 Tama Nicholas, 4 Caleb Chase, 5 Fale Sooialo, 6 Uiiga Keupena, 7 Nuku Tetava, 8 Puna Hiro, 9 Jate Lagidola, 10 Adyn Kapi, 12 Li Ponini, 13 Josh Motu (captain), 15 Josh Koroi, 16 Edwin Tauira, 17 Arii Nicholas, 18 Bill Temo, Toru Katuke.

The Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers League Team: Coach Darren Piri, Manager Delaney Yaqona; 1 Petero Lagilagi, 2 Tevii Ngametua, 3 Rudi Sifa, 4 Filimoni Latianara, 5 John Noovao, 6 Teina Savage, 7 Mafu Kalas, 8 Okirua Naea, 9 Jason Potoru, 10 Eric Newbigging, 11 Pita Hisea, 12 Olive Willie, 13 Andickson Yamason, 15 Petero Naivalli, 17 Oswell Tunupopo, 24 Alistair Newbigging, 22 Lualua Tua.

The results for Game 9: Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers 34 vs Avatiu Eels Sports Club 16; Arorangi Bears 52 vs Takuvaine Warriors 10; Tupapa Lady Panthers 24 vs Arorangi Lady Bears 12; Under 19 Avatiu Eels 30 vs Sea Eagles 12; Under 16 Eels 18 vs Bears 22; Under 14 Eels 66 vs Bears 10.