Eels escape Shark attack

Monday 30: Narrow 26-24 win by Eels, Bears beat Bulldogs 20-10

It was a thrilling premier rugby league game last Friday between the Avatiu/Nikao Eels and the Aitutaki Sharks as the Eels just managed to escape the Shark attack, winning 26-24.

In the end it came down to kicking conversions which let the Eels off the hook.

The Eels showed their dominance and class by scoring within five minutes and a successful conversion had them on the board 6-0. The Sharks hit back capitalising on an Eels mistake to cross the line for a try, Eels 6-4.

A quick penalty tap 10 metres out from Eels standoff Bobby Hansen caught the Sharks napping and he went on to score an individual try and with a successful conversion 12-4. Another fumble by the Eels in

their quarter saw the Sharks pick up the ball and stroll through the defence to score their second try 12-8.

The Eels began playing basic football and frontrower Bilsy Gukisuva was able to score under the post, converted by Hansen to pull out to a 10 point lead. The determined Sharks kept hammering the Eels defence and finally smashed

their way across the line for

the try right on the half time hooter 18-12.

The Eels struck early in the second half putting their winger across the line to edge them further in the lead 22-12. The Eels looked comfortable but the Sharks attacked the Eels again catching them napping in defence to score under the post and with a successful conversion 22-18.

An Eels player was binned for a high tackle but despite being a player short, the Eels held their ground and defended their four point lead. A fumble by the Sharks saw the Eels capitalise on the mistake and a brilliant attacking run by their backs putting their winger across for the try. However, the last pass was ruled forward letting the Sharks off the hook.

A brilliant attack by the Eels from their quarter by Hansen fell short of the try line. A quick play of the ball to second row Lui Nicholas to slice through the defence for the try 26-18. With minutes ticking away the Sharks using their big boys to gain ground got closer to the Eels and finally managed to get across the line for the try. A successful conversion narrowed

the score 26-24.

With the time up on the clock the Sharks kept hammering the Eels line but just couldn’t cross the line. With the hooter gone the Sharks again threw everything at the Eels but Eels defended well and it was a huge relief to the Eels camp when the referee blew the whistle for full time.

The Eels maintain their lead in the competition with 12 points while the Sharks are third equal with the Sea Eagles on six points.

Bears win

Across to Raemaru Park, the Arorangi Bears finally came out of hibernation to topple the Titikaveka Bulldogs 20-10. Both teams are now on four points at the bottom of the table but with a few more games to play, anything can happen.

At Muri there was another thrilling game with the defending champions Tupapa Panthers narrowly defeating the Ngatangiia/Matavera Sea Eagles 20-16.

The Panthers are second on the points table with 10 points.

In the next round the Sea Eagles will have to battle it out with the Sharks in game eight to see who moves up the ladder, while the Panthers will play the Bulldogs. The Bears will meet the Eels at the Swamp so another thrilling round of league is in store. The games this week have been postponed because of the Cook Islands Games and will continue after the Easter weekend. The league 7s tournament with two teams from each vaka will be played next week on Monday and Tuesday afternoon at the Swamp kick off at 4.30pm. - Play League or what!