Sprints take a break for corporate day
Soccer strategises for future
30 crews in corporate sprints
League heads under fire
Sharks back to play Bulldogs
Tereora touch makes for nonstop action
Oe vaka race party time!
‘Party paddling’ proposed
7 locals named for national netball
Canadian team here for rugby
Basketball into second round
Panthers topple Eels in close game
150 kids in cricket
Semifinal showdown at primary school soccer
Sprints take a break for corporate day
Thu
25 Mar
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Junior paddlers from Ngakau Toa and Te Tupu O Te Manava unite in the name of oe vaka.
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With oe vaka clubs still recruiting new members, low numbers were seen at Muri last Saturday for round two of the oe vaka sprint series.
However, junior paddler numbers are growing with new faces turning out for the day’s sprints.
The day was hosted by Ngakau Toa Vaka club who took the opportunity to give their novice and junior paddlers a go in the senior races.
The sprint series will take a break this weekend as the Cook Islands Canoeing Association hosts it annual corporate oe vaka raceday in Muri.
The finals of the sprint series will be held on April 10 when many category races will go straight to the finals.
Results from the 10 sprint races on Saturday are still being collated.
Meanwhile the local oe vaka clubs welcome any new paddlers – even if you’ve never picked up a paddle, to come and join their oe vaka family.
Soccer strategises for future
Thu
25 Mar
Soccer is mustering up a long-term strategy for continued development of the sport in the country.
FIFA representative Glenn Turner, deputy general secretary for Oceania Football Confederation Greg Larsen and Win in Oceania project manager Vairani Davio are currently on Rarotonga holding a three-day workshop.
The workshop with Cook Islands Football Association staff and Rarotonga club members is to help develop a Long Term Development Plan (LTDP) for the CIFA for the next three years.
“We are here to help, answer and assist you to develop this plan,” said Vairani.
The three-day workshop covers a series of topics such as future development programmes, providing information about activities and the review of status for the development of this plan to help CIFA over the next three years.
During the first day an overview of FIFA and OFC with the Win in Oceania Program was presented to the workshop to give an outline of how CIFA together with the clubs can develop, implement and monitor the progress of the plan.
It is all hands on deck for the participants and facilitators to confirm the vision, review targets, find what football and functional needs are, to finalise a master plan, how the monitoring process is done and how the plan is to be implemented over the three years.
The workshop was to wrap up yesterday.
30 crews in corporate sprints
Thu
25 Mar
A record number oe vaka crews have registered for this weekend’s annual Corporate Oe Vaka sprints in Muri.
Thirty teams of 11 paddlers from businesses all over the island will battle it out on the Muri lagoon on for oe vaka supremacy.
The team to beat this year is the Raro Roofing crew who took out last year’s corporate races.
This year’s teams are the All Saints (sponsored by Raro Roofing), ANZ 1 and 2, BCI (past champs), WBC, Te Aponga 1 and 2 (who say they will take out first and second place), Telecom team 1 and 2, Budget, Raro Resort Management, CIIC, Justice, HSBC (past champs), Cook Islands Trust, Southpac, NZ High Commission, Island Hopper, Airport Jetz, Foreign Affairs and Immigration, CI Tourism, Is Car & Bike Hire-Puaikura (past champs), Timberland, Summerfield’s, Cook Islands News, Tiare Transport, Sava, Captain Tama’s and our teachers from Tereora College.
The Cook Islands Canoeing Association would like to say a big welcome to new teams this year and welcomes back regular corporate names.
Training is still available for those teams needing a little bit more practice on the water before this weekend’s big day out in Muri.
League heads under fire
Fri
26 Mar
A vote of no confidence against Cook Islands Rugby League Association president Charles Carlson and vice president Navy Epati was tabled at Monday’s executive meeting citing poor administration and management by the pair.
The letter of no confidence was presented at the meeting by the Arorangi Bears Rugby League Association who have had enough of what they call ‘inaction’ by the association.
As well as issuing the letter of no confidence, the Bears also presented a dossier of grievances their club has including unresolved and emerging issues from player eligibility to the running of the weekly league meetings.
The Bears requested a special general meeting be called to deal with the issue, however Cook Islands News understands that the Bears were informed that in order to call the special general meeting – they would require five members (including clubs and referee associations) to sign a requisition to the president to convene the meeting.
CIRL vice president Navy Epati is currently overseas.
Carlson, through a statement, says that they are taking matters raised by the Bears seriously.
“We do take this seriously and we will address it when it comes to the time,” says Carlson. “It also does make you stop, evaluate and assess where you are and if the complaint/accusations are valid then deal to it, if not then carry on.”
“Rugby league is doing very well but, hey, there is always room for improvement,” says Carlson. “Just have to look at our local and international competition, we must be doing something right!”
Carlson adds that while the president and the CIRL executives set the goals and direction for the association, it still requires the commitment and co-operation of all clubs to make things happen.
Sharks back to play Bulldogs
Fri
26 Mar
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Sharks star forward Mau George in action. / 01
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The Aitutaki Sharks are back on the rock and today they take on the Titikaveka Bulldogs in Titikaveka.
The Sharks have already proved their worth in the local league competition with some excellent close games.
But the side has strug-
gled to maintain early leads, letting wins slip through their fingers.
Last weekend the Sharks had the Panthers firmly in their jaws on home ground but with their backs turned the Panthers pounced to take the win 24-20.
Today they face the Bulldogs who suffered a heavy 20-2 defeat against the Sea Eagles last weekend.
The last time these two teams met was in Aitutaki during round one of games where the Sharks mauled the Doggies 20-18.
The Sharks will no doubt be looking for another win over the Bulldogs who have struggled all season.
If the Bulldogs win, it will give their supporters something to celebrate this weekend.
Today’s premier grade clash between the Doggies and Sharks will start at 4.45pm after the 4pm under 16 game between the Bulldogs and Warriors.
Tomorrow’s league games will be played at Ngatangiia as the Sea Eagles host the Arorangi Bears and at Tupapa with the Eels to take on the Panthers.
So if you want to catch some great league action today – head to Titikaveka.
- Matariki Wilson
Friday March 26 Bulldogs vs Sharks at Titikaveka – 4pm under 16 grade, Ref-Sean Willis and Tua, 4.45pm premier grade, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Tutai Tuakana and Bishop Bishop.
Saturday March 27 Bears vs Sea Eagles at Ngatangiia – 1pm under 16, Ref-Koa Kopu assisted by club officials, 2pm under 19, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Koa Kopu and Ratu Mato, 3pm reserve grade, Ref-Tutai Tuakana assisted by Tu Potoru and Ratu Mato, 4.30pm premier grade, Ref-Tua Manea assisted by Simiona Teiotu and Tutai Tuakana.
Saturday March 27 Eels vs Panthers at Tupapa – 1pm under 13 grade, Ref-Jeff Murray assisted by Andrew Iroa and Kimi Samuel, 1.45pm under 16 grade, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by Inangaro Tupuna and Albert Nicholas, 2.45pm under 19 grade, Ref-Teokotai Tuaivi assisted by Albert Nicholas and Ngavavia Tou, 3.45pm reserve grade, Ref-Nga Takaiti assisted by Bishop Bishop and Jeff Murray, 4.45pm premier grade, Ref-Sean Willis assisted by Smiley and Teokotai Tuaivi.
Tereora touch makes for nonstop action
Sat
27 Mar
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House four maidens (from left) Jannine Meyer, Kelly Archer, Mona Taio and Tarita Willis had more fun off the field!
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Face paint, big wigs and bright banners were all the rage at the BCI Stadium yesterday when Tereora College students spent the day out of the classroom and on the field playing touch rugby.
The inter-house touch rugby competition was a colourful affair with plenty of action on and off the field.
Each of the four houses fielded six mixed teams each and the BCI Stadium was turned into two touch fields to cater for the nonstop action.
Not even the humidity and heat could bring down the fun being had by the students including a lot of teasing as to which was the best house.
In the end, house three were crowned the kings and queens of the Tereora College touch rugby competition with house two settling for second place.
House one snuck into third place while house four, who probably had a lot more fun off the field, didn’t mind being 4th.
Oe vaka race party time!
Mon
29 Mar
Local oe vaka clubs should experience a surge in membership this week after one of the most exciting and fun Corporate Oe Vaka racedays on Saturday.
First time paddlers got a taste of the thrill of being on the water and no doubt they will want more.
A total of 36 teams – more than 400 paddlers – took part in the annual race with hardly room left to stand on Muri beach.
On the water, teams battled for oe vaka glory and on land, the party raged on.
In the end the pirates of Muri, or rather Captain Tama’s pirates, took out top honours and the booty.
In fact, the pirates had a rough ride to glory after being disqualified in their first race of the day for fielding four ‘registered’ paddlers instead of three.
But the team showed their tenacity as they threw back a few cold ones, straightened their eye patches and went on to clean up the competition.
The rental boys and girls from Budget Rentals managed to turn their vaka into a speed machine to take out second place in this year’s race.
Third place went to the pareu clad ladies and bare chest lads of the SAVA Ltd – apparently the smooth chests made for less wind resistance.
Once paddlers and teams had their fill of paddling – all the attention turned to the land where teams demonstrated their best dancing skills.
Prizes were also handed out for the best dressed which went to two ladies clad in pink from the Manuia Beach Blondes.
A wonderful day of fun was had by all with more paddling fun planned for the rest of the oe vaka season.
What rain? ANZ Bankers were out to play on Saturday despite momentary sun showers.
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Team SAVA Ltd collect their prize for third overall.
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Papatua Papatua and Lydia Nga of the Tourism Corporation do stretches before ripping into their island dances.
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The winning 2010 Corporate Oe Vaka team – Captain Tama’s pirates.
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The Manuia Beach Blondes were all smiles at Muri on Saturday.
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The New Zealand High Commission’s Aotea-Rowers crew go tropo.
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Best dressed paddlers – two of the Manuia Beach Blondes show their winning style at the dance party that developed after the prizegiving on Saturday.
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Team Budget zoom back to land to take out second place in this year’s races.
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The Manuia Beach Blondes bring home their vaka – although some wigs were lost during the race.
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‘Party paddling’ proposed
Tue
30 Mar
Saturday’s corporate oe vaka sprint races were so successful that there have been a few suggestions to hold the canoeing association fundraiser at least three times a year.
And because of the massive fun atmosphere that surrounds the races – one oe vaka fan suggested that the event be called ‘party paddling’.
While everyone was a winner on the sandy dance floor – the swashbuckling Captain Tama’s pirates were the overall winners of the sprints races which attracted 36 crews.
The results from the water action are very interesting indeed with times around the 1.30.20 mark in the first ‘warm up rounds’.
As the day progressed and the beverages flowed – faster times were recorded.
Following the Captain Tama’s pirates progress – the team registered a time of 1.26.64 in their first round race.
Unfortunately the pirates tried to pull a sneaky one with five registered paddlers causing the team to be disqualified giving team HSBC the win in that race with a time of 1.31.01.
In their second race during the knockout round (with the right number of registered paddlers), Tama’s crew lined up against all the teams that came first in their respective heats.
The pirates registered a blistering time of 1.23.16 to win the race with team Budget taking second place with a time of 1.26.54.
The pirates went on to win their semi finals race, registering almost the exact same time as their knockout race to move into the finals.
The pirates lined up with team Budget, Team Sava, the Foreign Affairs team and the Aotea Rowers from the NZ High Commission in the grand finals race of the day.
Captain Tama’s not only took out the races – they recorded the fastest time of the day winning the finals race in 1.20.75 with team Budget in second (1.22.94) and team Sava taking third place in a time of 1.23.72.
The day was certainly one enjoyed by all.
Full results: Round one – (race one) Aotea Rowers 1:26:29, Timberland Tigers 1:26:63, ANZ one 1:27:10, CI Tourism 1:28:17, Wave Power 1:28:54, (race two) Team Teachers 1:33:18, ANZ two 1:33:28, CI News 1:34:90, Southpac Slashers 1:35:13, (race three) Transporters 1:35:09, Summerfields 1:35:17, Hoppers 1:35:88, Telecom Sinkers 1:36:85, Foreign Affairs 1:37:22, (race four) Cook Is Trust 1:32:32, Island Car & Bike Hire 1:33:90, Manuia Blondes 1:34:59, Justlaw Oe Vaka 1:35:26, Telecom Floaters 1:37:10, (race five)Budget 1:28:33, Ocean Power Te Aponga 1:32:10, Team Sava 1:32:74, CIIC Cuban Raft Raiders 1:34:11, All Saints Raro Roofing 1:35:77, (race six) HSBC 1:31:01, Jetz Airport Authority 1:31:71, Rarotonga Roofing 1:33:22, Born Cool Like Ice 1:33:80, Capt Tama’s (DQ) 1:26:64, (race seven –round one knock out) Foreign Affairs 1:27:21, Southpac Slashers 1:31:82, Telecom Floaters 1:32:31, All Saints Raro Roofing 1:33:03, Wave Power 1:35:32, (race 8) Telecom Sinkers 1:31:35, C.Is Tourism 1:32:79, WBC 1:34:29, CI News 1:35:27, Justlaw Oe Vaka 1:36:02, (Race 9) CIIC Cuban Raft Raiders 1:31:70, Hoppers 1:32:20, Transporters 1:32:51, ANZ one 1:32:51, Born Cook Like Ice 1:33:70, (race 10 – round two knock out) Team Sava :29:50, Timberland Tigers 1:31:03, Manuia Blondes 1:32:00, Team Teachers 1:32:91, ANZ two 1:34:65, (race 11) Aotea Rowers 1:28:98, Summerfields 1:29:48, Jetz Airport Authority 1:29:98, Rarotonga Roofing 1:30:72, Island Car & Bike Hire 1:31:28, (race 12) Capt Tama’s 1:23:16, Budget 1:26:54, Cook Is Trust 1:28:75, HSBC 1:29:22, Ocean Power 1:32:25, (race 13 – semi finals), Capt Tama’s 1:23:19, Summerfields 1:26:53, Telecom Sinkers 1:27:09, Wave Power 1:28:69, Timberland Tigers 1:29:13, (race 14), Foreign Affairs 1:22:92, HSBC 1:24:62, Transporters 1:25:53, CIIC Cuban Raft Raiders 1:26:49, CI Tourism 1:27:12, (race 15), Budget 1:21:65, Team Sava 1:23:78, ANZ one 1:26:13, CI Trust 1:26:85, Team Teachers 1:27:74, (race 16 –finals), Captain Tama’s 1:20:75, Budget 1:22:94, Team Sava 1:23:72, Foreign Affairs 1:24:36, Aotea Rowers 1:24:94.
I love oe vaka! Tereora College teachers and ministry of education workers came out to play on Saturday.
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The Blonds – the Manuia Beach Blondes that is.
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The ace ANZ bank team certainly looked like they knew what they were doing on the water.
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Cook Islands News ‘Babes’ throw their paddles up ready to party.
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Island Car and Bike Hire’s Lotu Vea shows her excitement at being part of the corporate oe vaka races.
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Party time at the corporate oe vaka races on Saturday – but only after the races!
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Just Law ladies cheer on their team.
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Team SAVA’s Papa Jack gives team mate Moari Allsworth a few paddling tips before the team went on to take third place in the corporate races.
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7 locals named for national netball
Tue
30 Mar
Seven local netball players will head to New Zealand next month for the final trials to select the Cook Islands national netball squad.
Cook Islands Netball Association president Patsy Hockin has confirmed that CINA has selected Ngatokoa Gifford-Kara at the national head coach assisted by team manager Cathrine Kaumoana.
Gifford was the assistant coach in the early stage of development of the 2009 under 21 squad who went on to place 6th at the World Youth Netball Championships held here.
Gifford and Kaumoana were on the island last week to conduct trials for the national squad.
From a group of around 21 local players that trialed – seven have been selected to take part in the final trials to be held in New Zealand on April 17.
The local players chosen to take part in the finals trails are: Micheyla Matapo, Paulina Beddoes, Nana Mauela, Curly George, Luciana Matenga, Antonina Browne and Danielle Trego.
Once the national team is selected, they will prepare for the Pacific Series tournament to be held here on Rarotonga on June 3 to 5.
The Pacific Series will be between the Cook Islands, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
Hockin says that the aim is to win or place second in the series which will then qualify the local squad to take part in the World Fastnet Series in Manchester in November.
The national team, currently ranked 7th in the world, will also prepare for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games in August.
CINA wishes all players the very best of luck and encourages everyone to give it their all at the trials.
Canadian team here for rugby
Tue
30 Mar
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The Foothill Lions rugby union club from Canada are looking forward to their four rugby matches on the island. The squad will also volunteer their services to help with construction work at the YWAM church in Vaimaanga.
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The first rugby union match of the season will be played today between a local combined Avatiu and Tupapa under 16 team and the touring Foothill Lions club from Canada.
The visiting team is the first to tour the island and despite travelling for over 24 hours to reach Rarotonga – the young men and their management team are keen to hit the rugby field.
The visiting squad will play four matches while on the island with their first game kicking off today at 4.30pm at the Tupapa field.
Foothill Lions touring manager Sarah Hughes said that the players in the team, aged between 13 and 16, have all been playing rugby together for the past three years.
When the idea of a tour came up, Rarotonga was a shoe-in as a couple of the players’ parents had visited the island before and highly recommended the Cooks as the team’s tour destination.
“We thought, well why not!” says Hughes.
But it won’t be all about rugby for the young lads who will volunteer their time and skill to help construction work at the Youth With A Mission church in Vaimaanga – where they are also based.
The team is encouraging all rugby union fans to come along to the Tupapa field and support the match. The local Avatiu-Tupapa under 16 outfit are asked to assemble at the Osana Hall in Tupapa at 3.15pm.
The game will kick off at 4.30pm with a post match function organised for the end.
Basketball into second round
Tue
30 Mar
The Telecom Cook Islands basketball tournament heads into round two tonight after a cracker start to the season last week.
A total of 12 teams have registered for the main season competition – six men and six women’s team – to battle it out for basketball glory.
Games start at 5.20pm today with the last game to be played at 8.40pm.
Head to the Telecom Sports Arena tonight for some great basketball action and you never know – you might be needed to play or officiate.
For more information on basketball write to basketballcookislands@gmail.cm
- Matariki Wilson
Tonight’s draw – 5.20pm (women) Prima Donnas vs Liquorice Allsorts, 6.10pm (men) Rentraro.com vs Kia Orana Hair Salon, 7.50pm (women) Hot Shotz vs Disco @ TJs, 8.40pm (men) Ballerz vs D’hotdogz.
Teams on a bye tonight are Bliz and 88FM Lady Minkx.
Panthers topple Eels in close game
Wed
31 Mar
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Eels captain Bilsy Gukisuva didn’t let a strong Panthers pack stop him from crossing the line for his team – but it wasn’t enough to beat the Panthers.
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Sharks 28 vs Bulldogs 16 Panthers 20 vs Eels 18 Sea Eagles 24 vs Bears 24
Tupapa Panthers supporters were ecstatic after their premier league team defeated the Avatiu Eels 20-18 in their own territory on Saturday.
It was the first time the two teams faced each other this season after their first round game was cancelled by the tsunami.
The Panthers were out to win from the get go and with returning players Mana Hosking, Kairan Mahia and Sema Mataora taking the field the Panthers never looked like losing the match.
They commanded proceedings on the field, starving the Eels of possession and territory and when the Eels did have ball in hand they coughed it up to put the Panthers into prime attacking positions.
The black and white squad pounced early and posted three fantastic tries in quick succession via Tupou Faireka Jnr, Rua Ngametua and Kairan Mahia to lead 12-0.
Eels’ pivot Bobby Hansen then crossed the line to pull back the Panthers’ lead to 12-6 at the half time break.
The Panthers were quick to find the try line early in the second half with Sema Mataora slipping through the Eels defence to dot down and take the teams score to 18-6.
Then Eels captain Bilsy Gukisuva got his team back on the board with a bone crunching drive across the try line.
Gukisuva’s try did wonders to spark his team into action and after a hard fought set the side managed to cross the line with a team effort try to level 18-18.
The last 10 minutes of the game was a heart-stopping affair for both Panthers and Eels fans who willed their respective teams to go for a drop goal.
Avatiu squandered an opportunity to score a try and with ball in hand the Panthers drove them back across the pitch and forced the penalty.
The Panthers made sure to capitalise on the Eels’ error to take the win 20-18.
Earlier on in the week – the Sharks savaged the Bulldogs 28-16 while the Bears and Sea Eagles couldn’t break their 24-all score.
150 kids in cricket
Wed
31 Mar
More than 150 budding cricketers took part in last week’s ANZ Cricket in Schools junior cricket tournament hosted by Papaaroa College.
Games were played in conditions that would have tested the senior players but the mini cricketers took it all in their stride with big hits and fantastic catches seen.
The tournament, which was run over three days, was an opportunity for primary school aged children to showcase their skills learnt through the six-week cricket in schools programme.
On day one, the Nikao Maori 1 and Imanuela Akatemia 1 and 2 teams were the joint winners in the grade 2 and 3 grade competition.
In the grade 4 and 5 competition on day three of the tournament, Nikao Maori and Imanuela Akatemia teams were once again joint winners with hosts Papaaroa College taking out the third spot.
Some big hits saw Nikao Maori School take out the grade six competitions on the final day of the tournament with Papaaroa College settling for second place.
“It was great to see the enthusiasm from the kids, even in the heat they were playing as hard as they could,” said lead junior coach Kori Patia
The Cook Islands Cricket Association would like to thank Papaaroa College for hosting the tournament and to the school teachers and parents who were able to come along to support and help out.
Don’t forget to sign up your children to the schools holiday programme starting in three weeks time.
Semifinal showdown at primary school soccer
Wed
31 Mar
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Avarua school players go for goal against Nikao last week.
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The semifinals of the annual Rarotonga Primary School Soccer Tournament will be played today at CIFA’s Matavera complex.
A more structured play pattern has emerged from school teams that have been working hard for the last four weeks.
Organisers said the “kick and chase” the ball around the field style has changed to a more tactical game. Schools select their best players to represent them and have allowed players to showcase their individual ball skills while also working together as a team.
As a result a more attractive, competitive game has resulted. Today’s matches will determine the play offs for the finals next Wednesday.
Full results from last Wednesday’s matches: Girls: Nukutere 0, Avatea 3; Arorangi 2, Avarua 4; Nikao 1, Titikaveka/Papaaroa, 1. Boys: Nukutere 0, Avatea 2; Arorangi 1, Avarua 3; Nikao 2, Titikaveka/Papaaroa 2.
Today’s draw: Girls kick off at 2.30 pm: Field 1, Avarua vs. Nukutere; Field 2, Avatea vs. Arorangi. Match to advance to play Nikao for 5th & 6th Place - Field 3, Te Uki Ou/Imanuela vs. Titikaveka/Papaaroa. Nikao advance to playoff
Boys kick off at 3.05 pm: Field 1, Avarua vs. Nukutere; Field 2, Avatea vs. Arorangi. Match to advance to play Te Uki Ou/Imanuela for 5th & 6th Place: Field 3, Titikaveka/Papaaroa vs. Nikao. Te Uki Ou/Imanuela advance to play off.
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