Sports News

Cycle race attracts biggest field ever
Teachers on the ball
Putas to clash
Town teams face off
League semifinals all set to go
Lifters snatch silver in Fiji
Keen teens get basketball training
To mum with love
Pera lifts his way to double silver
Triple semi league action
Great netball action today
Avatiu hold on for close win
White Puta maintain lead
Panthers book final date with Eels
League showdown looms
Basketball action on
Oe vaka in Avarua action
Cricketers show off their skills
Netball action at the arena
Netball gives arena big tick

Tuesday night’s annual TurtlesTees Sportswear round the island cycle race saw the largest field ever enter the event 87 riders lined up with 80 recorded as finishing.

Unlike some earlier years, a small breakaway at the beginning did not occur and 20 or so cyclists were still in the lead bunch just a few hundred metres behind Shaun Kavanagh who lead the race on his own for many kilometres with up to a half kilometre lead.

However, from the Met Station at Nikao with only 4km to ride, the brave effort by Kavanagh came to an end as he was reeled in by bunch leaders Josh White and Geoff Stoddart.

Along the Nikao straight he was caught and passed just before the final sprint began near CITC supermarket.

Geoff Stoddart lead the surge around Punanga Nui with several riders tucked in behind, however, he was pipped at the line by half a wheel length by Justin Earl of New Zealand who achieved his first high placing in this race in his three visits here.

The winning time was 45 minutes and 41 seconds.

Third was Rarotonga’s Richard Vinsen who rode a superb race to never be far from the front.

In fourth place was Roland Neururer and fifth Tony Harding from NZ.

First female was Cathy McManus followed by Michelle Bremer and Jennie George who were all part of the lead bunch and achieved times of less than 46 minutes.

In winning Cathy lowered the female race record by 11 seconds to 45:44.

First Australian home was Arama Tom.

First mountain biker was Dominic Tobek and merit prizes for effort expended in the race went to Josh White and Shaun Kavanagh.

The timekeepers acknowledged that some errors or omissions may have occurred with such a large field and close finishing. But the major place getters are all correct.

The Triathlon Association extends its thanks to TurtlesTees Sportswear for sponsoring the winners and place getters cycle shirts and providing a handsome new trophy for the event.

Thanks also go out to the timekeepers Rebecca, Terai, Karlene, Liz, Sharon, Chris and Len with special mention to Cook Islands Police for providing the motorcycle escort to assist safety. Meitaki maata.

Results

• CITAI

Some of the keen Rarotonga school teachers with CIC development officer Kori Patia (back) and some of the island’s keenest junior cricketers. 10050428

Rarotonga teachers will gather again at the Takitumu School grounds today for the second session of cricket coaching.

Cook Islands Cricket Association held its first cricket coaching session with teachers on Tuesday afternoon with a great turnout of teachers eager to learn more about cricket in order to give their kids the best possible start in the sport.

Just about every child on the island has had the opportunity to play cricket through the ANZ cricket in schools programme.

The aim of coaching cricket to teachers is to promote sustainable junior involvement and development of the sport which Rarotonga children can’t get enough of.

Teachers who missed out on the first session are more than welcome to come along today and enjoy some fun cricket coaching for your future physical education classes.

The final session today will start at 3pm at Takitumu School.

• Matariki Wilson

Five-a-side soccer teams Black Puta and White Puta both enjoyed wins during the recent set of games running at the CIFA Complex.

But it’s the White Puta side that have the clear advantage going into today’s match which kicks off at 5.20pm.

With a 4-1 victory in the first round, Black Puta is looking at upsetting White Puta who are the current top of the points table.

If the Black can maintain their winning streak and score more goals they could upset the White Puta.

The White Puta outfit will be eager to maintain their first place spot in the table points and a win over Black Puta will be a bonus for them.

With both teams featuring national players, Black Puta and White Puta will battle it out till the final whistle.

- CIFA Media

Results – Waka Boys 2, Virgin Ave 5; Pacific Divers 1, Black Puta 5; White Puta 6, Viti Boys 1; Takuvaine Boys 5, Tsunami 2.

Today’s draw men kick off at 5.20pm – (field one) Black Puta vs White Puta, ref, Maara Kaukura; (field two) Viti Boys vs Takuvaine Boys, ref, Tutai Taurarii; (field thee) Waka Boys vs Bandits, ref, Junior Arioka; (field four) Virgin Ave vs Pacific Divers, ref, Tupou Patia. Bye, Tsunami

More exciting netball action is expected tonight and tomorrow as netballers head into game two of this seasons competition. Pictured is Titikaveka’s hot shot goal keeper Michaela Matapo swiping the ball out of Avatiu goal shooter Mati Toru’s hands. 10050222

This week’s netball competitions sees town teams Takuvaine and Avatiu go head to head and country clubs Titikaveka and Ngatangiia face off.

And the advantage of playing in the Telecom Sports Arena, among other things, is that clubs have had the opportunity to suss out their rival teams.

Round two of netball gets underway this evening at the TSA with the open one and two grades taking to the courts.

Last week’s open grade matches saw varying skill levels on court.

The Titikaveka open one side thrashed Avatiu 45-13 while the open two grade clash between the two clubs ended in a 21-21 draw.

Takuvaine won their open one grade match 22-9 against Ngatangiia before the country team hit back with a 20-10 win of their own in the open two grade.

Tonight’s open two grade clash will start at 4.30pm followed by the open one matches at 5.10.

Meanwhile remaining netball grades will play their games on Saturday afternoon starting at 12pm with the under 10 grades and wrapping up with the premier grade games at 4.45pm.

- Matariki Wilson

This week’s draw and umpire allocations:

(Takuvaine vs Avatiu on court 1 and Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia on court 2)

Friday May 7 – 4.30pm – Open 2 Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires-Punanga Kaveao and Luciana Matenga, (reserve-Estelle Searle), Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires-Diane Kaukau and Tex Tangimetua (reserve-Autiare Luke), 5.10pm – Open 1 Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires-Ngere Puia and Estelle Searle (reserve-Luciana Matenga), Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires-Tex Tangimetua and Diane Kaukau (reserve-Autiare Luke)

Saturday May 8 – 12pm – Under 10 Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires-Teokotai Tarai and Jan Mellor (reserve-Tiniura Wichman), Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires-Mona Tangata and Autiare Luke (reserve-Tex Tangimetua), 12.30pm – Under 12 Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires-Teokotai Tarai and Jan Mellor (reserve-Tiniura Wichman), Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires-Mona Tangata and Autiare Luke (reserve-Tex Tangimetua), 1.10pm – Under 14 Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires-Teokotai Tarai and Jan Mellor (reserve-Estelle Searle), Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires-Ngere Puia and Tupe Tamatoa (reserve-Autiare Luke), 1.50pm – Under 16 Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires-Dianne Kaukau and Estelle Searle (reserve-Jan Mellor), Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires-Tex Tangimetua and Mona Tangata (reserve-Autiare Luke), 2.30pm – Under 19 Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires-Punanga Kaveao and Estelle Searle (reserve-Mona Tangata) , Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires-Autiare Luke and Luciana Matenga (reserve-Ngere Puia), 3.25pm – Reserve Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires-Autiare Luke and Tupe Tamatoa (reserve-Estelle Searle), Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires-Tex Tangimetua and Mona Tangata (reserve-Tiniura Wichman), 4.45pm – Premiers Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires-Janette Browne and Estelle Searle (reserve-Tupe Tamatoa), Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires-Tiniura Wichman and Tex Tangimetua (reserve-Autiare Luke).

It’s semi-finals time in the rugby league competition with two games scheduled for tonight at the BCI Stadium and three games tomorrow.

The Titikaveka baby Bulldogs will face the Arorangi baby Bears in tonight’s first semi-final clash.

This game kicks off at 4pm and the winner will go on to meet Tupapa in the under 13 grand final next week.

Tonight’s second match is sure to be hard hitting action packed match with the Bulldogs reserve grade up against the charging Takuvaine Warriors.

These two sides have been the stand out teams in the reserve grade and the winner will proceed to meet the Bears in the grand final.

On Saturday – the under 16 grade will get things underway at the BCI Stadium when the Panthers take on the Eels.

The winner will seal their spot in the grand finals against the Bears.

The Panthers will take to the field again in the under 19 grade against the Bear with the winner to meet the Eels in the finals.

The two clubs will also do battle in the main premier grade game to determine the opponent for the Avatiu Eels in next week’s grand finals.

Will it be the meat ripping Bears or the mighty Panthers that will take the final spot to meet the slippery Eels?

- Matariki Wilson

Semi-finals draw: Friday May 7, 4pm under 13 Bulldogs vs Bears, ref, Jeff Murray assisted by Bishop and Tutai; 4.45pm reserve Bulldogs vs Warriors, ref, Tua Manea assisted by Tutai and Bishop.

Saturday May 8, 2.30pm under 16 Panthers vs Eels, ref, Tutai Tuakana assisted by Ratu Mato and Jeff Murray; 3.30pm under 19 Bears vs Panthers, ref, Arthur Emile assisted by Koa Kopu and Bishop Bishop; 4.45pm premier Bears vs Panthers, ref, Sean Willis assisted by Simi Teiotu and Tua with A Emile and R Mato the in-goal judges.

The Cook Islands solo female weightlifter Luisa Peters gets ready to lift in the women’s 69kg division at this week’s Oceania Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships in Fiji. photo by Fiji Times 10050601

Cook Islands weightlifters Luisa Peters and Sirla Pera have both won two silver medals each at the Oceania Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships in Fiji this week.

Peters has won two silver medals in the women’s 69kg division while Pera won his in the men’s 94kg division.

Peters lifted in the Oceania women’s 69kg division against some of the region’s best lifters.

She successfully lifted 57kg in her first snatch lift, 60kg in her second lift and 64kg in her final snatch lift.

Peters successfully lifted 77kg in her first clean and jerk lift before dropping her second lift of 80kg.

However ,Peters dug deep for her final clean and jerk lift and successfully lifted 80kg for a total lift of 144kg for the silver medal.

Peters’ total lift was enough for her to win a second silver medal in the Pacific youth women’s division.

Sirla Pera tested himself against some of the region’s most experienced lifters in the Oceania senior men’s division

Pera ended his competition with a snatch of 106kg and a clean and jerk lift of 130kg giving him a total lift of 236kg and 7th place overall in the senior division.

His total lift was enough to win him the silver medals in the Oceania junior men’s 94kg division Pacific junior men’s division.

Pera’s lift also gave him a 5th place ranking in the Pacific senior men’s division.

The championships was also a qualifier for the Youth Olympics in August in Singapore where the countries that placed in the top four (boys) and top three (girls) in the youth championships would qualify one lifter each for the youth games.

At this early stage it appears that both Peters and Pera have achieved the requirements to represent the Cook Islands at the first ever Youth Olympics.

Cook Islands News is awaiting confirmation of this achievement from team coach Sam Pera Snr who is no doubt extremely proud of the performances of his two young teenage lifters.

• Matariki Wilson

Keen teen basketball players will have the opportunity to learn new skills and drills at a workshop today at the Princess Anne Hall starting at 3pm.

The workshop will be conducted by Oceania zone development officer Ryan Burns who is on the island to support the Cook Islands Basketball Federation.

Burns had the opportunity to check out the local competition on Tuesday night where he offered some advice for the improvement of the sport on the island.

While Burns believes that there needs to a lot of improvement in player developments from fitness to the level the game is played here in the islands he has nothing but praises for the running of the current basketball competition by the new basketball executives.

He was particularly impressed with the high numbers of female basketball referees and players.

There is also a number of regional basketball fixtures that the Cook Islands can aim their player development around including the 2011 New Caledonia Pacific Games and an under 20 championships in 2011.

Burns brought with him some new equipment for the local federation including a number of rule books to guide local players through the game.

Today’s basketball workshop is not just restricted to Tereora College and basketball federation president George ‘G-Dub’ Williams is inviting all keen teen basketballers to come along to today’s workshop which starts at 3pm at the Princess Anne Hall in Nikao.

• Matariki Wilson

Year six Avatea Primary School students with their stories and poems about their special mums. 10050711

Avatea Primary School year six students have spent the week writing stories and poems about their mums.

Here are some of the stories from the year six students.

My mum

Mothers offer the world for her sons and daughters and they are even like the rarest diamond to her.

By Dean Archer

Year six

Toku metua vaine

E poe tiare noku

Inangaro ia e au

Kia rekareka koe

Manea tikae koe

Manea tikai toou tutu mata

Kua riro koe i te utuutu iaku i te au ra

Mei toku Ngakau – te inangaro nei au ia koe.

Na Kanoelani Wigmore Year six

Toku mama

Ko Nini Wynn toku mama. E mama rekareka toku. E mama maru aia.

E tunu ana aia i toku kai. E tuitui an aia i toku kakau.

E mama manea toku mama. E aroa ana au i toku mama.

E angaanga ana toku mama ki runga i te are maki.

E a a toku mama Tamariki. E reka ana toku mama i te kara auika.

Na Naychi Myo Min Year six

My mother

My mother is hard working and an outstanding lady. She’s thoughtful and careful. Her heart is pure even when she is restless.

By Luand Brown Year six

Toku mama

E pukuatu noku.

Inangaro au ia koe e mama.

Kia akameitaki ia ia koe e te Atua.

Kia akameitaki ia koe e mama.

Naringa kare koe, kare au i teia ra.

Na Jordin Manuela Year six

My mother

My mother is good to me and my sisters even though I don’t listen.

I know that it’s bad not to listen to my mum.

Next time I will try and listen to my mum.

I want to be better than before. I want the best for my mum on Mother’s Day.

My mum is special because she cares about us.

My mum works so hard for us. She wants the best for me and my sisters.

I love my mum with all my heart.

By William Napa Year six

My mother

My mother is special because she cares for everyone and treats everyone fair.

My mother is always there for me. She works hard every day and wakes up early in the morning to help me get ready for school.

She helps me all the time and when I need help.

She makes me breakfast and dinner and treats me very well.

I love my mother just the way she is and hope she does not change.

My mother is special in lots of ways.

By Teupoko Ariihee Year six

My mum

My mother is an ordinary woman. She tries to help me with my work. She hugs me Every time I go to bed. She helps me with my reading. I love my mother.

By Enua Fameitau Year six

My mother

Why is my mum special?

My mum is special because she always takes good care of me and she always makes my lunch with me.

My mum is kind and nice to us when we never get cheeky.

My mum is special because she always brings me to school.

My mum is loving and hugable.

That’s why I love my mum.

My mum always smacks me but I still love her.

All mums are special because they are careable.

By Tamaura Year six

My mother

I celebrate Mother’s Day because my mum does all the work while my dad watches too much TV.

I love my mum because when I get sad she always cheers me up and gives me treats.

I love my mum because she always looks after me and gives me hugs before I go to sleep.

She takes us to tennis and soccer games.

She cheers for us and she makes us proud.

My mother is our cheerleader. We love her.

By Strauss Williams Year six

My mother

I would like to write about a special woman in my life – my mother.

My mother is loving and caring.

My mother is funny and kind.

My mother is sensitive and humble.

I can never have another mother like my mother.

I love my mother.

By Rachel Scheel Year six

My mother

M – is for the things she gave me

O – is for obeying her

T – is for trusting her

H – is for being honest to her

E – is for good effort and

R – is for relaxing on a lovely day

By Juliano Vakapora Year six

Mother

My mother is sweet.

Only so kind like God

Treasure is in her heart

Her honesty is with her

Every heart is one

Remember the love she gave you

By Ritua Rauraa

Year six

My mother

My mother is special in a lot of ways because she takes care of me every day.

My mum tucks me into bed and gives me hugs and kisses every night.

Sometimes she smacks me when I’m naughty but she still loves me.

My mum takes us to the shops and lets us get something for ourselves.

She looks after me, my brother and sister every day non-stop.

My mum is obedient, terrific, helpful, extravagant and responsible.

My mum loves me and I love her. She works very hard every day.

My mum spends a lot of time with our family. She helps me do me homework and other things.

My mum cooks for the family. She helps me when I’m hurt. I love my mum and I know she loves me.

That’s why she is special.

By Kennady Pokoina Year six

Sirla Pera lifts his way to silver glory in Fiji. 10050730

Cook Islands weightlifter Sirla Pera lifted his way to two silver medals at the Oceania Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships in Fiji.

Pera and solo female lifter Luisa Peters both won two silver medals each at the championships.

Pera lifted a total weight of 236kg (106kg snatch and 130kg clean and jerk) in the men’s 94kg division to place seventh overall in the senior Oceania category, fifth in the Pacific senior men’s category.

His lift earned him two silver medals – one in the Pacific Junior division and the other in the Oceania junior division.

Fellow team mate Luisa Peters lifted a total of 144kg (64kg snatch and 80kg clean and jerk) which earned her a silver medal in the Oceania women’s 69kg division and a second silver medal in the Pacific youth women’s division.

• Matariki Wilson

Three semi-final league matches will be played today at the BCI Stadium in Nikao.

The first game will be in the under 16 grade between the Panthers and Eels.

This game kicks off at 2.30pm and will be followed by the under 19 clash between the Bears and Panthers at 3.30pm.

The main match of the afternoon will be played at 4.45pm and this will be between the Arorangi Bears and the Tupapa Panthers.

The winner of this match will face the Avatiu Eels in next week’s rugby league grand finals.

The Panthers had their chance to go directly to the finals with a week off but they succumbed to the Eels.

The Panthers will need to have all their wits about them today as the Bears are out to cause a major upset.

The Bears have nothing to lose and that makes for a dangerous team while the Panthers have a title to defend and need to get through these semi-finals to have the chance to retain their championship title.

Make sure you are at the BCI Stadium this afternoon to find out just who will make it through today’s semi finals for the final spot in next week’s grand final.

Will it be the Bears of the Panthers?

Saturday May 8: 2.30pm under 16 Panthers vs Eels, ref, Tutai Tuakana assisted by Ratu Mato and Jeff Murray; 3.30pm under 19 Bears vs Panthers, ref, Arthur Emile assisted by Koa Kopu and Bishop Bishop; 4.45pm premier Bears vs Panthers, ref, Sean Willis assisted by Simi Teiotu and Tua with A Emile and R Mato the in-goal judges.

• Matariki Wilson

The Telecom Sports Arena in Nikao is the only place to catch the netball action today with games starting at 12pm. 10050223

Future netball stars in the under 10 grade will take to the courts first today as netballers get ready for game two of the season.

The under 10 babes will begin their games at 12pm.

The Takuvaine club is taking on Avatiu while Titikaveka will meet Ngatangiia.

Last week, a confident Avatiu premier grade stepped out in their brand new kit to face a familiar Titikaveka outfit.

But the unfortunate loss of a team mate saw Avatiu struggle to find the drive they are well known for, to be trounced 51-31 by the Titikaveka pears.

That first round thrashing will spur Avatiu on this week when they meet their sisters from the Takuvaine valley.

That’s not to say that Takuvaine are going to lie down and be trampled on.

Takuvaine had a tough first match against Ngatangiia last week and while they had a comfortable 46-23 win against Ngatangiia thanks to their line up of experienced netballers – fitness could be the decider of this match-up.

The mixture of the young and experienced in the Ngatangiia side will need to bring their A game this week as they face 2009 champions Titikaveka.

Ngatangiia are known to spring surprises through their tenacious shooters – so Titikaveka will no doubt tighten up their already steely defence.

Head to the Telecom Sports Arena this afternoon to catch some great netball action.

Saturday May 8: 12pm, Under 10 Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires, Teokotai Tarai and Jan Mellor (reserve-Tiniura Wichman); Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires, Mona Tangata and Autiare Luke (reserve-Tex Tangimetua); 12.30pm, Under 12 Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires, Teokotai Tarai and Jan Mellor (reserve-Tiniura Wichman); Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires, Mona Tangata and Autiare Luke (reserve-Tex Tangimetua); 1.10pm, Under 14 Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires, Teokotai Tarai and Jan Mellor (reserve-Estelle Searle); Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires, Ngere Puia and Tupe Tamatoa (reserve-Autiare Luke); 1.50pm, Under 16 Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires, Dianne Kaukau and Estelle Searle (reserve-Jan Mellor); Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires, Tex Tangimetua and Mona Tangata (reserve-Autiare Luke); 2.30pm, Under 19 Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires, Punanga Kaveao and Estelle Searle (reserve-Mona Tangata) ; Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires, Autiare Luke and Luciana Matenga (reserve-Ngere Puia); 3.25pm, Reserve Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires, Autiare Luke and Tupe Tamatoa (reserve-Estelle Searle), Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires,Tex Tangimetua and Mona Tangata (reserve-Tiniura Wichman); 4.45pm, Premiers Takuvaine vs Avatiu, umpires-Janette Browne and Estelle Searle (reserve-Tupe Tamatoa), Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia, umpires, Tiniura Wichman and Tex Tangimetua (reserve-Autiare Luke).

• Matariki Wilson

A calm Mati Toru shoots for Avatiu despite the defending attempts of Takuvaine keepers. 10050928

On Saturday the Avatiu Dragonflies’ premier netball side won a nail-biting 43-42 clash against Takuvaine. Here is some of the action photos from the clash. Dragonflies swoop to first win, page 14

Matangi Matangi of White Puta tries to get past Black Puta defender Tairi Elikana. 10050943

The White Puta five-a-side soccer team managed to keep the Black Puta at bay until the final whistle with 1-1 draw.

An own goal by a White Puta player gave Black Puta the lead in the first half only to have the White Puta level the score seconds later.

A fast paced game was played which saw goal scoring opportunities for both teams but they lacked the touch to score.

In today’s main match Virgin Ave, currently sitting third, will face Black Puta who are currently second. - CIFA Media

Results: Black Puta 1, White Puta1; Viti Boys 6, Takuvaine Boys 5; Waka Boys 1, Bandits 4; Virgin Ave 2, Pacific Divers 2.

Today’s draw: (field 1) Black Puta vs Virgin Ave, ref, Maara Kaukura; (field 2) Bandits vs Takuvaine Boys, ref, Robert Savage; (field 3) Tsunami vs White Puta, ref, Junior Arioka; (field 4) Viti Boys vs Pacific Divers, ref,Tutai Taurarii. Bye Waka Boys

Kairan Mahia of the Panthers winds it up as he storms towards the Bears line. 10050908

The 2010 rugby league grand final this week is going to be a thriller between the Avatiu Eels and the Tupapa Panthers – who booked their final spot by thrashing the Arorangi Bears 42-12 in Saturday’s semi-final.

The Panthers premier league grade was just too classy for the Bears and after scoring 22 points just 20 minutes into the game, they never looked back.

While the Bears suffered a huge defeat, the team must be given credit for grinding it out and scoring two tries of their own to walk off the field with their dignity.

The question now is will the Panthers have enough in their creative tank for a repeat performance against the Eels on Saturday.

The Eels have had a week to really polish up their game plan. Facing the Panthers will definitely not be a walk around the swamp.

In other semi-final games at the weekend, the Bulldogs under 13 grade ripped up the Bears to seal their grand final spot against the Tupapa Panthers.

And the Panthers are also in the under 16 grand finals after beating the Eels 28-16 and the under 19 grade after the side dealt out another huge blow to the Bears 28-0.

The Panthers will meet the Bears in the under 16 finals and the Eels in the under 10 finals this week.

The reserve grade semi-final between the Bulldogs and Warriors was a gritty one on Friday night with the Bulldogs digging deep to edge out the Takuvaine Warriors 16-12.

The Bulldogs will face the Arorangi Bears in the reserve grade semi-final.

So with all clubs well represented in the finals, this weekend is going to be a massive showing of rugby league grand finals action.

Semi-finals results: Under 13-Titikaveka Bulldogs 18, Arorangi Bears 4; Reserves, Titikaveka Bulldogs 16, Takuvaine Warriors 12; Under 16, Tupapa Panthers 28, Avatiu Eels 16; Under 19, Arorangi Bears 0, Tupapa Panthers 28; Premiers, Arorangi Bears 12, Tupapa Panthers 42.

• Matariki Wilson

Panthers stalwart Alfred Manu bashes across a lone Bears defender to dot down between the posts during Saturday’s semi-final match. 10050901

Rarotonga rugby league clubs will be well represented in this weekend’s league grand finals, with the main battle in the premier grade between the Avatiu Eels and Tupapa Panthers.

The Arorangi Bears premier side was forced to hang up their boots on Saturday after a heavy 42-12 defeat by the classy Tupapa Panthers.

The Bears had planned to turn the competition upside down and storm their way to a grand final match but it wasn’t to be.

The Panthers are indeed a slick squad and they will be looking to retain their championship title.

But the grand finals won’t be all about the Panthers and Eels though as the Titikaveka Bulldogs and Arorangi Bears clubs have teams in the grand finals.

The Arorangi Bears have their under 16 and reserve grade to support at the grand finals while the Bulldogs will rumble in the under 13 and reserve grade finals.

The Panthers have a total of four teams in this weekend’s grand finals namely their under 13, under 16, under 19 and premier grade teams and the Eels have an under 19 and their premier grade in the finals

So, get ready to support your club this weekend.

• Matariki Wilson

The Telecom Cook Islands main basketball season continues to provide action-packed games at the Telecom Sports Arena every Tuesday evening.

The Prima Donnas women’s team will head into tonight’s game against Liquorice Allsorts somewhat on a high after thrashing the 88FM Lady Minx last week 42-21.

Rentraro.com will take on Kia Orana Salon this evening after a 17-17 draw against the Hot Dogz last week.

Hot Dogz will face Up to You who went down 26-34 against the ever improving Vikings team.

Team Disco at Tj’s ran rings around Blitz last week to win 21-12 and they will play the Hot Shotz tonight.

Tonight’s draw – 5.20pm- Prima Donnas vs Licorice Allsorts, 6.10pm- Rentraro.com vs Kia Orana Salon, 7pm-Pacific Divers vs Vikings, 7.50pm-Hot Shotz vs Disco at TJ’s, 8.40pm-Up 2 You vs Hot Dogz. Bye-Blitz and 88FM Lady Minkz.

• Matariki Wilson

Around 30 oe vaka paddlers gathered at Avarua harbour on Saturday for an afternoon of OC1 and V1 racing on a dead calm ocean.

Twenty one paddlers tackled the 10km iron race while four teams of two tested their skills in the 5km relay.

Local male champion Reuben Dearlove blitzed the 10km course in his rudderless (V1) in 43.46 with young Corey Fisher coming in three minutes later in 46.14 to place first in the OC1 (rudder) race division.

Serena Hunter looked thrilled to be back on the water when she crossed the line ninth overall and the first woman home in the OC1 in a time of 50.21.

And no doubt she will want to shave minutes of that time in up and coming races.

For under 19 paddler Emilene Taulu, her 10km race was a warm up for her netball game and after crossing the finish line in 56.32 to come first in the women’s V1 division, she was on the netball court for Titikaveka.

In the 5km relay race, Dom Torque and Rob Grant managed to keep husband and wife team Teina and Johnny Taulu to second place and win the changes race in 34.4 while the Taulu duo clocked in at 35.17.

It was also great to see the junior paddlers out on the water with Andre Tutaka completing his first 10km race in a credible time of 56.47 while Kahmillia Puapii and Alloma Moore finishing the 5km changes race in a great time of 48.4.

And with the first ever Cook Islands Aito scheduled for early next month – the race was a great way for those looking at competing in the race to find out how best to prepare in these final few weeks leading up to the event to be raced in rudderless single man canoes.

- Matariki Wilson

OC 1 and V1 10km race results – Reuben Dearlove (V1) 43.42, Corey Fisher (OC1) 46.14, Graham Whitfield (V1) 47.31, Tupuna Amo (V1) 48.29, Tungane Manuel (OC1) 49.2, Johnny Raita (OC1) 49.39, Papa Jack (OC1) 49.49, Mark Cowan (OC1) 50.16, Serena Hunter (OC1) 50.21, Fletcher Melvin (V1) 51.19, Willie Marsters (OC1) 52.39, Kees Van Wijk (OC1) 52.59, John Beasely (OC1) 53.29, Emilene Taulu (V1) 56.32, Sam Brown (OC1) 56.37, Andre Tutaka (OC1) 56.47, Paio Short (V1) 57.11, Annie Fisher (OC1) 58.43, Queenie Tamarii (OC1) 1.25.00, Jane Pearson (OC1) 1.55.00, Chrissy Thomas (OC1) 1.56.00.

5km relay race results: Dom Toque 17.02, Rob Grant, 17.38, (combined total) 34.4; Teina Taulu 17.25, Johnny Taulu 17.52, 35.17; Mami Nikoro,19.33, Foreman 20.03, 39.36; Kahmillia Puapii 24.04, Alloma Moore 24.36, 48.4.

Titikaveka College students (from left) John Maruariki (15), Tamatoa Hunter (12) and Pastor Tekarea (14) at yesterday’s under 17 cricket trials. 10051001

Titikaveka College students John Maruariki (15), Tamatoa Hunter (12) and Pastor Tekarea (14) were among the junior players that took part in yesterday’s under 17 cricket trials.

The Titikaveka College players played against students from Tereora College in an 11-a-side twenty/20 match.

Tomorrow, Tereora College students will play against Nukutere at the Nikao field starting at 3pm.

The final trial match will be on Friday when Nukutere students take on Titikaveka.

From this three day trial, 20 under 17 players will be selected into a high performance squad with a final 15 man squad to represent the country at the end of the year.

The development of under 17 players is all part of Cook Islands Cricket’s goal of being the number one non-test playing nation in the East Asia/Pacific region and by the looks of the young men that turned out for the first day of trials on Monday, it’s an attainable goal for cricket in the Cook Islands.

• Matariki Wilson

Takuvaine under 16 centre Teiti Tupuna leaps up to intercept a lobbed ball. 10050934

After two weekends of netball at the Telecom Sports Arena players and officials have been pleased with the results. Cook Islands Netball Association said that holding this year’s netball season at the Nikao arena has met their expectations. Here are some more photos from the weekend’s action at the arena.

Netball gives arena big tick, page 14.

We love netball! Mini Avatiu netballers (from left) Avana Hagai (5), Courtney Pori (7) and Tschan Hagai (6) think that netball is the best game in the world. They especially love playing at the Telecom Sports Arena in front of their family and friends. 10050933

After two weekends of netball at the Telecom Sports Arena, across-the-board improvements have been seen.

Cook Islands Netball Association president PJ Hockin said holding the 2010 season at the Nikao arena has met the associations’ expectations. She says that the most notable improvement has been the higher standard of professionalism the clubs now bring to their games.

“I’m satisfied with the outcome of playing netball at the Telecom Sports Arena and the standard of professionalism it has brought to the sport.

“There has been more development in team managers who now fill in the team sheets which brings out more quality players and games.”

Hockin said that improvement in umpires performances had also been noticed. “It has been really good for the umpires because playing at the arena makes it more flexible for them. They can talk to each other after their games and assess their games better.”

Hockin said that clubs are also making more money from gate takings than they did from games at their clubs.

Clubs are also earning extra funds through the sale of club apparel, food and drinks from stalls at the arena.

By far the most heart-warming aspect of playing at the arena is seeing the future stars taking ownership of the courts. The under 10 and 12 babes open each Saturday with thrilling games.

Hockin believes that as the competition goes on, the quality of games from all grades will lift which can only mean great things for the future.

More photos, page 10.

• Matariki Wilson