Sports News

Vaka Eiva 2009 links

Build-up

• Cook Islands News supplement - includes full programme and introduction to teams
• Flash/PDF version of supplement

External Links:

• Official Vaka Eiva website

Events and results:

• Sat 21 - OC1 Ironman Race RESULTS IN
• Mon 23 - V6 Ironman Race RESULTS IN
• Tue 24 - Mapu Oe Vaka Sprints at Muri Beach RESULTS IN
• Tue 24 - Trader Jacks Charity Boiler Swim
• Wed 25 - Muri Beach Sprints RESULTS IN
• Thu 26 - Junior Lagoon and Under 19 Ocean Race RESULTS IN
• Fri 27 - V6 Pacific Paddle and Pacific Cup Round Raro Relay

Full coverage (day-by-day):

• Sat 21 - Day 1
• Mon 23 - Day 3
• Tue 24 - Day 4
• Wed 25 - Day 5
• Thu 26 - Day 6
• Fri 27 - Day 7
• Sat 28 - Day 8
• Mon 30 - Wrap up LATEST

Photo galleries:

• Sat 21 - Photos from day 1
• Mon 23 - Photos from day 3
• Tue 24 - Photos from day 4
• Wed 25 - Photos from day 5
• Thu 26 - Photos from day 6
• Fri 27 - Photos from day 7

Charity rugby proceeds donated to Te Vaerua
Tamariki Sports on again
Cricket finals time
Ngakau Toa open day at Muri
Bears play Bulldogs
Team tri coming up this month
Avatiu-Nikao win inaugural cricket comp
Bumper day of sports
Cricket final today
New Panthers’ strip for 2010
Open touch at Avatiu
Royal Heat win Turtles League
Overwhelming success for new cricket league
Eels deal to Sharks at Swamp
Tamariki Sports today
Mixed netball comp continues tonight
League clubs asked to follow rules
Mixed touch continues today

The Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Service is closer to its goal of setting up a rehabilitation centre to cater for the needs of people with disabilities.

Yesterday Te Vaerua president Pastor Eliu Eliu was presented with a $1272 cheque from Cook Islands Rugby Union chief executive officer Ben Koteka.

The funds were raised during last year’s Sevens in Heaven Cook Islands versus New Zealand parliamentarian’s rugby match.

For Pastor Eliu, the funds will go a long way in helping his group of volunteers renovate their new centre in Arorangi which also includes a rehabilitation pool.

Currently Te Vaerua staff work from the Rarotonga hospital as well visiting patients at home.

Pastor Eliu says that when the centre is complete, local people with disabilities can receive the various services provided by Te Vaerua including physiotherapy.

“Our aim is to provide rehabilitation services right here at home where people have their family support,” says Pastor Eliu.

“At the moment people have to go to New Zealand for rehabilitation services.”

Pastor Eliu knows firsthand the need for a rehabilitation centre on the island.

“I have been through rehab when I had my leg amputated from the knee down and Te Vaerua is here to provide services in helping amputees learn to be independent again.”

Pastor Eliu would like to thank the CIRU for choosing their organisation to receive the funds from the charity rugby match.

“And you know there are unfortunate casualties in sports like rugby and Te Vaerua is here to help when this happens.”

Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Service welcomes any donation be it cash or equipment to get the much needed rehabilitation centre up and running to provide services for our people with disabilities.

• Matariki Wilson

Sports enthusiasts (from left) Peter Tierney (junior basketball coordinator), Josephine Bain (ANZ bank), Ake Hosea-Winterflood (sports coach), G-Dub (basketball president), Christian Mani (ANZ bank) and national touch rugby player Geoff Halston have teamed up to encourage Cook Islands children to lead active lifestyles as well as giving kids a head start in their sporting careers. 10020304

Teaching local children basic sports skills and encouraging them to lead active lifestyles are the aims of the ANZ Tamariki Sports programme.

The junior sports programme developed by passionate sports coach and athlete Ake Hosea-Winterflood returns next week with some local personalities jumping on board to help deliver the programme.

Radio presenter and basketball president G-Dub (George Williams) along with national touch rugby player Geoff Halston have teamed up with Hosea to help deliver what is going to be an exciting ten week sports programme for local kids.

After the success of previous Tamariki Sports programme, ANZ Back has reaffirmed its support and sponsorship of the programme.

After a two-week stint coaching touch rugby skills with local children, Halston says he saw the potential in the programme and has decided to give more time to coaching children in the sport he loves.

“We want to encourage kids to be active and play sports,” says Halston.

G-Dub will be coaching basketball during the programme while Hosea will be coaching children proper athletics techniques from running to throwing and jumping.

“We want to teach kids new sports skills plus basketball and touch rugby are non-threatening sports,” says Halston.

ANZ Bank’s Christian Mani says that the bank is very happy to continue its support of the programme especially after seeing the fun generated and the overall success of the prgramme.

“We’ve seen what Ake has done to groom our future athletes and the bank is happy to continue our support and sponsorship of the programme,” says Mani.

Hosea is thrilled with the support she has received from her growing team of volunteers and coaches.

“It’s bigger and better than ever,” says Hosea.

Hosea encourages parents to bring their children to the weekly meets which will be held every Tuesday afternoons at the BCI Stadium in Nikao between 4pm and 5pm.

The programme is free for all kids aged 6 to 12 years – so the more the merrier.

During the first programme on Tuesday February 9 – kids aged between 6 and 8 years will go through some touch rugby drills with Halston while kids aged 8 to10 years will put their athletics skills to the test with Hosea.

The older kids aged 11 and 12 years will hang with G-Dub and learn some basketball tricks.

Parents are asked to make sure children have comfortable sports clothes and shoes, water bottles, a hat, sun block and plenty of enthusiasm.

See you on Tuesday at the BCI stadium for fun athletics, basketball and touch rugby lessons.

- Matariki Wilson

The last week of cricket is going to be a big one. After delays to both the women’s and men’s finals scheduled to take place last week, teams will be anxiously awaiting good weather come today and Saturday.

today sees the finals of the Aero Women’s Cricket League.

The Eastern League finals will be played out next week due to a bereavement in the Takitumu district.

The Western League has Arorangi Lindauer Ladies taking on Avatiu Nikao in the finals and ANZ Chickadees playing Muri for third and fourth, venue to be advised.

With no further reserve days scheduled, today provides the last opportunity for the women to play it out.

In case of cancellation winners will be awarded by highest qualifier.

This Saturday will be a colossal on-field battle between the two titans of the Turtles Domestic League, Royal Heat and Storm Chasers.

Storm Chasers will need to bring the dominance exhibited in their previous showing against the Super Kings if they are to overcome the unbeaten Royal Heat.

Storm Chasers will be doing everything possible to chase away poor weather as a cancellation will see Royal Heat place first on highest qualifier.

The game starts at 12pm so don’t miss what is expected to be the game of the season.

• CICA

Gather all your kids together and head to Muri beach this Saturday and join the Ngakau Toa Vaka Outrigger club family for their fun open day for new and returning paddlers. 09030804

Head to Muri beach this Saturday and join the Ngakau Toa Vaka Outrigger club and have fun in the sun.

The oe vaka club is holding its open day, right next to the Sails Restaurant, and extends an open invitation to anyone interested in taking up the sport or picking up the paddle again.

There will be sausage sizzles to keep your body fuelled for what is going to be a big family fun day out on the water.

As well as plenty of fun paddling on Muri lagoon the club will explain the success of their 2009 novice and coaching programme.

There is a full-on coaching programme for the 2010 paddling season and the club is looking to register more under 14, 16 and 19 boys and girls’ paddlers, open men and women’s paddlers plus paddlers for the master men and women divisions.

In fact, the club’s novice crews from 2009 ended their year on a high after successfully competing in the Vaka Eiva festival.

The Ngakau Toa club would like to thank their families, supporters and sponsors here on Rarotonga and Aitutaki for an awesome 2009 season and look forward to a fantastic 2010 season.

For more information on how you can get involved with the Ngakau Toa family, contact Tina Mitchell on 21080.

• Matariki Wilson

The Arorangi Bears and Titikaveka Bulldogs kicked off the rugby league season with the under 16 and reserve grade games at Titikaveka last night.

Today the premier grade from Arorangi will travel to Titikaveka for the first premier grade match of the week starting at 5pm.

Tomorrow, games will be played at Victoria Park in Tupapa and at Avatiu.

2009 champions the Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers will host the Ngatangiia-Matavera Sea Eagles while the Avatiu Eels will take on the Aitutaki Sharks and Warriors outfit at the Swamp.

Don’t miss out on this first premier clash of the league season.

Meanwhile the Avatiu Eels league club’s ‘Under the Mountain’ movie fundraiser will be held tonight, Friday.

The club will start their movie fundraiser by selling barbequed plates of food from outside the Empire Theatre at 4pm so you can pick up the family kai before the first screening of the movie at 6pm. The second screening will be 8pm, with tickets selling for $8. - MW

This weekend’s draw is as follows.

Friday 5 February Arorangi Bears vs Titikaveka Bulldogs (at Titikaveka) – 5pm premier grade.

Saturday 6 February Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers vs Ngatangiia-Matavera Sea Eagles (at Tupapa) – 1pm under 13 grade, Ref club officials, 2pm under 16 grade, Ref-club officials, 3pm under 19 grade, Ref-club officials, 3.30pm reserve grade, Ref-Parei and club officials, 5pm premier grade, Ref-Sean Willis assisted by George Maggie and Arthur Emile.

Saturday 6 February Avatiu Eels vs Aitutaki Sharks/Warriors (at Avatiu) – 1pm under 16 grade, Ref-club officials, 2pm premier grade, Ref-John W, 3.30pm reserve grade, Ref-Smiley and John, 5pm-under 19 grade, Ref-club officials.

With two weeks to go until the annual Corporate Team Triathlon Challenge – there’s still plenty of time to do some training.

The team’s triathlon challenge will be held on Saturday 20 February from the tri site in Tikioki and will include a 200m swim leg, 8km cycle and a 2km run to be completed three times.

The challenge will have two categories.

The first being the ‘all disciplines’ category which means each of the three team members will complete one circuit of the course each.

The second category is known as the ‘individual disciplines’ which sees one person tackle the swim course three times, another team member cycle three times and the final team member run the 2km course three times.

But you can’t complete your three circuit of the swim, cycle or run leg in one go – it must be done in the swim, cycle, run order three times.

Each team must have a minimum of one female in the team and all team members must be prepared to have lots of fun.

Teams are encouraged to dress up, bring cheering squads, barbeques and anything else that will add to the fun of the day.

So grab your workmates, school friends, cousins and sports teammates and put together a team for the team challenge triathlon.

Email Jennie George on jennie@oyster.net.ck for entry forms and more details on the team triathlon challenge.

The weekly triathlon meets continue every Saturday and will be a good opportunity for teams to get in some practise before the main event.

• Matariki Wilson

The victorious Avatiu-Nikao women's cricket squad 10020505

The victorious Avatiu-Nikao women’s cricket squad (pictured) after making history by winning the inaugural western league Aero women’s cricket competition on Thursday.

The team of (from left) Kara Matenga, Brenda Tyack, Lotu Vea, Luciana Matenga (with son Anapa), Dorothea George, coach Shane Thompson, captain Curly George, Indie Haines and Matariki Wilson celebrate what was a thrilling win against valiant opponents, the Lindauer ladies from Arorangi.

Avatiu-Nikao got their finals match off to a great start by winning the toss and opting to bat first.

Avatiu-Nikao posted an unprecedented 131 runs losing just three wickets.

Luciana Matenga scored a massive 64 runs with batting partner Matariki Wilson chipping in with 34 not out.

Deana Mamanu was the standout for the Lindauer Ladies taking two wickets for 24 runs.

And despite a strong chase, the Lindauer Ladies who played with guts and passion were all out for 79.

Full women’s cricket report from both the western and eastern league to be published in next week’s Cook Islands News.

• Matariki Wilson

Provided the sun shines today, it’s going to be a bumper day of sports with a smorgasbord of games on today.

Out at the Takitumu Primary School the grand finals of the Turtles Domestic Cricket league will be played out between the Storm Chasers and Royal Heat.

The 50 over match gets underway at 12pm.

At one o’clock, junior rugby league matches will kick off with games at the Avatiu swamp and Victoria Park.

At the Swamp – the Eels will take on the Aitutaki Sharks/Warriors with the under 16 grade to take to the field at 1pm.

This will be followed by the main match of the day between the Eels and Sharks/Warriors premier grade starting at 2pm.

This game will be followed by the reserve and under 19 grade matches.

At Victoria Park in Tupapa – the Panthers will host the Sea Eagles from Ngatangiia-Matavera with the first match to be played by the under 13 grade at 1pm.

The premier match between the two clubs will kick off at 5pm.

Meanwhile out at Titikaveka, triathletes will leave their bikes at home as today’s triathlon will be a ‘stroke and stride’ event.

The course will be a 300m swim and a 3km run leg to be completed twice or three times if you’re feeling energised.

Teams preparing for the Team Triathlon Challenge on Saturday 20 February should take this opportunity to get some training in.

For all you water babes, the Ngakau Toa Outrigger oe vaka club will be holding its open day today at Muri beach next to Sails Restaurant.

• Matariki Wilson

Who will be crowned the Turtles Domestic Cricket League champions today?

You will have to head to the MCG (Matavera Cricket Ground) at the Takitumu School to find out.

The Storm Chasers led by Ronnie Forbes will do battle against the Royal Heat captained by Apii Mamanu.

The grand finals game is going to be the match of the year as each weekly domestic league match has surpassed the one before it and cricket fans are not going to be disappointed.

It’s also one last opportunity for individual players to really shine and showcase their talents not only to supporters but to national selectors.

Both teams are evenly matched with the bat and the ball with fitness and a well prepared plan of attack to be the winning factor for sure.

So make sure you’re at the MCG to watch the action unfold with cricket volunteers and sponsors invited to the corporate tent.

Otherwise grab the family and your mats and get ready for an action packed day of cricket.

• Matariki Wilson

Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers players show off their new rugby league strips which were blessed on Saturday morning and worn for the very first time that afternoon. (from left) Caleb Tatuava in the under 19 strip, Tua Tom wearing the new reserve grade uniform, Kairan Mahia models the premier grade strip and Jamian Iroa in the under 16 grade’s uniform. 10020701

The Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers league teams took to the field on Saturday sporting branding new black and white strips.

The new club uniforms were blessed on Saturday morning by Reverend Tuaine Ngametua with a number of the clubs leaders giving words of inspiration to the players who gathered for the blessing ceremony.

The players were told to wear the black and white Panthers uniform with pride and honour however they were reminded that it wasn’t the wearing of the uniform that won games but it was a big heart and good mindset that produces wins.

The club’s under 16, 19, reserve and premier grade uniforms including jerseys, shorts and socks cost the club $7000.

Funds for the uniforms came from the club itself and sponsors Super Brown and former Panthers player Ioana Kurapai who now lives in Germany.

The Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers premier side beat the Ngatangiia-Matavera Sea Eagles 22-8 at the weekend.

• Matariki Wilson

The open men and women’s touch rugby competition is starting to get interesting with some touch match ups drawn for today’s games at the Avatiu swamp.

The young Germinators will take on the Roxz boys from the prison who are certainly not to be underestimated.

The Avatiu league boys will take on the Oda Rebels after a close encounter with the Aitutaki Sharks/Warriors at the weekend.

The Warriors will take the northern group Rama boys who are also a fast improving team.

In the women’s division, the Vixens will take on the Northern group Rama women’s team.

The Vixens are a tough lot and Rama will have to pull out all the stops if they are to win this match today.

The TSL Rookies are also a very talented lot and will take on the experienced Bounty Hunters.

The FBI women’s team of young and mature players will want to continue their winning ways when they face the Devil Slayers today.

Head to the Avatiu field for fast touch rugby action.

Today’s touch draw – 5pm – (men)Germinators vs Roxz on field one, 5pm – (men) Avatiu League Boys vs Oda Rebels on field two, 5.35pm – (women) Rama vs Vixens on field one, 5.35pm – (women) TSL Rookies vs Bounty Hunters on field two, 6.10pm – (men) Warriors vs Rama on field one, 6.10pm –(women) FBI vs Devil Slayers on field two.

• Matariki Wilson

Kore ‘K-Swish’ Patia racked up boundary after boundary shot for Royal Heat. 10020748

Royal Heat has emerged cricket champions of the Turtles Domestic League after their win at the weekend over the Storm Chasers.

After winning the toss, Royal Heat elected to bat.

Opener and captain Vane Tangimetua was dismissed early, again troubled by the left arm variation of Moni Vini.

Kore Patia then joined the crease with Davis Teinaki.

The two batted in tandem with superb ease, Patia placing the ball gracefully around the field as he racked up boundary after boundary, exerting huge pressure on the Storm Chasers’ bowling line up.

Teinaki was dropped by fielders three times early in his innings and he made full use of the opportunity as he bludgeoned the ball over the boundary, the pair recording the first one hundred run partnership of the league with Patia ending on 69 runs from 62 balls and Teinaki 57 runs from 42 balls.

Dominating bowling from Sepa Tangimetua (10 overs, 36 runs, 2 wickets) and Steven Kavana (6 overs, 49 runs, 4 wickets) resulted in a procession of quick wickets which swung the momentum back in favour of the Storm Chasers as Royal Heat struggled at 7 wickets for 160 runs.

It took a masterful innings from boxing silver medallist Vengi Hagai to restore value to the Royal Heat’s runs total as he put on one of the finest displays of the tournament amassing 76 runs from only 36 balls.

Chasing a healthy 266 to win, Storm Chasers captain Ronnie Forbes would have felt he had the depth, experience and talent in his batting line up to chase the total. However a venomous display of bowling from Davis Teinaki put a quick stop to that as Teinaki ripped through the Storm Chasers’ batting line-up to have them reeling at eight wickets for 52 runs, including five ducks.

A patient and mature innings from John Beasley (38 runs) restored some humility to the Storm Chasers’ total to reach 116 runs, 150 short of Royal Heat’s total.

Thanks to the major sponsor Turtles, to CITC Liquor who kindly provided player tents and chairs each week and to Cook Islands News photojournalist Matariki Wilson for being able to capture the intensity and excitement of the tournament.

• CICA

Storm Chasers Pare Rongokea faces a ball from Wayken Punga. 10020733

Members of the Royal Heat cricket squad were over the moon at beating the Storm Chasers in the finals of the domestic league at the weekend. 10020726

Enhancing the development of local cricket players and officials was the objective of the highly successful Turtles Domestic Cricket League which ended at the weekend with the Royal Heat winning the inaugural domestic league over the Storm Chasers.

“I wasn’t necessarily looking for everyone to perform every week,” says Cook Islands Cricket Association general manager Alister Stevic. “

But more so to become familiar with international rules, experience a higher level of competition and most importantly to develop one’s skills through learning from both their success and failures.

“In that respect I believe the Turtles Domestic League has been an overwhelming success.”

Stevic says the attitude and aptitude of the players spoke for themselves.

However he adds that a tremendous amount of the league’s success came down to the generosity of its sponsors and hard-working volunteers.

“The players felt they were part of something important as they looked professional in their uniforms supplied by Turtles and the knowledge that the successful Turtle Tees organisation was backing them.”

Stevic also made specific mention of scorers Trainee, Grace Rea and Emily Tangi-metua who provided quality scoring throughout the league, umpires Chris Wicks and Sabu Matapo whose standard of umpiring was of the highest quality, and to volunteers Pavai, David Leeming and Tom Wicks who each week ensured that the grounds and players facilities were of the highest standard.

The CICA cricket presentation of awards for standout players in both the men’s and women’s competition will be held on Thursday 18 February at the Raviz Indian restaurant.

• Matariki Wilson

Ailoa Samania crashes through the Sharks defence. 10020706

The Arorangi Bears, Avatiu Eels and Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers all registered wins in the first round of the club rugby league competition.

The Bears were lucky not to be mauled in the doggy’s territory as they edged out the Bulldogs 26-24 in the premier grade match.

In fact, it was a clean sweep for the Bears in Titikaveka as the reserve grade managed to keep the Bulldogs at arm’s length to win 24-22 and the under 16 Bears had a try bonanza to win 36-0.

The under 19 grade match was a win by default to the Bears.

At the Avatiu swamp, the support for the Eels and Sharks/Warriors was at an all-time high as rugby league fans turned out in their numbers to support their team.

The Eels were true to their ‘slippery’ reputation as they managed to escape the Sharks’ jaws to sneak in for a 26-23 win.

The Aitutaki Sharks/Warriors were on fire and with international league coach Ina Konito on their side they are a force to be reckoned with.

However minor mistakes cost them what would have been a massive win over the Eels.

In the reserve grade, the in-form Takuvaine Warriors, in their new red uniforms, were just too strong for the Eels to win 22-16.

However the baby Eels in the under 19 grade had a field day, running rings around the Takuvaine boys to cruise to an easy 52-0 win.

At Victoria Park, the Ngatangiia-Matavera Sea Eagles offered some resistance against the home side but had to watch as the Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers, crossed the line with ease to win 22-8.

But the Sea Eagles are not to be underestimated as we’ve seen this determined outfit cause upsets in the past and are perhaps just blowing off the cobwebs in their first outing.

In the reserve grade though, the Sea Eagles showed grit to outsmart the Panthers 12-10.

The baby Panthers were the standout players at Victoria Park with the under 19 grade winning 24-18 while the under 16 Panthers cruised home to a 32-0 win.

Round two of the competition will see the Bulldogs host the Sea Eagles this Thursday with the premier grade match to be played on Friday 12 February at 5pm.

The Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers premier grade heads to Aitutaki to take on the Sharks with the match scheduled for 5pm on Friday.

Meanwhile the remaining Panthers teams will head to the Takuvaine valley to play the Warriors.

Raemaru Park will be the place to be on Saturday with the Arorangi Bears to host the Avatiu Eels.

• Matariki Wilson

Kids, grab your sports gear and get mum or dad to drop you off at the BCI stadium for the ANZ Tamariki Sports Programme today.

The hour long programme starts at 4pm with G-Dub (George Williams) giving basketball lessons for kids aged 11 to 12, Geoffrey Halston coaching touch rugby to kids 6 to 8 and programme coordinator Ake Hosea-Winterflood running fun athletics games for kids aged 8 to 10 years old.

The programme, spons- ored by ANZ bank, is free for all kids with parents encouraged to make sure your kids wear comfortable sports clothes and footwear and come equipped with sun block and a water bottle.

• Matariki Wilson

Tai Connal shoots for goal as goal shooter for team Telecom. 10020408

Round two of the social mixed netball will be played this evening at the Telecom Sports Arena with an early ‘catch up’ game between Black Beauty and Jagar Bombs to kick start the day’s games at 6.30pm.

Plenty of laughing and team bonding were seen during the first round of the social mixed netball competition last Wednesday night.

The Telecom Sports Arena shook with the amount of laughing and fun being had by the 16 teams in the competition.

Telecom proved too good for team Extreme to win their match 12-8 while team K’Rafs edged out the gutsy Sex Mart crew 18-11.

Semakes managed to pot one last goal to beat valiant rivals Edgewater 13-12 while the CITV Ferns had a blast on court with some fantastic aerial displays from local news presenter Travel Moeara however the team couldn’t contain the bankers from BCI Bank who ran away with the game 11-4.

Centa Jaguars sizzled on court thrashing Avarua School 19-7 while team IDCK (formerly named ‘thought it was a disco’) outsmarted 2Sharp 18-14.

The last game of the night saw M2Flyers outdo Asiaciti 12-8.

It was certainly an entertaining evening with teams expected to improve their skills and provide more thrilling games over the next eight weeks of games.

Tonight’s round two draw – 6.30pm (catch up game) Black Beauty vs Jagar Bombs, 7pm (on court one) Centa Jaguars vs M2 Flyers, 7pm (on court two) K’Rahf vs BCI, 7.30pm (on court one) Extreme vs Edgewater, 7.30pm (on court two) 2SHARP vs Jagar Bombs, 8pm (on court one) Telecom vs Semakes, 8pm (on court two) Sex Mart vs CITV Ferns, 8.30 pm (on court two) Avarua Sch vs Asiaciti, 8.30pm (on court two) IDCK-Thought it was a Disco vs Black Beauty.

• Matariki Wilson

Young Sharks star Teu Paerau puts his body on the line last Saturday. 10020713

The Cook Islands Rugby League Association is thrilled with the great start to the domestic season.

However there were some issues that arose from last week’s games that the association would like to iron out before round two.

All clubs are reminded that only two runners are allowed on the field and both must wear high visual (reflector) jackets.

All team managers are urged to be prepared with team sheets of player names, including reserve players, to be presented to the referee no later than the half time break and at the end of the match for the referee to sign off that all players named on the sheet were those that took to the field.

Managers are also encouraged to record scores on the team sheet.

It is the host club’s responsibly to provide up to four playing balls and to organise ball boys to retrieve the balls to keep the game flowing and spectators interested in the match.

Time should not be spent waiting for someone to go through the nearby taro patch to find the missing ball.

Players are also reminded that you are playing rugby league and not surfing or working in the taro patch – so proper rugby league uniforms are to be worn!

For further clarification of rugby league rules, regulations and player eligibility – contact league vice president Navy Epati on 55450.

• Matariki Wilson

Thrilling touch rugby matches were seen in the open men and women’s competition at Avatiu on Monday.

And the tight scores were testament to the tight defensive games exhibited by teams who’ve not given an inch to their opponents.

One of the standout teams was the Roxz prison team who through their valiant efforts kept their young gun Germinators team to a 3-all draw.

It’s the best result for the prisoners who will no doubt be fuelled by this close encounter in their future match-ups.

The Avatiu League Boys added to their close league match win against the Sharks at the weekend with a nail-biting 4-3 win over the Oda Rebels.

In the women’s competition, the young TSL Rookies just couldn’t find that extra touchdown to outdo the experienced Bounty Hunters. The match ended in a 4-all draw.

The FBI team managed to find a crack in the Devil Slayers’ defence to score the solitary score in the game.

Meanwhile the Vixens just seem to be in a league of their own and bucking this week’s close game trend with an 8-1 drubbing of the Northern group island Rama ladies.

The men and women combine today for the mixed competition at the swamp.

Today’s draw - 5.35pm (on field one) Klasix vs Rama, 5.35pm (on field two) OO7 vs Marekos, 6.10pm (on field one) Club Raro Stormers vs The Roxz, 6.10pm (on field two) No Names vs Vikens.

• Matariki Wilson