Sporting events in the Cook Islands

Three more Chinese coaches to help our athletes
2006 World Cup TV coverage free to Pacific
Oldies at the Swamp tomorrow
Fiji lifters looking good
Super cricket comp on Saturday
Surprise $1m for netballers
Synthetic track layering starts
‘On target’
Last call for names
Fundraiser for 7 boys
Just Play football for kids is back
Tupapa’s revenge day
Young tennis stars excel in Samoa
Daniela signed to Wests Tigers
Tupapa’s revenge day
Young tennis stars excel in Samoa
Daniela signed to Wests Tigers
Team CIs - PEP TALK
Flying Dragons dig deep to beat Cowboys
Smith and Stanaway named for Auckland
Big week of rugby
Sailors aim for London Olympics
Super 10 cricket makes early start
Go for a Pacific award
Team Cook Islands stand out in new uniforms
UK school to take on local teams
Flying Dragons to put up third challenge
Debut for young Warrior

Three more Chinese coaches to help our athletes

Thursday 16: Three new Chinese coaches will arrive at the end of the month as the coaches who are currently on the island prepare to leave.
Li Shenyue, Qiao Weiming and Dong Xuezhi and translator Watson Hu have been working with Pacific Mini Games sports codes since they arrived in March. They will continue their training sessions with local athletes until their departure on July 22.
Local coaches have spoken highly of the contribution by the three Chinese coaches.
Athletics Cook Islands president John Teiti says that the coaches have certainly improved the techniques of local track and field athletes.
He says they the coaches have been of value to the code and they the athletes will continue to practise what they’ve learnt from the Chinese coaches.
The group has been assisted by Siniva Marsters and the sports development unit at the Cook Islands Sports & National Olympic Committee.
The current three coaches have been helping with athletics (Monday to Sunday), boxing (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday), sailing (Monday and Wednesday), lawn bowls (Tuesdays), touch football (Wednesdays), table tennis (Wednesday nights), squash (Tuesday and Thursday), golf (Tuesday and Thursday) and rugby sevens on Monday and Fridays.
The new coaches will arrive at the end of the month are as follows; Weixing Sun (tennis coach), Ping Ji (table tennis coach) and Suo Lian (boxing).
They will also continue the speed, strength and conditioning training programmes which were overseen by the current Chinese coaches. - MW

2006 World Cup TV coverage free to Pacific

Thursday 16: FIFA tournaments, including next year’s World Cup in South Africa, will now be viewed in the Oceania territories free of charge.
The SBS Australia, the official broadcaster of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, announced this week it had signed an Oceania sub-licence agreement with MAI TV, Fiji, to transmit live coverage of FIFA events.
MAI TV managing director, Richard Broadbridge explained the agreement ensures that millions of people across the Pacific region will be able to watch FIFA tournaments, including next year’s World Cup in South Africa, on free-to-air TV.
“For such a young broadcaster – only 13 months old, MAI TV is extremely happy to be awarded the task of sub-licensing the World Cup rights into Oceania.”
MAI TV’s coverage will enable viewers in American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu to see the World Cup.
“With the acquisition of FIFA content, football will be lifted to a new level in the Pacific region with more support for Oceania football as well as local associations,” Broadbridge said.
MAI TV will transmit SBS Australia’s broadcast and commentary for all live matches in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
MAI TV (Fiji) Limited is a free-to-air commercial broadcaster in Fiji.
It has rights for PNG, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands and other non-French speaking territories.
MAI TV (Fiji) Limited is fully Fijian-owned and will have 87 percent coverage of the Fiji group by February 2010. - Solomon Star

Oldies at the Swamp tomorrow

Thursday 16: Last week’s golden oldies rugby game at Muri was another success with over 40 players taking part.
MP Wilkie proved he is one who can mix it with the opposition as he joined Takitumu against the rest, showing good sportsmanship and leading from the front of our tight five. Even Mower had to take second place so he changed sides at half time only to make gold shorts day by talking to the hand as he was unable to stop him.
General George helped Takitumu out with some of his Mongoose lads with good running and passing. However he received a warning, and avoided the yellow card, from the ref when he went a bit high once.
Papa John showed that his skills for league are still good as he got a couple of tries. Dad and Dave from 2papa showed that they must train at home after dark with their moves which even fooled their own team, and the opposition as well.
With the two girls on opposite sides as wingers they ruled each other out with their speed and tackling, and even showed the men a thing or two. But on a whole it was a most enjoyable game with good sportsmanship all round.
Thanks to Tu and Paul -- the referees for your help and running game.
Takitumu did a marvellous job of entertaining the visitors after the game where every body enjoyed a good night with Stein and Heiny and a couple of Blondes on ice.
Thanks must go to the Ngatangiia whanau for the great meal you put on and anybody else who contributed.
This Friday July 17 the game will be hosted by 2papa but at the Avatiu Swamp grounds with the after-game entertainment at Tupapa. The game starts at 4.30pm. 2papa and Takuvaine please supply jerseys. See all you golden oldies from all round the rock there. - Indian

Fiji lifters looking good

Thursday 16: Fiji weightlifters are being tipped to take out gold medals at the Pacific Mini Games in Rarotonga.
Fiji weightlifters are ranked in the top 15 in the Commonwealth weightlifting federation.
Manueli Tulo is ranked 11th in the Commonwealth in the 56kg division.
Tulo has won the bronze medal at the ZKC weightlifting tournament in the 56kg category with a lift of 219kg.
His team-mate Joe Vueti is ranked 6th in the 77kg division.
Vueti was placed 8th in the 77kg category at the ZKC tournament in New Caledonia.
Both lifters are favourites to win gold for Fiji in Rarotonga. -FL

Super cricket comp on Saturday

Thursday 16: The Avatiu-Nikao cricket club will be hosting a super 10 cricket tournament this Saturday July 18 at the Turangi oval.
The tournament seconds as a fundraiser for the club and is tipped to be a fun family day out.
The format of the game will be announced on the day depending on the number of keen players that turn up.
The four-team format proposes four games of eight overs. There are eight players per team
To keep games fun, exciting and flowing smoothly – a batter can only score a maximum of 20 runs before being declared out with a maximum of one over per bowler.
A time limit of 45 minutes has been set per 8 over innings and if the game runs over the time – two runs will be deducted for every minute over time.
A small fee of $5 per player applies and will include a sausage sizzle to fuel players.
The tournament starts at 12pm and will run up to 6pm followed by a post match presentation, a mini bar stocked with cold beer and more sausage sizzles.
This is a great opportunity for golden oldies cricketers to have stretch and for club players to blow off the cobwebs before the cricket season starts in August.
To find out more about the tournament or to register a team, contact Shane Warren or Phil Haynes on 21750.
Turangi Oval is situated beside Te Uki Ou school and Hospitality, Tourism & Training Centre, heading away from town towards Muri. - MW

Surprise $1m for netballers

Thursday 16: Jamaica’s under-21 netballers received a surprise JAM$1 million donation (NZ$18,545) from the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), towards their expenses for the World Youth Netball Championships (WYNC), which will be in the Cook Islands from August 10 to 20.
Minister of sports Olivia Grange, along with SDF chairman David Mais, handed over the cheque to Marva Bernard, president of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) at a function last week to relaunch the Sunshine Girls website at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel. The amount brings the SDF contribution to the young Sunshine Girls to JAM$2 million.
Grange told The Gleaner after the handover that the government was delighted to assist the JNA.
“We have committed JAM$2 million in support of their programmes to go to the Cook Islands for the tournament and any other support that is possible on our part, we will give them to realise their goal,” said Grange. “Their outfits were manufactured locally and this signals the fact that sports is also helping manufacturers.” - RB

Synthetic track layering starts

Friday 17: When the $1.2 million synthetic running track at the Tereora National Stadium in Nikao is completed in about four weeks, the arena will no doubt be one of the classiest in the region.
Three synthetic track laying experts from Australian company William Loud will begin work on the track this Monday.
Mark Emmett, Tony Hardwick and Graeme Kettle checked out the work site yesterday and were very impressed with the initial concrete works completed by local contractors.
“They’ve (local contractors) have done a great job and it’s as good as you’ll get in Australia,” says Emmett.
The trio says that depending on the weather, it will take up to four weeks to complete the synthetic track at the stadium.
They say rain and high winds will be their main obstacle during the laying of the track.
Graeme Kettle explains that the first part of their work will be to prime the concrete track for optimum adhesion of the 12 millimetre rubber base.
“Then we will put two coats of a single compound polyurethane spray over the top of the base,” says Kettle.
The synthetic track will cover six running lanes right around the stadium field plus along the long jump, high jump areas.
They say their work will meet all international athletics standards as all the tracks and tennis courts they have constructed across Australia are.
The team is also charged with completing the synthetic surface of the new four-court tennis facility in Nikao. This will include spraying the surface with acrylic known as Plexipave that is durable in all weather conditions and offers a varying degree of speed and playability for tennis players.
However, the timeline for work to begin on the surface of the tennis courts will depend on speed of the concrete work currently underway at the Nikao tennis site. The general public is asked to keep away from the Tereora National Stadium over the next four weeks.- Matariki Wilson

‘On target’

Friday 17: The High Performance Commission has completed its first ‘one on one’ meetings with all national federations that will represent the Cook Islands in the Pacific Mini Games this September.
HPC met with the respective managers, coaches and in some cases presidents, vice presidents and secretary’s of each code.
HPC chairperson Paul Allsworth says key areas they covered during their meetings with codes included training programmes, long list of athletes and possible final squad, selection criteria and performances, competition uniforms, medical requirements, eligibility criteria, code of conduct, insurance and participating agreements.
“Overall, with a few minor exceptions, the preparations, issues, concerns and milestones discussed with each National Federations were clarified, on target and satisfactory,” says Allsworth.
“At this stage, we (HPC) can comfortably say that Team Cook Islands, 65 days out from the opening ceremony of the games, will be ready and roaring to go.”
Codes confirmed to take part in the games are, boxing, golf, sailing, table tennis, tennis, athletics, lawn bowls, netball, rugby sevens, league sevens, triathlon, touch rugby, oe vaka and weightlifting.
The other HPC members are George George (chef de mission), George Hosking (general team manager), George Paniani (senior vice president), Robert Graham (sports development manager) and a medical and anti doping representative.- MW

Last call for names

Friday 17: Today is the deadline for Team Cook Islands code managers and coaches to submit team lists to the Cook Islands National Sports and Olympic Committee for the Pacific Mini Games.
Managers must take lists to the CISNOC office where names will be entered into the system.
PMG technical advisor Robert Graham says it’s important that managers submit their squad list and an extended reserves list.
The deadline for regional team names to be entered into the Pacific Games database is July 23 – 60 days out from the opening of the Pacific Mini Games.
After July 23, no new athlete names can be added to the list.
“That’s why it’s important to have an extended reserve list because if athletes get injured before the games you can’t just bring somebody in who’s not on the list,” says Graham.
The athlete names on the list will also be the only people that receive accreditation.
After the July 23 deadline, Pacific Games Associations including the Cook Islands will receive the lists of athletes from other regional teams. Names will be subject to challenges. - Matariki Wilson

Fundraiser for 7 boys

Friday 17: The seven Cook Islands Sports Academy students from the Tupapa-Maraerenga village are the pride of their community.
To show their pride and support for their up and coming sports stars, the community will be running an all day fundraiser tomorrow at the Tupapa Nui Meeting house.
Funds raised from the day will go into the pockets of the young league and rugby stars who will be touring New Zealand with their fellow academy students next month.
Food will be on sale at the Tupapa meeting house starting from 7am.
Satisfy your Saturday cravings with barbequed fish and mitiore for breakfast, tasty umu kai for lunch and for dinner grab a gut busting plate of barbequed kai with the traditional mayonnaise, coleslaw and more.
In fact, Tupapa Park is the place to be this Saturday with the Tupapa-Maraerenga senior A union grade taking on Avatiu.
Curried chicken, sausage sizzles and nu will be on sale at the field throughout the day.
But wait – there’s more! Work off all that great food with a dance and a jam at the Tupapa centre.
An island night complete with a string band, island show, lucky draw prizes and the centre’s famous cheap drinks can only mean a great time.
Show your support for the island’s sporting future and head to Tupapa this Saturday.
The CISA team led by Kevin Iro will head off on their New Zealand development tour on August 28 to play three games. - MW

Just Play football for kids is back

Friday 17: It’s that time of the year again when the Cook Islands Football Association stages its ‘Just Play’ football for youngsters.
This is the second year running and starting this Saturday, the CIFA academy will open its doors from 9am to 11am to host the Just Play football programme.
CIFA development officer Jimmy Katoa is calling on parents to support their children in developing their football skills by bringing them to the programme which will run for four weeks.
“Parents, bring your children this Saturday. Drop them off on your way to the shops. It is great for the kids and they’ll love it,” said Katoa.
“Last year saw a great turnout both by parents, coaches and kids so I’m sure we will do better it this year. Parents, don’t forget to bring some water bottles for the children.”
Just Play is the brainchild of Oceania Football Confederation head of technical development, Jim Selby.
Its aim is to encourage children to play football, pursue good health, good eating habits, physical activity, and encourage technical development and enjoyment of the sport.
OFC has also worked closely with the governments in the region toward implementing its Just Play football programmes as part of the education curriculum in schools.
CIFA local junior coaches, former players, refs, and anybody who wants to be part of this programme can get involved this Saturday and help out with the kids. - CIFA Media

Tupapa’s revenge day

Saturday 18: Will Tupapa be able to topple Avatiu today after registering their first win of the season last weekend?
All will be revealed today at Victoria Park when the rival clubs go head to head in the Air New Zealand Trophy match of the week.
These two teams met in the first round of the competition where Avatiu thrashed Tupapa 67-13.
Tupapa didn’t recover from the loss until last week when they got their own back with a convincing 31-18 win against Takuvaine.
Avatiu on the other hand have been unpredictable.
After their great start to the season their performance see-sawed from one extreme to the other.
However, the team look to be back on track after a hard-fought 26-20 win last weekend against the Ngatangiia-Matavera Flying Dragons.
The word on the street is that the Tupapa pack has been boosted with the return of some of their gun league players while Avatiu have spent the week polishing up their game.
For Tupapa, young Tupou Faireka and Kairan Mahia from the Cook Islands Sports Academy should be on fire today as the whole community will be out to support them and fellow CISA team mates today.
The Avatiu forward pack, led by the big man Lui Nicholas, will want to repeat their performance from last week to provide quality ball to their back line led by smooth operator Terry Piri.
Piri will need to continue to give good guidance to the young Aitutakian Alex Roa who has talent and gas to burn.
Victoria Park will be buzzing today as the community comes out to support and raise funds their CISA squad’s New Zealand tour.
Not that that will stop the Avatiu supporters flocking to the park.
In other A grade games today, Ngatangiia-Matavera will host Arorangi while up at the Happy Valley, Takuvaine will play Titikaveka.
A reminder to all parents that junior under 9 and 11 games will be played today at Tupapa and Ngatangiia starting at 11.30am.
Tupapa: Tupou Faireka Jnr, Mana Natini, Roimata Tokorangi, Tu Potoru, Mata Arioka, Teariki Faireka, Edward Herman, Kairan Mahia, Tuainekore Herrmann, Kipa Maurangi, Turori Matutu, Lua Tua, Rua Ngametua, Andrew Iroa, Andrew Tonorio.
Avatiu: Lui Nicholas, Teokotai Tuaivi, Bruce Goldsworthy, Duane Gukisuva, Alex Roa, Alex Olah, Teei Simpson, Manu George, Tony Mouauri, Clive Nicholas, Shovan Nicholas, Vincent Raui, Papa Lee Ponini, Peter Taripo, Makea Tangaroa, Tuaputa Tuaputa, Ben Maaka, Mathew Pierre, Aio Tou, Eddie Tomokino. - Matariki Wilson
Saturday July 18 at Tupapa: Tupapa-Maraerenga vs Avatiu-Nikao – 12pm under 13, Ref-John Ngaata, 12.40pm under 15, Ref-Billy Tuaivi, 1.30pm under 17, Ref-Pius Mitchell assisted by Turori Matutu and Terry Piri, 2.30pm under 19, Ref-Ben Koteka assisted by Tutai Taurarii and Johnny Hosking, 3.50pm Senior A, Ref-Johnny Hosking assisted by Ben Koteka and Robert Graham.
Saturday July 18 at Ngatangiia: Ngatangiia- Matavera vs Arorangi – 12pm under 13, Ref-Tai Wichman, 12.40pm under 15, Ref-Tangi Toa assisted by Cosma Bell and Anthony Tangaroa, 1.30pm under 17, Ref-Dan Munro assisted by Cosma Bell and Faa Faametau, 2.30pm under 19, Ref-Arthur Emile assisted by Tangi Toa and Tai Wichman, 3.50pm Senior A, Ref-Fraser Nooroa assisted by Arthur Emile and Dan Munro.
Saturday July 18 at Takuvaine: Takuvaine vs Titikaveka – 2.50pm under 15, Ref-Poso Ngaroi, 3.50pm Senior A, Ref-Tuaitu Ngaputa assisted by Poso Ngaroi.

Young tennis stars excel in Samoa

Saturday 18: The Cook Islands junior tennis team was living up to its reputation as the top performing country at the ITF Pacific Open Qualifiers in American Samoa this week.
The team lead by national coach Malcolm Kajer includes Elias Tukaroa, currently on a ITF Tennis scholarship in Fiji, and Frederick Pickering, both in the under 18 category, plus Ngana Nicholas and Alex Beddoes who are both in the under 14 category.
The team had been training hard with the Pacific Mini Games squad before departing, and this week has been battling it out against top regional players from Tonga, Samoa, and American Samoa for invitations to the Pacific Junior Open.
The surprise package has been young Fredrick Pickering who in his first qualifier tournament, and still only 14, has qualified in the under 18 category.
The boys have all now finished in the top 4 of each category and
are getting ready to play in semi finals.
Each of the players has qualified by reaching the top 4 in their
respective age categories, to represent the Cook Islands and the East Pacific Region at the ITF Pacific Open Junior Championship in Fiji next month.
Cook Islands Tennis looks in great shape with these young boys aiming to follow in the foot steps of our experienced Kairangi Vano, Brittney Teei and Brett Baudinet, who are all currently playing on the world stage. - Tennis Cook Islands

Daniela signed to Wests Tigers

Saturday 18: New Zealand born Cook Islander Geoff Daniela (pictured) has signed a two-year contract to play for Wests Tigers in the Australian NRL from the start of the 2010 season.
Daniela, 22, has scored 13 tries in 25 games playing on the wing for Penrith Panthers.
Daniela made a late start to the 2009 season after a shoulder surgery in the off season.
“Geoff is a very quick player who is stuck behind Michael Jennings and is looking for an opportunity,” Tigers coach Tim Sheens says.
“He has played some first grade and fits our type of player.
“He is very good in attack and will fit into our game very well.”
The signing of Daniela follows the acquisition of former Brisbane and Bradford winger Tame Tupou last week.
Daniela will join New Zealander Benji Marshall in a team with a talented back line. - Fan Club

Tupapa’s revenge day

Young tennis stars excel in Samoa

Daniela signed to Wests Tigers

Team CIs - PEP TALK

Saturday 18: Team Cook Islands chef de mission General George George is on a mission
Time to shine, It’s my birthday today!
And the gift I’m looking forward to is opening that envelope and seeing your names.
I couldn’t ask for a better birth present than to see the names of the athletes in Team Cook Islands.
As of yesterday, Team Cook Islands codes have submitted the names of athletes who will represent the country and I can’t wait to go around and shake everyone’s hands and say congratulations.
Now that I have a list – I will be going to all the team training sessions and chatting with you guys and finding out how your training is going.
You all need to be congratulated for getting this far and it’s not far to go till the Pacific Mini Games.
This should be a proud time for you athletes – the chosen ones.
It’s 65 days until you, the athlete, can show us just how well your training has gone – 65 days till you put yourselves to the test.
Are you ready? I am!
I’m sure some of you will be feeling the pressure now, but you should use that pressure to empower and motivate you.
Motivation to do the best that you can for your self, team, family and nation.
By now you should all be disciplined – turning up to training on time, eating the right foods, getting enough rest and looking after your bodies to prevent injuries.
This is the time to tidy up your act.
Polish up those passes, communication on and off the field, and focus on your personal game plan.
In the coming weeks I hope to introduce some of you athletes and teams to the nation because you deserve all the support you can get.
I want to know how you feel, what your game strategies are, and just how you and your team will be striving to win the gold medal in your code.
This is your time to shine.

Flying Dragons dig deep to beat Cowboys

Monday 20: Ngatangiia 25, Arorangi 12
Takuvaine 14, Titikaveka 7
The Ngatangiia-Matavera Flying Dragons were able to defeat current leaders the Arorangi Cowboys by 25-12 on their home ground Muri at the weekend.
It was a more composed Flying Dragons team who showed ability to turn limited possession into points when in enemy territory, and this proved to be the winning factor.
Although the Cowboys dominated the set pieces – including six tight heads – and had easily 60 percent possession, their inability to turn this possession into points together with handling lapses and indecision shown by their backline is sure to be of major concern for their coaching staff.
For the Dragons, hooker cum winger Pene Trego was one of the heroes with a brace of tries. The second try was a nicely worked blindside scrum move which saw first five eighth Thomas Toa execute a ‘double-around no-look pass’ putting Trego in at the corner late in the second half.
This try together with a beautifully struck sideline conversion by Pakia Wichman gave the Flying Dragons an unassailable 25-7 lead late in the second-half.
A successful forward raid resulting in the Cowboys scoring a consolation un-converted try right on fulltime to replacement lock Tama Heather took the final score to 25-12 in favour of the Flying Dragons.
Best for the Dragons were their big inside back pairing of Thomas Toa and Ernest Piakura, who seemed to present a impregnable ‘rock wall’, and their ‘go to man’ captain and number eight George Speight, who led by example and drove his team forward by example.
Best for the Cowboys were multi-skilled halfback/loose forward Robert Heather, open side flanker Emile Mamanu and fullback Semi Sivivatu who toiled hard all day for the Cowboys.
At the happy valley, it was a closely fought match between hosts Takuvaine (14) and Titikaveka (7).
Takuvaine were able to get the upper hand over Titikaveka who dominated at scrum time but crumbled in defence allowing Takuvaine to score two tries to Titikaveka’s one.
Takuvaine’s first try came via a well constructed move by veteran Vaivase Samania and speedster brother Ailoa Samania who worked hard to get the ball out wide to flying Lui Moemai who had a clear passage to the try line.
Their second try was a forward pack effort from persistent pick and go drives with the last drive by Rodney Tiro crossing the white line.
This week will be a busy week of rugby as the Avatiu and Tupapa clubs play catch up before the next round of games which will see Arorangi take on Avatiu, Titikaveka host Tupapa and Ngatangiia-Matavera meet Takuvaine. - Ruck and Maul

Smith and Stanaway named for Auckland

Monday 20: Local lads Francis Smith and Teddy Stanaway have been named in the 26-man Auckland squad for the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup campaign.
Smith plays at hooker and Stanaway at centre. They are two of seven new players named in the provincial squad.
In his inaugural year at the helm of Auckland, head coach Mark Anscombe admits his side is short on experience but certainly has the potential to perform well this season.
“We’ve named several guys who have never played for Auckland before and it’s no secret that there’s not a lot of experience out wide but it’s a great opportunity for some guys to step up and I’m confident they will,” Anscombe said.
“We’re optimistic – we’ve got some good senior players to balance the new guys to our squad and our challenge is to gel it all together for a successful season.”
Kurtis Haiu is the most capped Auckland player on 49 caps ahead of Taniela Moa (47 caps) and Jay Williams (30 caps).
The captain will be named later in the week.
Auckland’s final pre-season game is against North Harbour on ThursdayJuly 23 at 3pm at Harvey Wright Fields, Northcote.
Auckland’s first competition game is against Hawke’s Bay at McLean Park, Napier on Saturday August 1.
The team also have a number of All Blacks players including Keven Mealamu, Jerome Kaino, John Afoa, Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko and Ali Williams (injured).
The Air New Zealand Cup is New Zealand’s annual professional domestic rugby union competition. It was founded in 2006 with 14 teams, after the NPC was split into two separate competitions. - ARU

Big week of rugby

Monday 20: Avatiu and Tupapa will play their ‘catch up’ games throughout this week on top of an already rugby packed week.
Remaining grade matches between these two clubs will be played out n coming days.
Apart from the catch up game, touring UK team from St Albans School will play two matches on Tuesday at Muri against a Takitumu under 18 team and the Cook Islands Sports Academy squad.
Also this week will be the third under 15 Coca-Cola
Trophy challenge between Tupapa (holders) v Ngatangiia-Matavera.
This week’s rugby shedule is as follows:
Monday July 20 at Tupapa: Under 13 Avatiu vs Tupapa (catch up game).
Tuesday July 21 at Ngatangiia: 3.30pm-St Albans School 2nd XV vs Under 18 Takitumu XV, 4.30pm-St Albans School XV vs CISA.
Wednesday July 22 : Coca Cola challenge at Tupapa: 4.30pm-Under 15 Tupapa (holders) vs Ngatangiia-Matavera.

Sailors aim for London Olympics

Monday 20: Sailing Cook Islands (SCI) have rigged their sails and set a course to have the Cook Islands represented at the 2012 Olympic Games in England.
SCI has a strategic plan in place to reach this goal, which will include training for local sailors to achieve top placings in national, regional and Oceania championships in their vessel class in the two years leading up to the games.
“Our selection of our team for the Pacific Mini Games in Aitutaki this year gives us the start we want in our campaign towards the London Olympics,” says SCI president John Tierney.
“We have selected the top two male and female Laser class sailors in the country for participation in Team Cook Islands.”
The selection trials for Team Cook Islands were held in Aitutaki two weeks ago and for the Laser class sailing team the sailors selected are Taua Elisa and Junior Charlie as the male Laser class sailors and Helema William and Teau Mackenzie as the female Laser radial women’s team.
William and Elisa, who are from the Manihiki Sailing Club, have now been selected to attend the Australian Institute of Sport sailing training centre in Perth, for a training and competition camp. There they will rub shoulders with the top Australian Laser sailors in preparation for both the Pacific Mini Games and Olympic campaign.
The pair will take part in the sailing and competition camp between July 22 and August 3.
“The World Laser Championships are being held in Perth in 2011 and it is our target to
be represented at this world event and to achieve success in our bid to qualify for team Cook Islands at the London Olympics,” says Tierney.
Williams and Elisa were on the water at the weekend before they join Australia’s top sailors this week.
The selection of sailors for the Hobie class vessels was held in Aitutaki at the weekend. The sailing team for the Pacific Mini Games will be announced tonight. - MW

Super 10 cricket makes early start

Monday 20: Around 20 keen cricketers turned out to Saturday’s super ten cricket tournament at Turangi to support the Avatiu-Nikao club fundraiser and dust off the cobwebs.
Two teams dubbed the presidents 11 and CEOs 11 team took to the oval for two games of 10 overs.
The standout player of the day’s fun tournament would have to be 14-year-old Tomas Wicks of the CEO team who showed great form with the bat.
He even managed to stay cool, calm and collected when his father Chris Wicks of the president’s team took up bowling duties.
Also showing great form were the Pukapuka players from the Tupapa club who always manage to turn cricket into a laugh-fest.
Also having plenty of fun fielding was ANZ bank manager Phil Haynes who helped organise the day’s event with his fellow Avatiu-Nikao club members Shane Warren and Shane Thompson.
Haynes made the most of the day’s cricket as he and his family prepare to finish up their stint on the island in a few weeks.
Cricket umpire and Muri cricket veteran Oli Syme wasn’t having much luck on Saturday after being bowled out after only stepping out on to the oval for a minute or two.
Oli will no doubt get in a bit more practice before the main cricket season starts in the first week of September with the Lionel Browne Memorial Trophy.
Funds raised from the event will go towards the development of junior players within the Avatiu-Nikao cricket club.
The Avatiu-Nikao club would like to thank the players who turned out to support the event and look forward to getting together again when the season starts in September. – MW

Go for a Pacific award

Monday 20: Does your sports club or team deserve to be recognised as one of the best in the region?
If so – nominate them for the Pacific Sports Awards which will be held here on Rarotonga during the September Pacific Mini Games.
The Pacific Sports Awards will held during the Pacific Games Council annual general assembly on September 27.
The awards are for all Pacific Games Associations across the region and include eight awards categories.
The Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee is inviting all national federations, island associations and the community to take part in these awards by nominating individuals or teams for the awards.
The categories for the awards are for outstanding sports administrator of the year, coach of the year, technical official of the year, lifetime achievement award, junior athlete of the year (18 or under at time of nomination closure), female athlete of the year, male athlete of the year and team of the year which can include pairs, triples, relays, team medal winners.
Nomination forms can be collected from the CISNOC office in Taputapuatea.
Be quick as the nominations close today -Matariki Wilson

Team Cook Islands stand out in new uniforms

Tuesday 21: The launch of Team Cook Islands uniforms was a huge success that left those who attended with no doubt that the team will be one of the best dressed teams at a Pacific games event.
Chef de mission George George was very pleased with the outcome of the launch at the Rarotonga Golf Club last Friday that doubled up as a fundraiser for the team.
“During the modelling of the uniforms I think everyone was just mesmerised,” says George.
“I can’t say enough to thank Chris and Nana McKinley of Turtles for our fantastic uniforms.”
Cook Islands athletes will certainly stand out in their fluorescent green polo shirts, singlets and t-shirts which have been provided for training while the official uniforms are green pareu dresses for the women and shirts for the men.
The two sets of national netball uniforms – one in green and another set in white were also modelled on the night.
As well as athlete and official uniforms – supporters’ gears were also displayed so you can wear your support for the team on your back.
Supporters’ gears including clothing and branded products such as bottles, key rings and beer coolers are all on sale at the official Pacific Mini Games merchandise outlet at the Beachcomber building in Taputapuatea.
“Nothing against past chef de missions, but in the past it was a bit embarrassing for us local athletes to try and swap our uniforms with other countries,” says George.
“But now I think our athletes will be very proud in their gears.”
The ‘Share the moments’ theme song for the Pacific Mini Games was also launched on the night with composer Thomas Ngauru and his team of singers wowing those gathered with a rendition of the song.
George was very pleased to see past athletes and chef de missions at the launch of Friday plus the turn out of Team Cook Islands athletes.
On behalf of Team Cook Islands, George would like to again express the team’s gratitude to Turtles Sportswear for the wonderful Team Cook Islands uniforms, supporters’ gears and overall generosity and support they’ve given to the team.
Matariki Wilson

UK school to take on local teams

Tuesday 21: The visiting St Albans School from the United Kingdom will play two games this afternoon on its three-day stopover on Rarotonga.
The first match of the afternoon will be between the visitors’ 2nd XV and a Takitumu under 18 selection.
This match will kick off at 3.30pm followed by the second match at 4.30pm between the St Albans 1st XV and the Cook Islands Sports Academy. The games will be played at Ngatangiia field.
The Takitumu under 18 selection includes Vivian Rea, Ting Tangata, Koro Tangaroa, Ioane Tuaputa, Tairi Tetevano, Mata Tukurangi, Tupou Ramea (captain), Hugo Jerks, Alan Toa, Adam Tatuava, JJ Rea, Rupert Hosking, Jamaine Pureau, James Pureau, John Marsters, Clark Ngaau, Mana Tokoa, Mata Aratangi.
The team is coached by Rea Rea and managed by Ata Herman.
The CISA team coached by Kevin Iro and Damien Beddoes includes Tupou Faireka Jnr, Fernanadez Patia, Gary Tangiiti, William Marsters, Nathan Pere, Uriarau Parakoti, Tereinga Rima, Kairan Mahia (captain), Tai Joseph Jnr, Temata Rangi, Junior Kirikava, Teariki Tou, Joshua Maui, John Rea, Aaron Vaiimene, Bill Tangapiri and Eric Newbigging.
Be sure to be at the Ngatangiia field for an afternoon of great age grade rugby. - Matariki Wilson

Flying Dragons to put up third challenge

Wednesday 22: Ngatangiia-Matavera provide the third challenge in the U15 Coca Cola rugby trophy series against holders Tupapa this afternoon.
During its last defence two weeks ago, Tupapa were given a fright by Titikaveka, winning 20-13 at the end.
Today, the Flying Dragons will probably provide the toughest challenge to date, with Daniel Monga and Daniel Mato needing to fire if the challengers are to make an impression.
For Tupapa, captain Stubbie Kamana and Eric Newbigging have led the charge over the past two challenges, and the holders will be looking to them for inspiration on the park.
Today’s match will be played at Victoria Park, Tupapa, at 4.30pm.
Today’s teams are as follows.
Tupapa: Makea Tupa, John Vano, Junior Ngere, Josh Mataroa, Piri Maao, Teatua Averoa, Eric Newbigging, Robert Akaruru, Stubbie Kamana (captain), Jaymon Iroa, Mii Puarii, Tokoa George, Richard Vainerere, Trainee Amarama, Tamarua Brown, Toru, Joe Turaki, Angene Angene, Mitchell Manavakai.
Ngatangiia-Matavera: Christian Hosking, Ngamata Miriau, Daniel Monga, Paul Peyroux, Vaipeka Tonitara, Rangi Mato, Teauriki Maka, Apenera Short, David Piakura, John Maruariki, Teikamata, Apii Samuel, Teava Hunter, Akiona Tairi, Teariki Matenga, Paul Kirikava, Stephen Rani, Daniel Mato, Tangata Tautu, Wiremu Rapina; coaches Nga Enua, Ata Herman, Teariki Peyroux.
Meanwhile the catch-up games between Tupapa and Avatiu will begin tomorrow, Thursday, with the under 17s. The under 19s will play next Monday, July 27, the under 15s the following day, and the senior A on Wednesday, July 29. - Moana Moeka’a

Debut for young Warrior

Wednesday 22: New Zealand born Cook Islander Isaac John made his debut for the New Zealand Warriors last week wearing the number 6 jersey and playing beside half back Stacey Jones.
John plays for the junior Warriors in the U20 Toyota Cup competition and finally got his break to play his first NRL game against the Sydney Roosters.
The Roosters certainly rocked the Warriors and looked like running away with the game but the young debutant Isaac John threw a superb cut-out ball to his right for replacement winger Patrick Ah Van to put their first point on the table.
It was a good come back by the Warriors to eventually edged out the Roosters 30-14.
John played for the Cook Islands U18 as the curtain raiser to the 3 test series against the New Zealand Maoris in 2005.
John played a key role in winning the series 2-1 in the U18s against the New Zealand Maori.
Isaac is the nephew of Papa Murare John from Atiu. - Play league or what