…Tekiou Stars in Grand Final
BY RAWSPORT FREELANCE NEWSDESK
RISING openside flanker Gahan Tekiou last minute try sealed victory for a new look SPOL Avaiki 1 to retain their Premiership title 15-13 win over neighboring rivals Matangiki Blues on Thursday 26th at the Town ground rugby stadium.
The southern rugby powerhouse claim supremacy in both divisions of the Honiara Rugby Union Association (HRUA) 2021 season.
Tekiou, a Koloale CHS student had the miracle pant to dismantle a 2 man down Matangiki.
MATCH REPORT:
SPOL Avaiki mauled their way back trailing two tries down to stun bitter rivals Matangiki Blues 15-13 in a intense premiership battle at the Town ground rugby stadium.
Matangiki had the charge into the game from kickoff and despite missing three penalty attempts it was Lavernstar Puia with a trademark backline break to register initial points without a conversion.
With early intense midway Avaiki were penalized on occasions from high pressing play which prompt match official Ryan Wickham to use his card to sin bin full back Eddie Moeava for a dangerous in air tackle.
Capitalized on a man down advantage, Matangiki had dominance most in the first 40’ having the game much on their side.
Avaiki had to sink back in defense but with the mounting pressure fouls were committed. Puia and veteran Simon Tepuke stepped up to find the much needed points to extend lead could but the distance wasn’t in favour.
Matangiki managed the try points caution leading 5-0 at heading for the breather.
The men in black still with a man down again were forced to watch a Matangiki menacing attack.
Winger Jordie Tepuke then found the gap to claw his way neatly over the try line down the left wing – for an additional five points lead.
With Moeava’s return back from sin bin the defending champions knew they had to regroup eventually.
Eugene Tekobi and Moeava had 3 points attempt unsuccessful, thus a try is much needed. A quick hands through an backline attack saw inside center Timo Sanga go over for a try to return in the game 5-10.
The lead not long last for Tepuke this time to find the needed points through the posts, extending 13-5.
Avaiki still with substitute options fielded in the athletic forward Charlie Kisina, who his quick reaction found a clever chip over from his skipper Leslie Puia to close the points gap with two points separating.
Matangiki substitute half back Owen Teika was penalized for a shoulder charge causing the situation a on Avaiki’s side of things – being awarded a penalty deep inside the opposition territory but following a brawl referee Wickham had to overturn his decision after consulting with the touch judge sending off both players involved to sin bin.
Matangiki down with two man and Avaiki with one the crucial moment came when Avaiki capitalize on their players advantage to break down the left wing for Tekiou to stride from the 10 meter mark and over the line.
“We been working from our last year’s victory to try as possible to defend the title .The team has the mindset to prove our sponsors and finally the prove themselves on this tournament with respect,” the veteran Leslie Puia said in a post match interview.
“The boys trained every day in the morning and evening for the final showdown and the final day camp was so helpful for the players ensuring the team bonding and team spirit stays strong.
“It was in the second half that I re-assured my players no to listen to the crowd and stick to our game plan and it works out.
“As the match keep going the players keep fighting so hard and that’s what makes the us to finally get the game well executed besides Matagniki is a common opponent for our team Avaiki and we have several meetings from the past rugby competitions up until now we meet again resulting on our victory,” the double jubilant captain said.
