Lady Panthers have finished round one of the Cook Islands Rugby League women’s 13s competition undefeated after a close win yesterday.

In their third match of the 2023 season, the Panthers faced a resolute Lady Eels at Aretere Park in Avatiu yesterday afternoon.

In a tit-for-tat first half, Lady Panthers were first to cross the whitewash through Tehani Toa to lead 6-0.

Buoyed by the vocal home crowd, the Eels gained momentum and kept pushing for the try. Their relentless effort paid off when skipper Temata Arbuthnott scored to level the match 6-all at the break.

Lady Panthers started their second half the way they did in the opening spell, with co-captain Rima Browne scoring a brilliant try from a solo effort before the Eels scored in the corner to trail by two points – 12-10.

The visitors maintained their composure and with a superb set piece play allowed Nellie Wainiqolo to nudge over the try line to dot down the winner. Lady Panthers held on to win the match 18-10.

Lady Panthers defeated defending champions Lady Bulldogs 38-8 before overcoming Lady Bears 8-6 last week.

In the premier men’s competition, defending champions Tupapa Panthers thumped Titikaveka Bulldogs 40-16 to lead the competition and maintain pressure on the undefeated Avatiu Nikao Eels who face a crucial test against Arorangi Bears this afternoon at Aretere Park.

The Eels defeated the Panthers 8-38 in their opening match of the season before smashing Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles 64-0 last week at Nukupure Park.

The Bears won against the Bulldogs in their first match but went down to the Panthers 36-12 last week.

Fixtures

Today: Aretere Park – 9am Juniors, 12.30pm U14 Eels-Bears, 1.30pm U14 Panthers-Sea Eagles, 2.30pm U16 Panthers-Eels, 3.30pm U19 Eels-Bears, 5pm Premier Eels-Bears.