http://www.cookislandsnews.com/spor...ampaign/76157-png-imports-boost-eels-campaign
PNG imports boost Eels’ campaign
Tuesday March 03, 2020 Written by
Rashneel Kumar Published in
League
Avatiu
Eels’ Martin Yanda beats two Tupapa Panthers players to score the crucial try at Victoria Park on Saturday. The Panthers protested for an infringement leading into this try but referee ruled out their plea. 20030209
The inclusion of three import players has propelled Avatiu Eels to new heights in the national rugby league competition.
In the recent past, the team struggled to stamp their mark at the beginning of the weekly competition. But that has changed this year, and many believe the inclusion of new players has added the dynamism the former champions lacked in the competition.
Papua New Guineans Mafu Kalas, Towari Kenake and Martin Yanda joined the team ahead of the crucial clash against Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles a week ago.
The trio made an immediate impact with key player Kalas scoring two tries in the close 22-16 win.
On Saturday at Victoria Park, they rose to the challenge again delivering another grand performance in the 28-20 win against former champions Tupapa Panthers.
Kalas and Yanda also scored a try each in the win which has pushed the Eels to the top of the points table.
Kalas was in a class of his own, masterminding Eels attack and proving a crucial link between their forwards and backline players.
His quick and sneaky moves caught the Panthers defenders off guard several times in the match.
Eels coach Walter Tangata agreed the impact from their Papua New Guinea players had made a difference in the team’s performance.
But Tangata said ultimately it was a team effort that gave them wins in their last three matches.
“They are just finding their feet at the moment and surely they are doing well. It’s a good challenge for me as a coach to work with players of different nationalities in the team and I guess it’s a good challenge for them as well on how they manage themselves on the field,” Tangata said.
“This is only their first two weeks and they are already getting better. They are getting to know each other in the team and things will get better as we go along.”
The Eels started the match on a high after strong Toru Katuke scored the opening try 6-0.
The Panthers replied through Seruvi Ralulu and Tua Ravula to lead 10-6 at the break.
The home side extended their lead to 14-6 early into the second spell before a try each from Kalas, Lai Rogorogoivalu, Feleti Ione and Yanda sealed the 28-20 win for the visitors.
Walter Tangata said the soggy and swampy ground conditions restricted their play.
“The advice to the players was to keep it simple, don’t get too fancy especially given the condition of the field because anything fancy could have caused a lot of mess,” he said.
“We are happy with the result but discipline is still our major concern and once we get that sorted and under control, we can start making football more exciting for us and the fans.”
