Best of the rest to test mini games netball squad
Big turnout for Fletch
Atiu Warriors and Arai-Te-Tonga lead five-a-side soccer
Oldies to play at Nikao
Netballers running for funds
Avatiu Eels take on Arorangi Cowboys
Heavyweights clash today
Oe vaka amps up
Cowboys shut down Eels
Olympic Fun Run tomorrow
Five-a-side soccer decider today
Juniors display skills at weekend rugby
Auction night for sports academy tour
Cross country final this week
Host broadcaster a mystery
Rugby World Cup qualifier at weekend
Touch to serve up pancake breakfast

Best of the rest to test mini games netball squad

Thursday 18: A three test tournament has been scheduled for next month as part of the Cook Islands mini games netball squad’s preparations.
The tournament will also be used to finalise the netball squad to represent the country at the mini games in September.
A ‘best of the rest’ team and the Fairies men’s team will put the mini games through the paces in the tournament.
Best of the rest coach Tai Manavaroa says she will be putting together a tough team to take on the mini games squad to give them some hard matches.
She says that some of the players she has selected are former representatives and stand out players from local clubs.
The Fairies on the other hand are one of the biggest supporters of netball right to the point that a handful are umpires. Don’t be fooled by the Fairies name as these guys can play hard.
The tournament has been scheduled for July 9, 10 and 11.
A best of the rest selection is named below and all players are asked to attend the first training session this Saturday at the Avatiu netball courts at 10am
Those named but are unable to make the training please call team coach Manavaroa on 26500 (wk) or 53784.
You can also call assistant coach Lynette Hagai on 23026 or 22281 or call team manager Ina Kamana on 21256.
- Matariki Wilson
The best of the rest squad players asked to attend training this Saturday are Tokoa John (Takuvaine), Elena Mataora (Arorangi), Marjorie Toru (Avatiu), Lesley Katoa (Takuvaine), Lyn Shepherd (Ngatangiia), Mina Willie (Tupapa), Patricia Taea (Titikaveka), Mii Piri (Tupapa), Rochelle Topui (Arorangi), Tarome Urirau (Takuvaine), Edith Nicholas (Avatiu), Sebon Nicholas (Takuvaine), Una Nicholas (Takuvaine), Tikire Brown (Titikaveka).

Big turnout for Fletch

Thursday 18: After an average turnout for the previous Saturday’s Club Day golf at the Rarotonga Golf Club, which saw Alistair Webb win the day with 44 stableford points.
Another ten players on 39 points or more, players turned up in force for the Peter Fletcher Memorial tournament.
This tournament, sponsored by a group of Peter’s friends, and popularly known as “the Fletch”, saw 96 players take the field on this special day. This tournament is a form of Ambrose open to all members. There are teams of four players who all tee off and all members of the team have to have their drive used at least four times during the eighteen holes. Also handicaps come into play so there can be some complicated strategic planning coming into the final result.
The final scores, which are on nett, are traditionally pretty low and this year was no exception.
The winners were Mereana Hagai’s team which came in with a gross score of 67. This was reduced to a nett of 42.25 once their handicap was factored in. The team comprising Ned Howard, Rita Howard, Alistair Webb and Daniel Webb carded the best gross of 59. All 10 winning teams finished with a nett of 47.5 or less.
Several people have stopped me in the street and said how much they enjoyed the day. The sponsors have agreed that “the Fletch” should be an annual tournament. Some of those who knew Peter, and almost everyone did, expressed the thought ‘Fletch’ would have loved the tournament.
Sadly his partner Julia could not get here from New Zealand for the special day but sent her best wishes to all Peter’s friends. - NAGA

Atiu Warriors and Arai-Te-Tonga lead five-a-side soccer

Thursday 18: With only two rounds of games to go the Atiu Warriors are leading the men’s competition by two points ahead of the Takuvaine Boys.
In the women’s division Arai-Te-Tonga remain dominant on top with Wild Wild West in second place.
Monday’s games saw the Hartal Posers work hard to contain Arai-Te-Tonga to win the match with just one goal.
Wild Wild West girls potted two goals against the Hot Shots who could not get past the Wild Wild West defence to remain scoreless.
The men’s competition saw a 2-all draw between Virgin Ave and The Rock while the Quest Crew overcame the Takuvaine Boys 3-1.Black Puta managed to score just one goal to beat the Ukuuwi Boys 1-0 while the Atiu Warriors edged out the Viti Boys 4-2. - MW
Draw and referee appointments for today:
4.45pm – (women) Wild Wild West vs Hartal Posers on field one, ref - Maara Kaukura; Arai-Te-Tonga vs Hot Shots on field two, ref - Lai Gukisuva; 5.25pm – (men) Quest Crew vs The Rock on field one, ref - Tupou Patia and Robert Savage; Black Puta vs Virgin Ave on field two, ref - Lai Gukisuva; Atiu Warriors vs Takuvaine Boys on field three, ref - Maara Kaukura; Hartal Clowns vs Ukuuwi Boys on field four, ref - John Paul Wilson.

Oldies to play at Nikao

Thursday 18: With golden oldies players helping out with the Team Cook Islands fundraiser last Friday – games started a little late but with the same enthusiasm for the game.
So we started off with 14-a-side and the excitement started after Takitumu kicked off the ball.
It was taken by Dad (little Anau) who made his run in red shorts waving his left hand saying get out of my way then passed it on to his son who was built like a brick outhouse.
Dad’s son was by far the biggest player on the field.
Some tries were had by both teams and as the game progressed players from the Mongoose and Takuvaine Legends joined in as they arrived at the field.
March Hare Nick had a good game with many start runs up field and was stopped by Big Nui of 2papa.
Papa Pai and Tom joined in with some good runs but Tom thought he could get past the brick outhouse but came to a thudding stop. He didn’t try that again.
Taxman made some good breaks for Takitumu as did Sprey on the wing but there was always big Puna from 2papa to stop them.
The game ended in a draw after many tries and the referee, Tok, did a marvellous job with little whistle blowing and plenty of running. At the after-game function hosted by Takitumu there was plenty of fun and making of new friends.
Now that the mini festival is over we should see more people committing to the Sydney Festival in September 2010.
Our meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Banana Court at 5.30pm.
Tomorrow’s games will start at 4.30pm at the Nikao field and will be hosted by Takuvaine Legends.
The Legends will face Takitumu and 2papa will go head-to-head with the Mongoose.
All players from other clubs who do not have a team please come along as you will get a game and please bring a plate for the after-match function. - Indian

Netballers running for funds

Friday 19: National squad plans three-test series in mini games build up
The Cook Islands mini games netball squad will be holding a runathon on Saturday June 27 to cover costs of bringing to Rarotonga a number of New Zealand based players.
A three-match test series has been organised for early next month as part of the mini games netball teams preparations.
Plans are in the pipeline to bring New Zealand based players to Rarotonga to help with the team’s preparations and funds from the runathon will help cover those costs.
Mini games netball squad head coach Mii Maui says that the forthcoming test series will be used as an endurance training session for the local team.
“The tri-series is a test to measure three months into training the progress of the PMG team,” says Akaiti.
“Our NZ based players will provide an honest measure of where we are now, and what needs to be done moving forward into the last three months.”
Maui says that they are taking the up and coming tri-series as seriously as if it were the games themselves.
She says that they also intend to make themselves available to visiting under 21 teams for the World Youth Netball Championships in August for warm up games.
The mini games team will take on a ‘best of the rest’ team and a men’s netball team led by Tex Tangimetua.
In fact, the men’s team has been helping the mini games squad members during their weekly training sessions.
Maui says that the girls training over the last three months have mainly been focused on raising their fitness levels.
“The challenge now moving forward is to maintain fitness while getting the netball specifics and court linkage right,” says Maui.
No doubt the team’s runathon fundraiser on Saturday June 27 will also be used as a fitness training exercise.
Local businesses or individual netball supporters can help the team by sponsoring a player to run a number of kilometres for a set amount of money per kilometre.
So a business or person can sponsor a player $10 per kilometre they run.
To show your support, please call a member of the Cook Islands Netball Association to register your interest in supporting the mini games netball team’s fundraiser. - Matariki Wilson

Avatiu Eels take on Arorangi Cowboys

Friday 19: Today’s senior B rugby union matches will be held at Avatiu, Takuvaine and Tupapa.
This week the Avatiu-Nikao club will host the Arorangi Cowboys, Takuvaine hosts Ngatangiia-Matavera while Tupapa hosts Titikaveka.
Senior B matches today will start at 4.30pm – so grab your cheering gear and head out and support your team.
The remaining age grade matches will be held tomorrow with the main match of the day to be between the slick Avatiu A grade and the tenacious Arorangi Cowboys.
This match will be held at Avatiu starting at 3.50pm.
All under 9 and 11 boys and girls who would like to play rugby this season should head to the Avatiu field on Saturday where there will be junior rugby starting at 10.30am. - MW
Following is this week’s rugby draw and referee appointments—
Friday June 19 at Avatiu – Avatiu-Nikao vs Arorangi 4.30pm-Senior B, Ref-Pare Rongokea assisted by Dan Munro and Tutai Taurarii.
Friday June 19 at Takuvaine – Takuvaine vs Ngatangiia-Matavera 4.30pm-Senior B, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Tangi Toa and Vaivase Samania.
Friday June 19 at Tupapa – Tupapa vs Titikaveka 4.30pm-Senior B, Ref-Tuaitu Ngaputa assisted by Robert Matapo and Ben Koteka.
Saturday June 20 at Avatiu: Avatiu/Nikao vs Arorangi 12.00pm-Under 13, Ref-Tutai Taurarii assisted by club reps, 12.40pm-Under 15, Ref-Billy Tuaivi assisted by club reps, 1.30pm-Under 17, Ref-Pius Mitchell assisted by Billy Tuaivi and Andrew Iroa, 2.30pm-Under 19, Ref-Ben Koteka assisted by Fraser Nooroa and Pius Mitchell, 3.50pm-Senior A, Ref-Fraser Nooroa assisted by Ben Koteka and Pius Mitchell.
Saturday June 20 at Takuvaine: Takuvaine vs Ngatangiia-Matavera 12.40pm-Under 13, Ref-Tangi Toa assisted by club reps, 1.30pm-Under 15, Ref-Vaivase Samania assisted by club reps, 2.30pm-Under 19, Ref-Arthur Emile assisted by Simiona Teiotu and Tangi Toa, 3.50pm-Senior A, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Arthur Emile and Pius Mitchell.
Saturday June 20 at Tupapa: Tupapa vs Titikaveka 12.40pm-Under 13, Ref-Turori Matutu assisted club reps, 1.30pm-Under 15, Ref-Pare Rongokea assisted by club reps, 2.30pm-Under 19, Ref-Dan Munro assisted by Tua Ngaputa and Robert Matapo, 3.50pm-Senior A, Ref-Tuaitu Ngaputa assisted by Dan Munro and Robert Matapo.

Heavyweights clash today

Saturday 20: The match of the week in round two of the Air NZ Trophy rugby competition will see traditional local heavyweights Avatiu going up against arch-rivals the Arorangi Cowboys at the swamp.
Avatiu will be confident after last weekend’s round one demolition of 2008 champions Tupapa, 67-13.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, just managed to scrape home with a 15-14 victory against the Ngatangiia-Matavera Flying Dragons.
But folks – don’t be fooled by score lines. As any local rugby stalwart will tell you, any Avatiu versus Arorangi game is well worth watching.
The big question is whether the hardworking Avatiu forwards lead by strong-running number eight Lui Nicholas will be able to supply quality go-forward ball to their gun backline.
If this happens, the Cowboys will be in for a long hard night.
Or could the boot of veteran Cowboys first five-eight David Wichman be the deciding factor?
In the Avatiu pack, watch out for the fiery combination of 19-year-old Alex Roa, speedy Duane Gukisuva and Bruce Goldsworthy, and rugby stalwart Teokotai Tuaivi.
In the Cowboys camp, expect some blistering busts by Spoon Marsters, Sione Faametau and Brendon Smith.
With both clubs having a full complement of grades, the matches will commence at 11.30am with the under 9 and 11 year olds.
The main match of the day will kick of at 3.50pm.
In other games today, Takuvaine will also be confident after their 45-0 win over Titikaveka last week as they host Ngatangiia-Matavera at the happy valley.
The Flying Dragons will be rueing their one point loss to the Cowboys last week and will come out today with all guns blazing.
- Matariki Wilson
Arorangi Cowboys – David Heather, Katini Heather, Makirere Makirere, Geoffery Akanoa, Steven Naea, Brendan Smith, Emile Emile, Edwin Teraitua, Cosmar Bell, David Wichman(Capt), Joe Mamanu, Semi Sotiti, Spoon Marsters, Ken Mataroa, Sione Faametau.
Avatiu – Lui Nicholas, Teokotai Tuaivi, Bruce Goldsworthy, Duane Gukisuva, Alex Roa, Alex Olah, Teei Simpson, Tony Mouaori, Clive Nicholas, Shovan Nicholas, Vincent Raui, Papa Lee Ponini, Peter Taripo, Manu Manu, Tuaputa Tuaputa, Ben Maaka, Mathew Pierre, Aio Tou, Eddie Tomokino and Sunny Bill.
Today’s rugby draw:
Saturday June 20 at Avatiu: Avatiu/Nikao vs Arorangi 12.00pm-Under 13, Ref-Tutai Taurarii assisted by club reps, 12.40pm-Under 15, Ref-Billy Tuaivi assisted by club reps, 1.30pm-Under 17, Ref-Pius Mitchell assisted by Billy Tuaivi and Andrew Iroa, 2.30pm-Under 19, Ref-Ben Koteka assisted by Fraser Nooroa and Pius Mitchell, 3.50pm-Senior A, Ref-Fraser Nooroa assisted by Ben Koteka and Pius Mitchell.
Saturday June 20 at Takuvaine: Takuvaine vs Ngatangiia/Matavera 12.40pm-Under 13, Ref-Tangi Toa assisted by club reps, 1.30pm-Under 15, Ref-Vaivase Samania assisted by club reps, 2.30pm-Under 19, Ref-Arthur Emile assisted by Simiona Teiotu and Tangi Toa, 3.50pm-Senior A, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Arthur Emile and Pius Mitchell.
Saturday June 20 at Tupapa: Tupapa vs Titikaveka 12.40pm-Under 13, Ref-Turori Matutu assisted club reps, 1.30pm-Under 15, Ref-Pare Rongokea assisted by club reps, 2.30pm-Under 19, Ref-Dan Munro assisted by Tua Ngaputa and Robert Matapo, 3.50pm-Senior A, Ref-Tuaitu Ngaputa assisted by Dan Munro and Robert Matapo.

Oe vaka amps up

Saturday 20: The Cook Islands Canoeing Association mid distance open ocean race series will get underway next Saturday.
This event is proving to be popular with the novice and masters division paddlers.
Junior paddlers will also get the chance to churn up the Muri lagoon with fortnightly 2km and 4km races being organised for the junior paddlers.
Meanwhile the Pacific Mini Games training squad is clocking up between 100km and 120km a week during their training sessions to prepare for the games in September.
The squad’s training includes up to five water sessions a week totalling 12 hours plus weight and cardio work in the gym. - Matariki Wilson

Cowboys shut down Eels

Monday 22: Arorangi Cowboys 26, Avatiu-Nikao Eels 17
The Air NZ Trophy match of the week between Arorangi and Avatiu was a dominant all-round forward display by the Cowboys together with the boot of David Wichman laying the foundation for the Cowboys 26-17 win against Avatiu on Saturday.
Although Avatiu outscored the Arorangi Cowboys by 3 tries to 2, it was the cultured boot of Cowboys veteran first five-eight Wichman that proved to be the difference as he accounted for 16 of his team’s points.
Wichman kicked 4 penalties and 2 conversions which allowed the Cowboys to keep the points ticking over when within scoring range.
Avatiu’s lack of go forward and accuracy especially at lineout time stalled their efforts to supply quality ball for their talented backline.
All of Avatiu’s tries were well constructed backline efforts created by skilled playmakers Teokotai Tuaivi Jnr and Terry Piri.
Best for the Cowboys were David Wichman, strong running hooker Katini Heather, workaholic loose forward Brendan Smith and busy utility back Sione Faametau.
For Avatiu the standouts were the veteran duo of Tuaivi and Piri and also young loose forward Lee Ponini who tried hard all game but lacked support.
Arorangi’s first try was a forward pack effort with Steven Naea pushed over the line while the team’s second try came via the boot of Sione Faametau with the ball cleanly collected by Spoon Marsters who crashed over the try line.
Avatiu’s tries came via Terry Piri, Lui Nicholas and Papa Buckley.
In the other senior A grade matches played at the weekend, Takuvaine defeated the Ngatangiia-Matavera Flying Dragons 23-21.
In a see-saw match which saw the lead change several times, the hosts Takuvaine were able to scrape home with the win.
Best for Takuvaine were prop Katoa ‘Futu’ Banaba Jnr and local sevens legend Vaivase Samania.
Best for the Flying Dragons was the team’s speedy utility back Sailosi Niuga.
At Tupapa Park, the visitors Titikaveka were able to defeat Tupapa by 17-15.
Young Tupapa prop Tupou Faireka Jnr was outstanding in the game – the extra training at the Cook Islands Sports Academy paying obvious dividends.
For Titikaveka, their backline played well complimented by inspirational loose forward Lloyd Matapo who seems to be the glue that keeps this team together.
This week, the Coca Cola under 15 trophy competition kicks off with trophy holders taking on Takuvaine.
Round three of the Air NZ Trophy will see Titikaveka take on Avatiu, Arorangi host Takuvaine and Ngatangiia-Matavera facing Tupapa. - Ruck and Maul

Olympic Fun Run tomorrow

Monday 22: Celebrate the year of the volunteer and get ready for the 2009 Olympic Day Run tomorrow afternoon.
The event organised by the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee will start from the public relations office in Avarua opposite the Banana Court.
CISNOC invites all Team Cook Islands athletes, managers, schools, church groups, friends and families to take part in the ‘biggest fun run’ of the year.
Mauke, Mitiaro, Aitutaki, Mangaia and Atiu will also be holding the event on their outer islands.
You can run, walk, push a pram, bounce a ball or crawl your way through one of three tracks on the day.
A 1km, 3km and 5km course will be on offer for all with free water and sausage sizzles after the race.
You will also receive a certificate for taking part.
The day’s event will start at 5pm. - MW

Five-a-side soccer decider today

Monday 22: With only a few points separating the top five teams in the men’s division, today’s last round of games for the five-a-side soccer round cup competition will decide the winner and runners up.
Atiu Warriors lead the competition on 16 points with The Rock and Black Puta on 13 points while the Takuvaine Boys and Viti Boys are also tied on 11points.
Last week’s matches saw
wins to Arai-Te-Tonga and Wild Wild West in the women’s competition.
Arai-Te-Tonga beat the Hot Shots 2-1 while the Wild Wild West team thrashed the Hartal Posers 3-0.
In the men’s competition, The Rock crushed Quest Crew 2-0, Black Puta outsmarted Virgin Ave 2-1 and the Hartal Clown registered a massive win against the Ukuuwi Boys 7-1.
The Atiu Warriors just managed to edge out the Takuvaine Boys 1-0. - CIFA
Draw and referee appointments for today:
4.45pm – (women) Arai-Te-Tonga vs Wild Wild West on field one, Ref-Robert Savage, Hartal Posers vs Hot Shots on field two, Ref-Maara Kaukura, 5.25pm – (men) Viti Boys vs Takuvaine Boys on field one, Ref-Lai Gukisuva, The Rock vs Atiu Warriors on field two, Ref-Maara Kaukura, Hartal Clowns vs Virgin Ave on field three, Ref-John Paul Wilson, Black Puta vs Quest Crew on field four, Ref-Robert Savage.

Juniors display skills at weekend rugby

Tuesday 23: Age grade rugby union matches have been just as exciting as the senior A grade matches with some great show of skills by the young players at the weekend.
Last Saturday, the Avatiu under 19 team dotted down with a last minute try to beat Arorangi, 14-10.
In the under 17 grade – Avatiu again proved too tough for the Cowboys with the sprightly lads from the swamp running away with the win 22-5.
At the happy valley – Takuvaine were just too strong for Ngatangiia-Matavera winning the match 23-12.
The Tupapa under 17 team won its match by default over Titikaveka.
High scoring games were seen in the under 13 grade with the Cowboys squad wasting no time in disposing Avatiu 36-0 in their match – a credit to the club’s development programme.
The Ngatangiia-Matavera under 13 team stormed Takuvaine 35-21 while the youngsters from Tupapa steamrolled Titikaveka 30-10.
The first Coca-Cola under 15 trophy challenge match is scheduled for this Wednesday between trophy holders Tupapa and Takuvaine at Victoria Park.
Air NZ round two full results: Avatiu vs Arorangi (Avatiu scores first) Snr A 17-26, Snr B 19-32, U19 14-10, U17 22-5, U15 5-0, U13 0-36; Takuvaine vs Ngatangiia-Matavera (Takuvaine scores first) Snr A 23-21, Snr B 12-14, U17 23-12, U15 21-35; Tupapa vs Titikaveka (Tupapa), Snr A 15-17, Snr B 17-15, U17 Tupapa won by default, U15 30-10.

Auction night for sports academy tour

The Cook Islands Sports Academy (CISA) students from Rarotonga and Aitutaki are preparing for a trip of a lifetime to New Zealand in August.
Over the past few months the boys in the CISA programme have been conducting small fundraising events to raise the funds for their trip including doing odd jobs around the island.
The team’s major fundraiser – a charity auction dinner will be held on Thursday June 25 at the Edgewater Resort & Spa in Arorangi.
Tickets for the auction dinner fundraiser are being sold at $60 each and include an island style buffet and entertainment.
The CISA boys themselves will be perfoming a drum dance they have been learning plus former female dancer of the year Uirangi Bishop and Miss Cook Islands Engara Gosselin will also sing and dance on the night.
The fundraiser will also feature an auction with plenty of great prizes going under the hammer.
These include Aitutaki packages including flight and accommodation, pearl jewellery from Moana Gems, a brand new mountain bike from Vonnias Warehouse plus and original art piece by local artist Mahiriki Tangaroa.
For rugby fans – a signed All Blacks and Hurricanes jersey will also be auctioned off, while tattoo vouchers will also go under the hammer.
For all you shy people who would like to get your hands on some of these fantastic prizes – you can organise a silent bidding system with the organisers of the fundraiser.
The CISA programme is committed to giving young Cook Islanders the opportunity to realise their potential – not only in the sporting arena but also in the community.
The CISA rugby and league tour to New Zealand will give the youngsters in the programme.
Some who have never left the country before, will get the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be on a real rugby/league tour.
And with programme tutor and former Kiwi legend Kevin Iro leading the charge – it’s sure to feel like the real thing.
To buy a ticket to the fundraiser or to find out how you can support the CISA lads, call Tina Iro on 24324 but hurry because tickets are selling fast.
Show your support for this fantastic initiative and get down to the Edgewater Resort & Spa on Thursday – and don’t forget to bring your cheque book. - Matariki Wilson

Cross country final this week

Tuesday 23: The final race in the Athletics Cook Islands cross country series will be held on Thursday afternoon on the course at Papaaroa (inland from the school) starting at 5.15pm.
The distances for the final are 6km for women and 8km for men. The winners of this final race will be eligible to be entered in the first Oceania Championships that will be held in Christchurch on 1 August.
Last week’s race on a hilly course at Tereora saw some close racing, with Thomas Henderson winning narrowly from his father Kevin in the 6km men’s event. - ACI
Full results of last week’s races are as follows: (men’s 6km) Thomas Henderson 25:46, Kevin Henderson 25:48, Roland Neururer 26:12, Scott Howley 27:07, Rhys Woodger 28:46, Geoff Stoddart1 29:34, Jeff Cook 42:06l; (women’s 5km) Vanessa Palmer 22:36, Jennie George 24:26, Pare Tangata 31:53, Peta Ngari 34:09.

Host broadcaster a mystery

Wednesday 24: It’s still a mystery as to who will become the host broadcaster of the Pacific Mini Games this year.
Games minister Wilkie Rasmussen says a New Zealand broadcaster is working on a $95,000 proposal for the host broadcast in conjunction with CITV.
But CITV don’t know what the minister is talking about. CITV claims it hasn’t had any discussions with foreign broadcasters since the original host broadcast agreement with Australian Mike Williams fell over.
Even the Cook Islands National Sports & Olympic Committee (CISNOC) is in the dark on this new proposal.
CISNOC president Sir Geoffrey Henry says someone may have met with the minister in regards to the host broadcast, but not with any other member of the games organising committee.
“It’s obvious to me that whoever this is knows nothing about host broadcasting and the minimum standards required by regulation 13 of the Pacific Games charter,” he says.
Sir Geoffrey says CISNOC has a proposal for a host broadcaster which it will soon discuss further with Rasmussen.
“Funding is critical to that arrangement,” he says.
Games organisers did not want to spend $500,000 on
the original host broadcast agreement.
Rasmussen said this was far too much for the work that would be carried out over the two week period of the games.
Sir Geoffrey says government needs to be prepared to fund the host broadcast.
He says at this stage it looks likely that there will be a host broadcaster and an agreement in place soon. - Helen Greig
First Coca-Cola challenge today
The first Coca-Cola under 15 rugby challenge match will be held today at Victoria Park between trophy holders Tupapa and Takuvaine.
The match will kick off at 4.30pm with Tupapa looking to be the slight favourites in the clash.
In the first two weeks of the season the Tupapa under 15 squad have registered one win and one loss.
In the first round of the season – the Tupapa under 15 grade suffered a massive 41-7 loss to Avatiu but bounced back in round two at the weekend to defeat Titikaveka 30-10.
Takuvaine on the other hand have only played one match this season. The team faced Ngatangiia-Matavera last weekend but were defeated 35-21 by their country opponents.
No doubt the team would have walked away from the match with a lot of lessons learnt from the loss and could well pull over a victory today.
To find out – head to Victoria Park today for the first Coca-Cola cup challenge starting at 4.30pm. - MW
Tupapa U15 – John Vano, Stubby Kamana, Eric Newbigging, Trainee Amarama, Noel Matangi, Makea Tupa, Angene Angene, Robert Akaruru, Jaymon Iroa, Mitchell Manavaikai, Piri Maao, Mitchell Ford, Marona Ioane, Joe Turaki, Richard Vainerere. Takuvaine U15 – Noel Mari, Rhys Manu, Pae Poila, Nanua Roimata, Bishop Topetai, Albert Ngatuakana, Temuera Waller, Vaike Potoru, Kane Waller, Munukoa Pita, Ari Arioka, Vaerua Vaerua, Ieremia Tuteru, Tua Tuavera, Iosefo Samania.

Rugby World Cup qualifier at weekend

Wednesday 24: Local rugby players Bruce Goldsworthy and Turori Matutu are currently in Auckland as members of the national squad which will take on Niue at the weekend in the Oceania Cup East play off.
The pair are the only Rarotonga-based players in the team and they have joined other Cook Islands players from Australia and New Zealand, at their camp in Pukekohe.
The team will play against Niue on Saturday June 27 at 3pm (Friday 5pm, Cook Islands time) at Growers Stadium in Pukekohe.
The winner of this match will progress to the next stage to play the winner of the Oceania Cup West between Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
This match on Saturday July 4 will double as the Oceania Cup final and will be held at the venue of the team who wins Oceania West match. The winner of this game will go on to play Manu Samoa on a home-and-away basis, for possible qualification for the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
To send messages of support to the team – you can contact team manager Vincent Peters on 021-02463196. - MW

Touch to serve up pancake breakfast

Wednesday 24: Our athletes have a lot on their plates as they prepare for the Pacific Mini Games in September.
As well as training and work commitments – athletes also have to fundraise.
And filling our plates is just one way the Cook Islands touch football training squad will be fundraising to help them keep their top ranking in the Pacific.
On Saturday June 27, the touch squad will serve up pancake breakfasts at the Avarua CICC’s Sinai hall.
For just $7 – you will get a stack of pancakes with your choice of either ice cream, cream, maple syrup, chocolate sauce, fresh fruits plus a cup tea, coffee or juice.
The touch team doesn’t want any leftover ice cream or chocolate sauce because it is not on their diet plan. But bring the whole family and show your support for the women’s touch team.
Breakfast will be served between 6.30am and 10.30am so there is plenty of time for a bit of a sleep-in before heading to the Sinai hall for your pancake breakfast.
To make sure the family doesn’t miss out on their great breakfast fundraiser and to show your support for the women’s touch team call Tangata Samania on 20382 or Daphne Brown on 20514 to buy your tickets at just $7 each. - Matariki Wilson