Sporting events in the Cook Islands

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Aussie men impress at netball

Thu
15 Oct

Looking more like a lineout forward, the Cooks’ Brendon Heath was impressive in defence. 09101424

Australia proved why they are leading the way in men’s netball when they cleaned up the Cook Islands in all three of their encounters during the first day of the international men’s and mixed netball tournament yesterday.

The Australian under 23 side was just too fast and slick for the local side who went down to the Aussies 15-85.

Admittedly there were a number of first time netballers in the Cook Islands side including touch, rugby and soccer player Andrew Mokoroa.

Mokoroa attempted a number of ‘tricky dicky’ passes of which some stuck and most went astray.

Under 23 shooters Mona and Casasha weren’t getting much action in the shooting circle with the ball rarely appearing at their end of the court as the Aussies intercepted balls left, right and centre.

A better game by the Cooks was seen in their second match against Australia in the mixed men’s division.

National netballers Luciana Matenga, Curley George, Madison Nicholas and Takuvaine shooter Tokoa John took to the courts for the Cook Islands in what was a very tough match.

The Aussies once again showed their netball prowess but the local boys and girls dug deep to close the gap on the Australians who eventually won the match 61-43.

The Australian open men’s team then made it a hat trick when they outclassed the Cooks 53-27 in what was a very gritty match.

While Australia were the winners on the day, there were a number of Cook Islands players that played brilliantly throughout the day.

Tupa Tupa was dynamic in the shooting circle as goal defender for the Cooks in both the under 23 match and the open men’s.

Equally dynamic was international beach volleyball player Brendon Heath who brought his own style of play to the courts.

His elevation on court, and ability to leap above the goal and tap the ball out of the basket was impressive.

Though they saw little action, Cook Islands shooters Geneva, Tex Tangimetua, Maurua Mou and Mona held their composure under the immense Australian pressure.

The last game yesterday was between the New Zealand under 23 squad and the Cook Islands.

More games are scheduled today with the Cook Islands mixed team taking to the courts at 10am against New Zealand.

At noon New Zealand will meet Australia in the under 23 division and at 2pm New Zealand will take on the Australian open men’s side in what is sure to be a thriller of a match.

The final game of the day is scheduled for 4pm between the Cook Islands open men’s team and New Zealand.

Organisers of the event hope to schedule some evening matches so working members of the public can have a chance to catch some of the exciting action.

$5 gives you access to the Telecom Sports Arena to watch all four games.

Cooks names squad

Thu
15 Oct

The Cook Islands has announced its rugby league squad to take on Samoa in the SP Brewery Pacific Cup qualifying match in Cairns this weekend.

A crowd of up to 7000 is expected to bring Barlow Park alive as the two Pacific nations face off for a spot in the Rugby League International Federation newest international tournament alongside Fiji, Tonga and host nation Papua New Guinea.

Samoa coach Willie Poching has named a powerful squad featuring United Kingdom stars Kylie Leuluai, Francis Meli and Tony Puletua as well as youthful NRL talent in Masada Iosefa, Misi Taulapapa and Joseph Paulo.

Unfortunately for Cook Islands coach David Fairleigh, he will no longer have young Broncos utility Alex Glenn to lead his new-look squad, as he will be having a post-season operation.

The Cook Islands team for Saturday’s (Australian time) match is as follows.

Tinirau Arona (Penrith Panthers), Sam Brunton (Sydney Roosters), Geoff Daniela (Panthers/Tigers), Daniel Fepuleai (Shellharbour Dragons), John Ford (Newcastle Knights), Anthony Gelling (Newtown Jets), Keith Lulia (Newcastle Knights), Fred Makimare (Melbourne Storm), Joseph Matapuku (Bulldogs), Vinnie Ngaro (North Sydney Bears), Dominique Peyroux (Gold Coast Titans), Zane Tetevano (Newcastle Knights), Manikura Tikinau (West Tigers), Ben Vaeau (Brisbane Easts), Leon Panapa, Brad Takairangi, John Viiga.

Samoa – Patrick Ah Van (NZ Warriors), Jack Afamasaga (Cronulla Sharks), Harrison Hansen (Wigan), Masada Iosefa (Penrith Panthers), Kylie Leuluai (Leeds), Phillip Leuluai (Salford), Peter Matautia (Newcastle Knights), Francis Meli, Tony Puletua (both St Helens), Joseph Paulo (Penrith Panthers), Terence Seuseu (Cronulla Sharks), Kyle Stanley (St George Illawarra), Albert Talapeau (Brisbane Easts), Sam Tagatese (Gold Coast Titans), Mark Taufua (Newcastle Knights), Misi Taulapapa (Cronulla Sharks), Paul Chan-Tung, Tanielu Pasene, Tangi Ropati, Lepupa Taualagi (all Samoa).

Cooks look to make it three-nil

Fri
16 Oct

Daniel Mato of the Cook Islands looks to barge his way through the NSW Country defensive line. 09101509

The under 16 Cook Islands residents rugby team scored a comprehensive 29-11 victory in their second match against the visiting New South Wales Country team on Wednesday.

After withstanding a strong opening spell by the visitors the local team settled into their work with fullback Taime Tangatapoto getting the Cooks on the board with a close range penalty.

They were then rewarded with a smartly-taken try to halfback Dillon Murray after a nicely worked blindside scrum move in the opposition quarter.

NSW Country responded with two penalties kicked by impressive first-five eighth Daniel Greene.

The Cooks led at the halftime break by 10-6.

Further tries were scored in the second half with the Cooks forward dominance and scrambling defence seeing Turoa Kamana scoring two tries in the second half.

A penalty try was also awarded to the Cooks.

NSW Country had a final burst to the white line through their hard working winger Liam Faughlin.

NSW Country’s Daniel Greene and Tom Johnson were awarded the most valuable player awards for their team while Walter Tangata Jnr and Jamian Iroa received their award in the Cooks squad.

The Cooks have now won both of the matches played so far in the three match series.

The third and final match will be played today Friday at 4.30pm at Victoria Park in Tupapa.

So don’t miss this final encounter – pay your $2 entry fee, sit back and take in the action of age grade rugby.

Raro rugby sevens starts Saturday

Fri
16 Oct

Ten rugby teams have taken up the challenge of the Rarotonga club sevens championships starting this Saturday at Victoria Park in Tupapa.

The 10 teams have been split into two pools of 5 teams with all teams expected to play 3 pool games each this weekend.

2008 club sevens champions from Avatiu will be out to defend their crown as they, along with other local teams, prepare for the November international sevens in heaven 20th anniversary tournament.

Avatiu has been drawn in pool A along with Titikaveka A, Arorangi A, Tupapa B and Ngatangiia B.

Pool B includes last year’s club champions runner ups from Takuvaine, Ngatangiia A, Tupapa A, Titikaveka B and Arorangi B.

Other teams to watch our for this weekend are the Ngatangiia A and their Fijian contingent of players, the Takuvaine team and their Samoan players and the young Titikaveka team made up of Cook Islands Sports Academy under 19 players.

Next Saturday’s games will include the semi finals and finals.

A total of 14 games have been scheduled for the first round of the competition with the first game to start at 1pm between Titikaveka A and Ngatangiia B followed by Arorangi A versus Tupapa B, Ngatangiia A vs Arorangi B and at 2pm the Titikaveka B team will take on Tupapa A.

The full club sevens draw will be in Saturday’s issue of Cook Islands News.

Sun rises on Atiu league

Fri
16 Oct

The second round of the rugby league competition on Atiu is set to kick off this afternoon.

Last Friday October 9 saw games start after the launch the previous week.

Most of the island’s population came out to watch the games including our two MPs from Rarotonga.

The under 10 netball midgets took to the court to start the day’s sports.

The contest was entertaining with these small girls trying to shoot goals in the adult posts. The Sunset Girls finally won the contest 3-1.

The rest of the netball games also went Sunset’s way, wining the under 14s 8-2, under 19 grade 23-11, and the open grade 30-22.

The under 13 rugby league warriors from then took the field in assorted tops and shorts at 3.30pm.

At times it was difficult for spectators and the referee to differentiate the players from these two teams.

In the end it didn’t matter, the game ended in a draw with both teams scoring three tries apiece (12-all).

The under 16 grade was won by the Sunset Warriors 42-22, however the score did not reflect how the game was played.

In the open grade a fierce encounter was expected, and the spectators were not disappointed as both teams defended their territory without giving an inch.

Strong tackling by the Sunrise Warriors prevented Sunset from scoring early in the opening minutesafter dominating the play.

However, half way in the first half, Mata (Shuma) Tatakura of the Sunset Warriors bulldozed his way through the Sunrise defenders to score the first try 4-0.

However Sunrise replied immediately after kick off through Gero Toki -- 4-all. The game seesawed with the Sunset scoring just before half time (unconverted) 8-4 to Sunset.

In the second half with the wind behind them, the Sunset warriors lodged attack after attack on the Sunrise try line.

With consistence pressure they scored two unconverted tries taking their score to 16-4. Not to be undone the Sunrise came back with three easy tries of their own, taking the score to 16-all midway in the second half.

At this time the Sunset brought in their heavyweights in former Eels player Timaau Mokoroa and the hulking Tokerau Kae. The pair crunched the Sunrise attack everytime they got the ball.

In the end the pressure was too much and Sunset scored two late tries. The final score was 26-16 in Sunset warriors’ favour.

Doctor to FIFA weekend conference

Fri
16 Oct

Medical doctor Teariki Faireka and Cook Islands Football Association’s executive board member Jake Numanga left for Switzerland to attend the 2009 Medical Network Conference organised by the FIFA, football’s world governing body (Fdration Internationale de Football Association).

The two-day conference starts on Saturday in Zurich and the pair will join others from around the world.

The conference aims to bring decision-making executives together with the physicians who have the expertise to implement the world soccer body’s Football for Health initiative.

Dr Faireka and Numanga will attend a series of four workshops within the two day conference with the themes – pre-competition medical assessment, injury prevention programme, anti-doping and emergency football medicine.

First premier game at Matavera

Fri
16 Oct

The Matavera A men’s soccer team will host Nikao Sokattak today at 4.40pm – the first premier match in the shortened 2009 CIFA competition.

Meanwhile Arorangi will host Avatiu and Titikaveka host Takuvaine tomorrow.

The first soccer match at Arorangi will the under 13 boys division starting at 12.15pm.

At Titikaveka, play will get underway at 1pm also in the under 13 boys grade.

Below is the draw and referee appointments for Saturday’s games. - CIFA

Arorangi vs Avatiu at Arorangi: 12.15pm – under 13 boys, Ref-John Paul Wilson assisted by Tino Napa and Tutai Taurarii, 1.00pm – under 14 girls, Ref-Pare Tangata; assisted by John Pareanga and Tuteru Nikoro, 1.45pm – under 16 boys, Ref-Tutai Taurarii assisted by Paavo Mustonen and John Paul Wilson, 3.00pm – women, Ref-Rachael Aiturau assisted by Melanie Rakei and Mairi Heather, 4.30pm – premier men, Ref-John Pareanga assisted by Mike Mouauri and Terry Piri.

Titikaveka vs Takuvaine at Titikaveka: 1,00pm – under 13 boys, Ref-Ua Aberahama; assisted by Bill Tangapiri and Maara Kaukura, 1.45pm – under 16 boys, Ref-Robert Savage assisted by Lai Gukisuva and Rupert Hosking, 3.00pm – women, Ref-Maara Kaukura assisted by Junior Arioka and Ua Aberahama, 4.30pm – premier men, Ref-Teariki Goodwin assisted by Robert Savage and Lai Gukisuva.

Are you in?

Fri
16 Oct

Goldy was enjoying a cold stein at the sand bar below the Whatever deck when his mate mentioned about the Golden Oldies Rugby Festival which will be happening in Sydney around this time next year.

He then went to the Banana Court where the oldies hold their monthly meeting and heard that the Diplomats team will be playing against the ex-Wallabies which will be televised live.

What a great opportunity for the grandstand exposure of the Cook Islands.

Goldy registered for the trip without thinking first if the boss would let him go for the two week working holiday.

No problem, he’ll take him for dinner and drop the bombshell there.

The team departs on 24 September 2010 a day earlier because Maara from the British states needs to know how to find his way around Kings Cross.

Tom and Shirley have been tasked by Chairman Maki Cooks Bus to handle travel plans. Currently there are 17 on the team including four girls to do the laundry. If you have not decided yet, then you are not in. Hey, I’m in!!

Bergman crew wins vaka regatta

Fri
16 Oct

After a magnificent month of sailing successes it was, last weekend, the turn of some of the older boys and their crews to sail for glory in the National Tangaroa class vaka championships.

Muri lagoon put on a cracker of a day with fair winds in a good range for these exciting craft all designed and built by Thomas (Count) Koteka.

With the exception of one vaka which attempted to sail upside down in many of the races, the fleet was consistently inconsistent in that the lead changed throughout the day.

The crews had to fight hard to maintain their places and the short courses allowed no room for error so it was all down to the seventh and last race of the day.

The final race-off was between the two vaka ably manned by Tony Heays, Dave Read and Taua Elisa (last year’s winners), and the crew of Ben Bergman, Jan Sijp and Toka Narayan (previous three-time winner).

A good start and some friendly race course interference from the third place getter, commodore Barry Warner, saw Bergman and his crew cross the line first to win the 2009 Ian Forbes vaka trophy by one point.

At the prize giving function on the Sailing Club deck -- hosted by Thomas Koteka and the Pacific Resort with Sands Villas as major sponsor -- it was noted that the four recent Pacific Mini Games medal winners who participated in this vaka regatta, now have a newfound respect for those who sail these tricky racing machines.

The well-coordinated team of Amy Read, Peter Heays and Junior Charlie deservedly won the prestigious vaka off award.

A special thanks to all the volunteers who helped run the event and keep it under control.

Five games lined up at netball today

Fri
16 Oct

More thrilling games were seen at the Telecom Sports Arena yesterday as netballers took to the courts for the second day of the international men’s and mixed netball tournament.

First up on the courts was the Cook Islands mixed team against a very tough New Zealand side.

New Zealand got their game to a great start with a 5-1 lead in the first five minutes of the game.

The Cook Islands dug deep to pull back the lead to 7-all before New Zealand again pulled away into the lead.

In the end New Zealand won the gritty match 49-32.

The battle during the game was definitely in New Zealand circle with Kiwi shooter Matu Ngaropo showing speed, agility and shooting skills.

But local keeper Brendon Heath was a thorn in his side with his impressive defending style and he was supported by Punanga Kaveao who managed to intercept the ball at times for the Cooks.

In the Cook Islands shooting circle – Tex Tangimetua had to work hard to free himself to receive the ball and when he did get the ball he made sure the attempts counted.

He was ably assisted by shooter Curley George with the ball being fed into the circle by fellow national netballers Luci- ana Matenga and Madison Nicholas.

The second on court battle of the day was between the New Zealand under 23 side and Australia with the match ending in a 42-all draw.

New Zealand faced Australia again in the open mixed category, with the Aussies winning 51-43 before the Cook Islands took to the court again in the last game of the day against New Zealand in the open men’s section. The Kiwis won that match easily 66-16.

Five matches have been scheduled for today with the Cook Islands open men’s team taking on Australia in the first game of the day at 9am.

This match will be followed by the under 23 game between the Cooks and Australia at 11am with the mixed teams from the two country going head to head at 1pm.

At 3pm, the New Zealand open men’s team will take on Australia before the New Zealand under 23 team faces the Cook Islands at 5pm.

The entry fee to the TSA is only $5 for the day so why not take your lunch break to the netball or better still grab the gang for a spot of netball before hitting the town tonight.

Paddlers to take Avarua-Avana course today

Sat
17 Oct

With the Pacific Mini Games now behind them, local paddlers should be out in numbers for today’s 18km race and the focus now shifts to preparing for the Vaka Eiva festival next moth. 09092739

A full line up of paddlers from the three clubs on Rarotonga is expected to tackle today’s 18km race course from Avarua harbour to Avana.

While some paddlers have been relaxing and taking it easy after a successful Pacific Mini Games campaign – it’s now time to get back in the canoe with the annual Vaka Eiva festival just around the corner.

Paddlers will be looking forward to good racing conditions today after last week’s wind and messy and choppy seas giving paddlers a reawakening to open ocean long distance racing again.

Registration for today’s races will start at 12.30pm with a $5 fee for senior paddlers and $2 for under 19 paddlers.

The race will start at 1pm for both OC1 paddlers and V6 crews.

18km is the planned race distance for today with paddlers heading from Avarua to Avana and back.

Today’s races will also be run under the international rules.

Canoes will line up between the boiler and aligner boat.

The starter boat will be in front of the start line.

A white flag will sign paddlers to line up and hold with a red flag signaling paddlers to get ready.

With paddlers at the ready a green flag will then signal the start of the race.

If canoes start moving while the white or red flags are up – a black flag will go up to restart the line.

So be at the Avarua harbour to check out our paddlers in action.

Matariki Wilson

Cooks mixed team to play Kiwis

Sat
17 Oct

The Cook Islands men’s and mixed netballers will take to the courts for four games today with the first match scheduled for 12pm.

Today is the fourth day of the international men’s and mixed netball Oceania challenge cup with the event to wrap up next Thursday.

The first match today will be between the Australian and Cook Islands under 23 teams at 12pm.

The Cooks will take to the court again at 2pm to meet the New Zealand mixed team before the open men’s team from the Cooks and New Zealand square off at 4pm.

The last game of the day is in the under 23 division between the Cook Islands and New Zealand.

The entry fee into the Telecom Sports Arena is just $5 to watch all four games.

You can go away and have lunch and return to the arena on your $5 ticket.

Matariki Wilson

Sevens at Tupapa today

Sat
17 Oct

Victoria Park in Tupapa will be the place to be this afternoon to catch the rugby sevens action.

The first games of the Rarotonga club rugby sevens championships will get underway today with the first game of the day scheduled to kick off at 1pm.

10 teams have registered for the competition which will end next Saturday with the semi finals and grand finals.

2008 champions from Avatiu have been drawn in pool A along Titikaveka A, Arorangi A, Tupapa B and Ngatangiia B.

Pool B includes last years club champions runner ups from Takuvaine, Ngatangiia A, Tupapa A, Titikaveka B and Arorangi B. Be sure to be at Tupapa to catch all the rugby action.

Today’s draw is as follows: 1pm-Titikaveka A vs Ngatangiia B, 1.20pm-Arorangi A vs Tupapa B, 1.40pm-Ngatangiia A vs Arorangi B, 2pm-Titikaveka B vs Tupapa B, 2.20pm-Avatiu vs Ngatangiia B, 2.40pm-Titikaveka A vs Arorangi A, 3pm-Takuvaine vs Arorangi B, 3.20pm-Ngatangiia A vs Titikaveka B, 3.40pm Avatiu vs Tupapa B, 4pm-Takuvaine vs Tupapa A, 4.40pm-Ngatangiia B vs Arorangi A, 5pm-Tupapa A vs Arorangi B, 5.20pm-Tupapa B vs Titikaveka A, 5.40pm-Takuvaine vs Titikaveka B.

Matariki Wilson

Bula Boys impress at sevens

Mon
19 Oct

Bese Maafu of the Bula Boys fires out the ball as he’s being tackled by a Tupapa player. 09101841

A new 2009 club rugby sevens champion will be crowned this weekend after last year’s winners Avatiu pulled out of the competition.

And looking to take their place are the Titikaveka Bula Boys who won all their matches on Saturday.

But it wasn’t all one-way traffic, the Bula Boys getting out of jail with a try on the final hooter to snatch the game 15-12 over Takuvaine.

Sailosi Niagi of the Titikaveka Bula Boys side was one of the impressive players on the day.

In the pool A competition, the Titikaveka A squad made up of the Cook Islands Sports Academy students was a well oiled machine with their superior fitness really showing.

It was fantastic to see our young boys playing at senior level and showing all that fitness is a key component of the sevens game. Stand out player in the squad was young Tai Joseph Jnr who mowed down and carved up the defence.

The Ngatangiia team led by Teokotai Tuaivi Jnr aka Billy Bush had some tough matches along with Tupapa’s two teams and the boys from Arorangi.

This weekend will see the semis and grand finals of the club sevens championships when a new champion will be crowned.

Full results: Titikaveka A 22 vs Ngatangiia B 21, Arorangi A 15 vs Tupapa B 7, Titikaveka B 17 vs Tupapa A 14 , Titikaveka A 26 vs Arorangi A 5, Takuvaine 21 vs Tupapa A 5, Ngatangiia B 43 vs Arorangi A 0, Tupapa B 0 vs Titikaveka A 32, Takuvaine 12 vs Titikaveka B 12.

Matariki Wilson

NSW Country win final match

Mon
19 Oct

The New South Wales Country team left Rarotonga on Friday night after winning the final encounter against the Cook Islands under 16 residents’ rugby 24-12 that afternoon.

The win will certainly boost the Country team’s confidence as they prepare for their Northland tour of New Zealand.

A revitalised Country team definitely took the game to the Cooks, running all possession by playing a wider and more expansive game.

They strung together the phases to build pressure and eventually score some good team tries to turn the tables on the Cooks and lead 14-7 at the half time break.

The Cooks actually started well, scoring a converted try to left winger to Tearii Framhein in the thirda minute of play.

This seemed to sting the Country team into action and playing an expansive game, and they started to find holes out wide in the Cooks defence.

This resulted in a converted try to side-stepping centre Andrew Parkes on the cut-back followed by another try to impressive Country fullback Liam Faughlin as he doubled around his left winger to score in the corner.

The final Country try was scored by energetic loose forward Tom Johnson with a fantastic 60m solo effort using speed, strength and skill to outpace the defence to score in the corner.

On the positive side - although game three was a loss to the Cooks, the home side actually win the 2009 series 2-1.

The first and second games were won by the Cooks 10-3 and 29-11.

Claiming a historic 2-1 series win over NSWC has been a long and painful wait after the Cooks teams suffered massive defeats at the hands of Country under 15 sides in the 2004 and 2006 series.

Since the 2004 matches the Cooks have been in development mode and their efforts have come to fruition with this year’s historic 2-1 series win.

Congratulations to all the Cook Island residents coaching staff, players, parents, sponsors and all the supporters.

Local players that impressed during this campaign were hardworking loose forwards Mana Ngaau and Eric Newbigging, halfback Volunteer Tokorangi and boom centre Turoa Kamana, who finished the series with four tries to his credit.

Ruck & Maul

Cooks upset Samoa

Mon
19 Oct

Tinirau Arona (with flag) celebrates the rugby league win. PHOTO Chris Hyde, Cairns Post 09101640

The Cook Islands have sprung the international upset of the year by defeating Samoa 22-20 in Cairns, Australia at the weekend to book themselves a ticket to Port Moresby for the inaugural SP Brewery Pacific Cup.

The young Cook Islands side shocked their highly fancied opponents with two tries inside the first 10 minutes and survived repeat sets on their line in the dying seconds to secure a memorable victory.

The full time whistle was met with ecstatic celebrations with the Cook Islands performing a repeat rendition of their war cry in front of the vocal Barlow Park fans.

Cook Islands coach and former Australian test player David Fairleigh said the upset victory was “a great result for international rugby league”.

“It’s a massive, massive day for Cook Islands rugby league,” Fairleigh said.

“There’s a lot of spirit and emotion [in this team] and I had a great feeling at training.

“It was a tremendous atmosphere - Cairns have turned on a massive rugby league weekend for everyone here, it’s been enormous.

“No one gave us a hope in hell to get here and there was a lot of things said during the week [about our chances] that really got under the guys’ skin.

“We just did what we had to do, we had a really basic game plan and they executed that really well.”

The Cooks are scheduled to meet Fiji in Port Moresby this weekend.

Cook Islands 22 (Fred Makimare 2, Vincent Ngaro, Daniel Fepuleai tries; Brad Takarangi 3 goals) def Samoa 20 (Misi Taulapapa, Patrick Ah Van 2, Harrison Hansen tries; Peter Mata’utia 2 goals).

Pacific Cup Media

Avatiu deal to Arorangi

Mon
19 Oct

Avatiu, Takuvaine and the Nikao Sokattak premier men’s soccer teams all registered a win in their first match of the 2009 soccer season.

Out at Raemaru Park, Arorangi struggled to play a constructive game and went down 4-0 to Avatiu.

As expected for the first game of the season, players took some time to adjust back to soccer in what was an untidy match.

But young Maselo Rairoa of Avatiu had no such problems when he scored Avatiu’s first goal in the first half of the game.

The team’s second goal came via a penalty for it to take a 2-0 lead at the half time break.

It was all Avatiu again in the second half with a second penalty goal taking the team’s lead to 3-0.

Avatiu looked better in the second half stringing toge- ther passes for better phases of play which saw a team effort goal to seal their win over Arorangi 4-0.

At Titikaveka the Takuvaine squad managed to edge out Titikaveka 2-1.

The Nikao Sokattak club dealt a clean sweep over Matavera during their mid week games with the premier men’s team taking a 3-0 win over Matavera.

Full results:

Arorangi vs Avatiu (Arorangi scores first) – under 13 boys 1-3, under 14 girls 3-0, under 16 boys 0-3, women 1-0, premier men 0-4,

Titikaveka vs Takuvaine (Titikaveka scores first) under 13 boys 1-0, under 16 boys 6-0, women 2-1, premier men 1-2, Matavera vs Nikao Sokattak (Matavera scores first) under 13 boys 1-4, under 16 boys 0-8, women 0-3, premier men 0-3.

Matariki Wilson

SUB football goes on show

Mon
19 Oct

A team of 30 SUB football players arrived on our shores yesterday to showcase the new sport.

A three day SUB football competition will begin today at the Cook Islands Football Association complex in Matavera.

SUB football was formed by New Zealand Bill Davies with his first competition held in 2006.

Last summer Davies ran nine competitions in Auckland and two in Melbourne with 224 mixed and 114 men’s team taking part.

During the first two seasons, the teams played what is known as seven-a-side soccer – basically a scaled down version of association football.

However, in 1998, Davies created a soccer-based counterpart to rugby-based touch football now known as SUB football.

The fundamental principle of SUB football is that players are not permitted to use force when taking or attempting to take, or keep, the ball from an opponent.

SUB Football is played on a soccer field with smaller goals flanked by two boards.

A goal scored in the nets is worth three points and a goal scored by hitting the two boards, know as a tri-goal, is worth one point.

To check out this new football game head to the CIFA complex this afternoon where the three games will be played between 4.45pm and 5.25pm.

Monday SUB football draws: Homegrown vs Nikao Sokattak, WSL Wizards vs Tupapa 1, Wyse Guys v Tupapa 2.

Matariki Wilson

Athletes to benefit from kids equipment kits

Tue
20 Oct

Exciting things will be happening in kids athletics with the arrival of kits of equipment, thanks to passionate athletic coach Ake Hosea-Winterflood and the International Association of Athletics Association (IAAF).

Hosea-Winterflood is thrilled with the arrival of the gears with one kit going to the ministry of education, one to the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee, one being sent to Aitutaki and one for the ANZ Tamariki Sports programme.

Hosea-Winterflood says that the kit given to the ministry of education is for all schools on Rarotonga to use.

If schools would like to use the equipment for their physical education classes all they need to do is call the ministry.

While it’s all very exciting to receive the gears to develop the sporting skills of Rarotonga children – the high cost of the BCI stadium is very concerning for Hosea-Winterflood.

For the past few years, she has been running her own athletics programme which attracts up to 80 children each time at the stadium.

Through the programme the children learn basic sports skills which they can apply to any sport they choose to pursue as they grow older.

However she says that she and the children cannot afford $1000 a day for the use of the stadium or even $500 for half-a-day.

While the exorbitant fee will not stop her from running her programme, she is very disappointed that the future of Cook Islands sports -- the children -- won’t be able to learn how to run and jump on the new synthetic track.

“What’s the point?” she asks. “If we’ve got this running track up there and they won’t let the children use it. It’s just so sad that our children can’t use this track.”

Hosea-Winterflood says she only uses the stadium for an hour and a half on Saturday mornings yet she says they still have to pay a $500 charge.

But raising this with Cook Islands Investment Corporation has got her nowhere and she has better things to do than waste her time getting angry.

On Thursday she will run an athletics workshop for teachers at the Takitumu School grounds in Matavera.

The workshop, which starts at 4pm, will show teachers what equipment is in the new kids athletics kits.

She also wants to make sure that teachers know how to unpack and re-pack the gears.

Hosea-Winterflood is always looking for sponsors to help run the Tamariki Sports programme and anyone willing to help can contact her on 24759.

Matariki Wilson

Netball continues today

Tue
20 Oct

The business end of the international men’s and mixed netball tournament gets underway on Wednesday with preliminary semi finals.

Australia and New Zealand have dominated the competition since the start and look likely to face off in the under 23, mixed and open men’s divisions.

But the Cook Islands mixed team have a chance of getting in the finals provided they play their best seven on the court.

Yesterday’s match between the Cook Islands and Australian open men’s team was a real thriller even though the Aussies thrashed the Cooks 85-13.

Local supporters cheered on the Cook Islands side urging them to hit the double figures after being kept to a 5-40 scoreline at half time.

Giving local supporters something to really cheer about were beach volleyball player Brendon Heath and basketball player Pecan Ikimotu.

The tenacious defenders never stopped giving the Aussies grief under the goal but the Australian shooting combination of Daniel Cooke and Collin Parish was just too slick.

Ikimotu and Heath pulled off some stunning intercepts only to be handed back to the Aussies in centre court before it was potted into the Aussie goal.

Today the Cook Islands mixed team will play New Zealand at 10am.

This match will be followed by the open men’s team between New Zealand and the Cook Islands.

At 2pm an action packed match is expected between the New Zealand under 23 team and Australia.

It will be under trans-Tasman showdown at 4pm in the open men’s division and again at 6pm in the mixed division.

Tomorrow’s preliminary and semi finals are scheduled for 2pm, 4pm and 6pm.

Matariki Wilson

Ngakau Toa takes out Avarua-Avana race

Tue
20 Oct

The Te Tupu O Te Manava masters women’s team were pipped at the post by the Te Tupu senior mixed masters team in Saturday’s 18km race. 09101805

Saturday’s 18km race saw 11 canoe teams take to calm waters in warm conditions for the second race of the long distance season.

Once safety checks were completed racing got underway from outside Avarua wharf.

Some crews got away to a less than perfect start as they familiarised themselves with the use of international race start rules.

This meant that some were busy looking at the white flag on the aligner boat to the side of the course when the red and green flags went up on the starter boat in front of them. Despite the wobbly starts, crews managed to get themselves going with the pecking order sorted out by the time they got to Pue.

Line honours went to the Ngakau Toa’s star studded open men’s crew who finished in one hour 16 minutes with Te Tupu O Te Manava Canoe club master men’s crew taking second place in one hour 18 minutes.

Third place went to Te Tupu O Te Manava club’s open mixed crew in one hour 20 minutes. Mid pack action saw Te Tupu (U19) junior men take 6th place ahead of the Ngakau Toa’s open women’s crew.

Despite losing a place to the youngsters, the Ngakau Toa open women’s squad showed they have good depth within their squad with a number of their PMG athletes off the water for this race.

Back of the pack action saw Te Tupu masters women reduce the gap of the Te Tupu senior masters mixed crew to one canoe length by the turn at Avana.

They managed to edge in front of the senior citizens by the fishing club.

However without the turn marker buoy at Avarua harbour, it was the sneaky cutting of the corner by the veteran steerer Ti Pekepo that saw the oldies get their nose in front and take 9th place in one hour 42 minutes only four seconds ahead of the women.

Overall it was great racing in the build up to the Steinlager Vaka Eiva with race times at the front of the pack as good as previous year’s finishes.

Racing is scheduled to resume in early November with the Round Raro change race.

Full results: 1-NTV open men 1:16:10, 2-Te Tupu master men 1:18:33, 3-Te Tupu open mixed 1:20:47, 4-NTV open mixed 1:23:49, 5-Te Tupu open men 1:23:57, 6-Te Tupu junior men 1:30:08, 7-NTV open women 1:30:26, 8-NTV open women 1:38:19, 9-Te Tupu snr masters men 1:42:48, 10-Te Tupu masters women 1:42:52, 11-Live Free open women 1:46:45.

CICA

CITC signs up for 7s

Tue
20 Oct

The Titikaveka rugby club has taken up the sevens challenge and the 12th spot in next month’s International Sevens tournament to be held on November 6 and 7.

Titikaveka have filled the void left by the withdrawal of regular sevens team the Bombay Hawks from Counties Manukau in New Zealand.

Titikaveka joins Araura Enua, Avatiu-Nikao, College Rifles, Hastings (NZ), Ngatangiia-Matavera Flying Dragons, Southern Storm, Tabusoro (Fiji community), Tama Toa United (Samoan community), Tauae Bulls, Te Ara Wheke and Waimiha Rebels for the sevens in heaven 20th anniversary celebration tournament.

CITC has also signed on as the events presenting partner for rugby sevens up to 2011.

“We see rugby sevens growing in popularity and we’re keen to give the sevens in heaven our support,” says CITC general manager Gaye Whitta.

During the sevens in heaven tournament there will be three costume competitions – wackiest dressed group, best supports group and craziest hat competition.

Each category has $100 up for grabs on both days of the games (Friday 6 and Saturday 7) so you and your mates have two chances to win $100 in each of the three competitions.

Matariki Wilson

Rugby reps of the future

Wed
21 Oct

The Cook Islands resident under 16 squad’s historic 2-1 series win over the New South Wales Country team says a lot about the junior rugby development in the Cook Islands.

The Cook Islands squad won the first two games against the Country side.

The Cooks edged out the Country team 10-3 in their first match before outclassing the visitors 29-11 in their second encounter in what was wet and boggy conditions.

But some team bonding in the Country camp saw them come out determined to take the last match on Friday which they did 24-12.

The visitors were more polished and showed more cohesion in the final match with some classy rugby from their loose forward Tom Johnson really taking it to the Cooks.

While disappointed with the final match loss, the local boys can still hold their heads up high after a fantastic series.

The boys will continue their training with five UK teams confirming their Rarotonga tour in 2010.

Of the five teams, three will be bringing two squads which will only serve to give the local boys a lot more game time and experience before they become national representatives one day.

Congratulations to the local boys and their coaches for a fantastic series win.

Matariki Wilson

High scores run in again

Wed
21 Oct

Tupapa’s Davis Teinaki scored 104 runs for his team against Arorangi at the weekend. 09101824

Cricketers deliver better performances

Round three of the Rarotonga Club Cricket Championship was as exciting as last week with many fine performances especially with the bat.

Tupapa 1 played Arorangi at the Turangi oval. Batting first, Tupapa amassed 416 runs with most of the top order contributing.

Another century eluded top three ranked Cook Islands batsmen Patiami Ataera as he backed up his round two 76 not out with a controlled innings to reach 86.

The Teinaki trio stole the show as the brothers were all in the runs, Ura Teinaki scoring 54, Davis Teinaki (Tupapa and National captain) scoring 104 and talented national player Thomas Teinaki reinforced why he is in the ICC EAP Twenty20 team as he slapped a quick 94 before being caught superbly through the outstretched hand of Tongan Tom Vea.

Despite a brief fight back from Arorangi captain Apii Mamanu, Vea was the lone Arorangi batsmen to take it to the Tupapa side scoring 56 as he launched the ball back down the ground in style.

With massive sideline support on Saturday the Matavera club again showed why they are top four favourites as Kore Patia led the side with impressive batting prowess scoring an unbeaten 40 as Matavera reached 126.

Chasing a modest total the Turamatuitui Tupapa team started strongly through Rippa who scored 52 runs however his batting partners came and went in quick concession as the Tupapa side fell 50 runs short.

The standout player on the day was seasoned vet Stephen ‘Moko’ Kavana who took 6 wickets for two runs off three overs.

The athleticism and dedication in the field by the Matavera cricket team was the prime catalyst for their win which included six catches.

Last season’s champions Muri played a spirited Avatiu-Nikao team at home.

Batting first Muri got off to an indifferent start and when Avatiu-Nikao had the big wicket from in form Bobby Hunter the young side was on top.

However, it wasn’t long until Muri exerted the middle order pressure they are renowned for as Tereinga Maoate scored a patient half century and Allan Syme scored 69, bringing up his half century with three singles, one four and eight sixes.

Young Avatiu-Nikao talents Joe, Tom Wicks, Bobby Hansen and Ed bowled with maturity beyond their years to restrict the strong Muri batting side.

Bobby Hansen’s fine batting form continued into round three, taking a fine stumping by Muri captain Rea Rea to dismiss him for 30. Muri brothers Matt and John Beasley backed up the pressure exerted by opening pair Symes and Mike Hoff with M Beasley taking 3 wickets and brother John taking 4.

“It’s evolving into an interesting season, a lot of the players are putting their hand up and performing on the pitch,” commented cricket general manager Alister Stevic.

With high performance participant selections to be announced in mid November, Stevic said that there were going to be a number of new faces bought into the programme as a result of some great on field performances and dedication shown off the field. Be sure to check out the leader board and top batting and bowling statistics in Thursday’s paper.

Cook Islands Cricket

Telecom supports sevens

Wed
21 Oct

Telecom Cook Islands is returning as a sponsor of the 2009 Cook Islands International Rugby Sevens.

Telecom has been a long standing sponsor of rugby sevens in the Cook Islands and will join the family of sponsors at the 20th Anniversary this year.

A black and pink NOKIA6111 sponsored by Telecom will be up for grabs in a text competition on Friday and Saturday November 6-7. but you must be at the BCI National Stadium to be in to win these prizes!

Telecom will also enable wifi access at the event so organisers are able to provide the most up-to-date news and results on the competition including match scores and try-scorers. Telecom will be keeping you in touch with the Cook Islands International Sevens.

Sevens comp before Augustine Cup finals

Wed
21 Oct

The Auckland Cook Islands Augustine Challenge Cup rugby tournament takes a break this weekend, after the final round robin games last week.

Holders of the Twiggy Shield, Enuamanu, beat Aitutaki 19-12 to set up a grand final between the two teams on October 31.

Aitutaki had won six games up to that game in the competition.

Other games to be played on that weekend will be Rakahanga playing Penrhyn for 3rd and 4th, Mangaia taking on Rarotonga for the bowl (5th/6th) and Pukapuka and Manihiki vying for the wooden spoon.

The finals will be played at House Park in Mangere.

A sevens tournament will be held at Mt Richmond this Saturday – Labour weekend in New Zealand.

Results from last Saturday:

Enuamanu 19 (Tim Leaupepe 2 tries, Ina Glassie 1, conv to Louis Fletcher) Aitutaki 12 (tries Fabion Atera,Taio Rua conv to James Mata). Penrhyn 24 (tries Jason Ford, Peter Ngatupuna, Michael Marorua, Tourangi Williams, conv 2 to Tai Walters) Mangaia 23 (tries to George Bishop, Tei George, Nigel Okotai, conv 2 to Parati Matiu). Rarotonga 22 (Jono Rubena 1 try, conv 1 and 5 penalties to Sam Samuels) Pukapuka 13 (Temina Elikana try, conv 1 and 2 penalties to Taunga Whakatane). Rakahanga 70 (tries to Ben Tokahere 2, Rouru Rapoto 2, Viliamu Raea 2, James Tulikaka 2, Chairman Munokoatini, Arahu George, Noa Turaki, Kisa Matavao, conv 4 to Sammy Toroma,conv to Nooroa Tokahere) Manihiki 0.

CINZ Rugby

Sports News

Sporting news and events from Rarotonga, the Cook Islands and the Pacific.

Aussie men impress at netball

Cooks names squad

Cooks look to make it three-nil

Raro rugby sevens starts Saturday

Sun rises on Atiu league

Doctor to FIFA weekend conference

First premier game at Matavera

Are you in?

Bergman crew wins vaka regatta

Five games lined up at netball today

Paddlers to take Avarua-Avana course today

Cooks mixed team to play Kiwis

Sevens at Tupapa today

Bula Boys impress at sevens

NSW Country win final match

Cooks upset Samoa

Avatiu deal to Arorangi

SUB football goes on show

Athletes to benefit from kids equipment kits

Netball continues today

Ngakau Toa takes out Avarua-Avana race

CITC signs up for 7s

Rugby reps of the future

High scores run in again

Cricketers deliver better performances

Telecom supports sevens

Sevens comp before Augustine Cup finals