Sports News

Many welcomed at Hash bash
The road to the Delhi Games
No fears in Delhi
Cricket umpires course on
Titikaveka gunning for victory
Women bowl up surprise
Cooks flag raised in India
Red Backs remain unbeaten
Arorangi fights back to win
Netballers thank their sponsors
Ambrose fundraiser
Work commitment sees athlete out
Cricket booms in outer islands
26-week ban
Takuvaine hosts
Diggz burn Sparkz at volleyball
Oceania duties for refs
Cookie Cup remains at Arorangi
Round Cup fixtures
Cooks women in OFC Nations Cup
Taea strikes gold
Clash of the soccer titans
Up and running
Unbeaten Red Backs face challenge
Wild dozen on loose
Katikati College on soccer tour
7s side named for Darwin tourney
Professional volleyball coach here
U14 team arrives
Hash birthday bash
Gustafson sprints to title win
Tupapa wins
RRRR clarification
Coach arrives
Goldies make mark
White Ferns train women
Ready to run
High scores, close games
Many welcomed at Hash bash
Six raise $7000
The road to the Delhi Games
No fears in Delhi
Cricket umpires course on
Titikaveka gunning for victory
Women bowl up surprise
Cooks flag raised in India
7s kicks-off

Len Edwards hands a cheque for Te Vaerua to Rebecca Washbourn and Hamish Weir at the Hash House Harriers’ fancy dress 30th birthday run. 10092801

Speed walkers Mike and Chris Leahy from Lower Hutt in New Zealand got into the swing of fancy dress at the Hash House Harriers’ 30th Birthday Bash. They won the ‘Best Dressed’ prize for the second year in a row. Chris placed 19th in the RRRR and was the second speed-walking woman home. 10092804

The Run Walk club from Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand brought a green theme to the Hash bash on Monday night. 10092803

Hash House Harriers welcomed around 70 extra people to their Monday night run – their fancy dress 30th birthday run.

The Harriers laid on a barbecue for athletes who are visiting to take part in the Round Rarotonga Road Race (RRRR).

At the event Len ‘Polyononamous’ Edwards of the Hash handed over a cheque for $608 to Te Vaerua physiotherapist Rebecca Washbourn.

Hash House Harriers volunteered to donate $2 for every kilometre run by any Hash member. The $608 dollar donation means that between them Hash runners covered 304km.

“I’m overwhelmed by the support given by the hashers to Te Vaerua,” said Washbourn. “It’s great to see that the rehabilitation service is so valued by the community.”

Monday’s Hash run is part of a week of events which includes last night’s Round the Rock Relay and today’s Nutters Run, which takes runners on a 9km course up and over the cross island track.

• Nerys Case

Lawn bowls manager Ana Kairua wasn’t too sure at first what she was getting herself into but she soon cracked a smile for the friendly rose petal Indian greeters. 10092851

National netball player Poomai Matapo embraces the thrill of being showered with rose petals early Tuesday morning at the newly built Delhi International Airport wing. 10092850

Team Cook Islands was welcomed to Delhi in a shower of rose petals on their arrival early Tuesday morning.

The team touched down in Delhi after a 15 hour flight from Auckland where stewards on the charted Air India aircraft tended to the athletes and officials every need.

In fact, the team was served up supper while the aircraft was still stationary on the Auckland tarmac and the food never stopped coming through the long trip to India.

Team Cook Islands was joined by the Tonga, Samoa, Niue and Tokelau Commonwealth Games team.

Once on the ground in Delhi, the team received a warm welcome that reminded them of home.

There was a welcome with flowers as the Indians showered the team with rose petals. This brought a number of reactions from team members – from giggles of delight to nervous apprehension.

In the end everyone agreed it was a wonderful welcome to Delhi.

But rose petals soon changed to armed guards as the team proceeded through immigration.

Armed and unarmed guards did little to dampen the teams thrill at being in Delhi as some excitedly posed for photos with the friendly security staff.

More armed security greeted the team as they boarded their bus with its own armed army personnel to provide extra security en route to the Games Village.

After a smooth journey from Rarotonga to Auckland and then on to Delhi – the 45 minute bus ride to the games village at 5am was a whole new experience.

A motorcycle carrying two security guards escorted Team Cook Islands bus to the village with another jeep carrying four security men, of which two were armed, followed alongside the bus – and all this in a shrill of police sirens and honking horns.

There were a number of near collisions between the teams’ bus and motorists trying to cross the lane reserved only for Commonwealth Games busses.

A heavy moving truck and a little three wheeled tuk-tuk had the team in stitches – mainly because the vehicles had no headlights on the busy 5am Delhi highways.

But the serious security check at the entrance of the Games Village was no laughing matter as bags were scanned and individuals pattered down.

One more short mini bus ride through the village and the team reached Tower 10 –home for the next three weeks.

Although rough in construction Tower 10 has received the tick from Team Cook Islands.

Athletes and officials spent their first day on the ground in Delhi resting after the long journey and getting familiar with the sprawling Games which is begging to have a festive feel as more athletes poor into Delhi to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

After resting – athletes will get their bodies and mind back into competition mode ahead of the opening ceremony on October 3 and the first day of competitions the next day.

What’s all the fuss about?

This is a common phrase at the Team Cook Islands camp in Tower 10 of the Commonwealth Games Village – a village that will house over 7000 athletes and officials for the games.

The comment is directed at the negative international media hype that has overshadowed the lead up to the Commonwealth Games – especially the Games Village apparent ‘inhabitable’ state and security issues.

The ever present armed security force certainly adds to the ‘peace of mind’ of the team but even then – there seems to be a calm buzz about the Games Village.

With the Games Village, at least Team Cook Islands camp, given the tick – it’s now on to the business of representing the nation.

Sure there’s signs of sloppy workmanship at every corner of the building and some areas would never have passed a basic building assessment – but it’s far from ‘unliveable’ as it was branded.

And Team New Zealand certainly deserves a pat on the back for raising the issues and getting ‘the house’ in order for all teams – the rest was just sensationalised.

It was the boot in the bottom they needed to get things moving along – something a bit like what the Cooks got before the Pacific Mini Games came together.

“It’s not at all like what was reported before we came,” national netballer Curly George said.

“I mean you read and see all the news and then to actually be here – it’s not like what we read and saw.

“The guards and their guns are all visible and it’s good to know they are there but there are no fears – I feel safe.

“So now we can get on and do what we came here to do – play our sport and represent our country.” Team Cook Islands also has the added ‘sense of security’ thanks to the fact that big brother New Zealand is housed in Tower 17 right across from Tower 10 and will be looked after by seven New Zealand police officers acting as security.

They will also provide extra security for Tokelau and Niue athletes who are also housed in Tower 10.

And after the teams’ first early morning frisking on arrival by guards – athletes are more aware of the dos and don’ts while preparing to go through security.

• Matariki Wilson

Motor Centre Umpire Sabu Matapo and Oliver Syme in action during the Turtles Domestic League. 10092806

Cricket umpire education is about to mark an achievement at the upcoming CI Cricket Level l Umpires course.

For the first time local qualified umpires will be acting as umpire educators.

Tererima Williams and Oliver Syme will be accrediting players from both men’s and women’s teams through the basics and some of the finer aspects of the rules of cricket.

With the course scheduled for 5pm this Friday at Raviz, it is CI Cricket’s expectation for each men’s team to send four and each women’s team to send three players who have not already attained an umpiring qualification. For more information contact CI Cricket on 20744.

• CICA

Today’s first match will take place between Matavera and Takuvaine in the Under 17 Round Cup competition at the CIFA complex in Matavera.

Matavera showed dominance in their last match against Tupapa and with no doubt look to extend the same courtesy to Takuvaine.

Tupapa will face Titikaveka in the second match and both teams are looking forward to the challenge.

Titikaveka is currently sitting second on the points table and will look to dominate Tupapa will ball possession and place the ball at the back of the net.

There is no question that Tupapa will seize the opportunity to rectify their performance from their last match against Matavera by gaining a victory against Titikaveka who remain unbeaten.

Draw for today (September 29) at the CIFA complex: 4:15pm, Matavera vs. Takuvaine, ref: Lai Gukisuva, assist refs: Tino Napa and Junior Arioka; 5:20pm, Tupapa vs. Titikaveka, ref: Tutai Taurarii, assist refs: Travel Nootai and Anaberth Tetauru; Bye – Nikao Sokattak.

• CIFA Media

Cricket is a sport full of surprises and the Edgewater women’s mid week third round match between Matavera Hot IIIs and Muri 1 was no exception.

Batting first Muri scored an impressive 86 runs (Ngarangi Napa 37 no) from their 14 overs. Matavera were in hot pursuit with Amelia Moetaua causing all sorts of problems for Muri as she smashed 36 runs. The Muri bowlers were doing well, picking up consistent wickets at the other end driving the game to a cliff hanger.

With nine balls left, no wickets in hand and only needing one run for victory a touch of brilliant fielding from Muri saw captain Trainee Tinorei run out just centimetres short of her crease ending the hard fought game in a draw.

In Turangi Davana Womens 2 side were fighting it out with Turangi 1 as they set out to chase down the 86 runs set by Turangi (Ina Willy 23). Tight bowling from Ina Willy, Grace Ngarua and Margerat Tuaputa and great team fielding made it exceptionally tough work for Davana as the side fell 50 runs short.

Flying high going into the round unbeaten, the impressive Air Raro side were handed their first loss of the season by Turangi 2 (Rupe Piakura, 32 runs) as they chased Air Raro’s modest 78 (Petua Meti, 23 runs) with only one wicket down.

The Davana 2 side headed to Muri to take on Muri 2. Batting first Davana scored 69 runs (Maraeura Peyroux, 24 runs), however, Muri were equal to the challenge taking the win.

In the Edgewater Western league Tupapa made quick work of the enthusiastic Top Cops side, with Tina arresting Top Cops batting taking 3 wickets. Requiring only eight runs to win Tupapa got the total in the first over.

• CICA

CISNOC president Sir Geoffrey Henry (middle) and chef de mission George George (right) face the Cook Islands flag as it is hoisted in the Games Villages. 10092881

Tears of pride rolled down the faces of Cook Islands athletes as the national flag was raised in a special ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.

It’s tradition for each arriving sporting team to have their nation’s flag raised, signalling to other teams they have taken up the challenge.

It was the event that really drove home to the team that they were in India – half a world away from our beautiful island home.

Upon arrival at the flag-raising venue within the Games Village, each athlete and official was welcomed with traditional Indian scarf – which complemented the head ei wearing team very well.

A ‘flag team’ ceremoniously marched the Cook Islands flag to the pole along with that of Brunei whose athletes had also arrived in the village on Tuesday.

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) president Sir Geoffrey Henry and Team Cook Islands chef de mission George George joined the games mayor for the ceremony, in which the Cook Islands national anthem was sung with such passion that tears rolled from the eyes of athletes while photographers lapped up the scene.

After the flag was raised, a replica of the Queen’s Baton was presented to Sir Geoffrey who, along with George George, presented a replica model of a traditional Cook Islands drum or pate.

A stunning showcase of Indian culture followed with dramatic and eye opening dance and costume mesmerising onlookers.

The young Indian performers came from local schools in India and were more than thrilled to pose for photos with the team.

Unfortunately the lawn bowls could only stay for the official flag raising before taking to the Jawarhalal Stadium for their first roll up.

The boxers were committed to a boxing training schedule and missed the ceremony but they will, like the rest of the team, know that the flag is up meaning the war is on!

Stories, photos – page 12

Seb (Sebalicious) Maher of Avatiu-Nikao leaps into action. 10092214

Arorangi’s Daniel Webb not only scored half a century with the bat (55 runs in the end) but he also worked his magic with the ball when he collected seven wickets for 13 runs against Muri on Saturday. 10092201

Swing ’n’ a miss! A Tupapa player misjudges the speed of an Avatiu-Nikao ball. 10092217

Batting first, last year’s top four cricket winners the Arorangi Red Backs took on last season’s round robin winners Muri in what most expected to be the battle of the weekend.

Arorangi’s opening batter Daniel Webb provided the stability for his team as he batted out the innings scoring 55 not out to take the Arorangi total through to a modest 170.

Muri’s batting line-up would have backed themselves to achieve that total with many of their batters in great recent form.

However, superb bowling from Webb made the task impossible for Muri as he collected seven wickets for 13 runs including a hat-trick to see Muri all out for 83.

The win means going into round five Arorangi are unbeaten and at the top of the Computer Man table.

Matavera’s run of unbeaten matches ended in Matavera against a strong Turangi side led by Vane Tangimetua who scored 100 runs to take the teams total to the highest recorded for the season – 218 runs.

Not even a great bowling spell from Moni Uini (3 wickets for 21 runs) could restrict the free scoring Turangi side.

Matavera, renowned for their strong batting line up of hitters, came undone despite a good opening stand of 33 between Koria Patia and Willy Tommy.

Once departed the Matavera batting side could only manage another 23 runs between them succumbing at 56 all out.

ANZ Avatiu-Nikao’s improved form continued into round four by beating the strong Tupapa side by eight wickets.

Dean Head led the way by taking four wickets for 15 runs.

Davana All-Stars beat Turamatuitui Tupapa by 28 runs to take them to fifth on the Computer Man table while Takuvaine beat the Titikaveka Titans, collecting their first points for the season.

• CICA

Stand-out Matavera women’s cricket player 17-year-old Bene Matapo scored 65 runs not out against Turangi on Saturday and also proved to be a dab hand with the ball. 10092202

A mama batter from Turangi lunges forward to strike the ball. 10092211

In the season first cricket double header at the weekend, the Arorangi women’s cricket team took to the field for the first time to play Muri.

Batting first Muri lost wickets consistently as Arorangi bowler Diana Tamaiva took three wickets to keep the Muri total to a modest 42.

Muri would have felt a comeback was on as they collected two early Arorangi wickets however a fight back by all rounder Tamaiva gave Arorangi the win in the sixth over.

In Matavera, Turangi got underway positively picking up an early wicket however 17-year-olds Bene Matapo (65 not out) and Amelia Moetaua (44 not out) put on a tremendous display of ability and concentration as the pair batted the entire innings taking their teams total to a commendable 140.

Turangis batters were not to be outdone as the Grace girls – Grace Rea (38) and Grace Ngarua (35) put on a great display of clean hitting to take the game to an intense ending however they fell nine pain-staking runs short.

The weekend’s results puts the Arorangi women’s team at the top of the Edgewater table on net run rate closely followed by ANZ Avatiu Nikao.

This will make for interesting watching as the two meet this weekend at the home of the Red Backs.

Meanwhile, action is heating up in the midweek Thursday women’s competition.

ANZ Chickadees took to the field to take on Toru Mateariki’s developing Takuvaine side in the western league of the Edgewater women’s competition last Thursday.

Batting first ANZ posted 87 runs but Takuvaine won the match in the ninth over taking Takuvaine to fourth on the table.

Top of the western Edgewater table Avatiu Nikao took on the law but the law did not win as the enthusiastic Cook Islands Police team posted 19 runs which was chased down by Avatiu within two overs.

Arorangi sister teams one and two played in high spirits with Arorangi One beating their club mates by five wickets.

In the Edgewater eastern league, unbeaten Air Raro took on Muri One at Muri.

Home advantage did not provide favour for Muri as Air Raro scored an imposing 92 runs, in a great fight back Muri came close falling only 13 runs short. Batting first Turangi Two amassed 131 runs and as such handed them a comfortable win over their Muri Two opponents who managed 92 runs all out. Turangi One shared in their club mates good fortune as they managed to beat the aspiring Davana One team by 36 runs. Matavera Hot III’s hosted Davana Two who batted first and posted a respectable 73 runs, Matavera’s strong batting line up had no problems achieving the total winning with the loss of only one wicket.

In tonight’s eastern Edgewater league second placed Air Raro take on third placed Turangi Two and first placed Matavera Hot III’s take on fourth placed Muri at Matavera. Muri host Davana 1 as both teams look to secure their first points and last placed Davana 2 take on fifth placed Turangi One in Turangi.

Takuvaine take on first placed Avatiu Nikao, Top Cops take on third ranked Tupapa One. ANZ Chickadees and Arorangi Two will be looking to secure their first points as they take on each other and second placed Arorangi One take on the new Tupapa Two side.

Due to a death in the village of Tupapa, teams in the Western league are advised to contact Alister Stevic on 20744 or 55740 for venue confirmation.

• MW/CICA

National netballers Luciana Matenga, Curly George and netball president PJ Hockin thank Air Raro chief pilot Munro Hockin (far left) and managing director Ewan Smith for the company’s support of netball. 10092206

Locally based national netballers Curly George and Luciana Matenga made special visits this week to their code’s sponsors to show their gratitude for the support given to them.

The pair donned their playing uniforms for the Delhi Commonwealth Games, which starts early next month, and headed to the Air Rarotonga hangar to say meitaki maata to the airline which stepped up at the last minute to sponsor the uniforms.

Netball manager Lynette Hagai said she called Air Rarotonga out of the blue and they were ready and willing to help the code.

Matenga also joined Hagai and netball president PJ Hockin to personally thank Motor Centre for coming to the party and helping complete the girl’s kit with drink bottles, socks and other bits and pieces.

Motor Centre’s Kim Mulholland was pleasantly surprised to see the netball ladies who had made the special trip to thank him and his team personally.

The netball team would also like to thank the staff and manager of Vonnia’s for their continuous support of the sport.

Netball, to be staged at the Thyagar Sports Complex, will be contested by 12 teams that have been drawn into two pools.

The Cooks have been drawn in Pool B along with New Zealand, Barbados, South Africa, England and Papua New Guinea.

Pool A includes Australia, Jamaica, Malawi, Trinidad and Tobago, Samoa and India.

Each pool will play a round robin and the top four from each pool will go on to play for gold, silver, bronze and fourth place.

The Cook Islands head into the Commonwealth Games ranked 10th in the world and the teams aim is to lift the codes international ranking.

The netball team to the Commonwealth Games are: Poomaikelani Matapo, Eleanor Taputu-Crombie, Luciana Matenga, Melissa Pittman, Celeste Brunton, Holly Solomona, Ritua Ali’iva’a, Paula Te Huna, Curly George, Patricia (Patty) Te Huna, Noeline Davida, Ngatokorua Ellis Tuitupou, Lynette Alison Hagai (team official), Patricia Jean (PJ) Hockin (team official), Ngatokoa Gifford (coach/team official) and Gareth Kenneth Rapson (team official).

• Matariki Wilson

The Matavera Sunday School have a golf Ambrose fundraiser tomorrow at 4pm at the Rarotonga Golf Club.

The fundraiser is in aid of the Matavera Sunday School community’s trip to visit the CICC churches in Auckland.

The trip will also be an opportunity for the students of the Matavera Sunday school to have some fun visiting the various theme parks in Auckland.

It’s also an educational trip for the students as some of the children have never flown on an aircraft before and this will be an experience of a lifetime for them all.

The Matavera community has been fundraising since January to cover the cost of their trip.

While in New Zealand the group will be hosted by the Iti Tangata Matavera group.

The team would like to acknowledge and thank Air New Zealand for contributing two travel vouchers as prizes for Friday’s golf Ambrose where some other awesome prizes will be up for grabs.

The group, made up of around 60 people, will depart Rarotonga on December and return on January 3.

The team would like to thank everyone who has supported them during their various fundraising efforts from members of the community to members of parliament and the leaders of the Matavera CICC community and CICC general secretary Nga Mataio.

See you all at Friday’s golf Ambrose fundraising at the Rarotonga Golf Club in Nikao at 4pm.

• Matariki Wilson

Aitutaki track athlete Tiraa Arere has pulled out of Team Cook Islands to the Delhi Commonwealth Games opting to work and look after his family. 10092223

Team Cook Islands to the Delhi Commonwealth Games has lost one member and are awaiting the confirmation of visas for another two.

Aitutaki track athlete Tiraa Arere has pulled out of the games choosing his job over travelling to India to represent the country.

His decision to choose work in order to feed his family was fully understood by Team Cook Islands management, however, the late announcement was a sore point with both chef de mission George George and team manager George Hosking.

It is understood that Arere is one of the labourers on Aitutaki working on the reconstruction of homes on the island that suffered huge damage after cyclone Pat in January.

It is also understood that the young athlete was told that if he chose to go to India – he wouldn’t have a job on his return.

This leaves 17-year-old Patricia Taea as the solo track athlete in Team Cook Islands.

Boxers Mathew Titoa and Arama Jubilee are facing eligibility issues three days out from Team Cook Islands departure to India.

Boxing manager Navy Epati explained that Titoa, of Samoan decent, and Jubilee who is of Tahitian decent, need to prove that they live in the Cook Islands in order to receive a visa into Delhi.

The athlete eligibility criteria states that all athletes competing at the Commonwealth Games must be citizens of the Commonwealth country they are representing.

But Epati is confident that he will be able to iron out the issue and get his boys their visa to represent the country in Delhi.

Remaining codes – lawn bowls, netball, tennis and weightlifting are all accredited and ready to compete in Delhi.

• Matariki Wilson

Lucky Topetai on the island of Pukapuka with some of the islands talented young up-and -coming cricketers. 10092218

The pool of talented young cricketers on Pukapuka, and across the outer islands for that matter, is being strengthened.

In July, Telecom High Performance player Lucky Topetai, returned to his home island where he signed up to deliver the ANZ In Schools Cricket programme at Niua School.

Not only are kids five to 16-years-old at the school benefiting from Topetai’s passion for cricket – he’s also helping the cricket teams to prepare for their upcoming season.

The island’s three villages each boast a men’s and women’s team.

This makes for festive weekly cricket matches on the island – as only Pukapukan cricketers know how!

The islands also received a big boost with the addition of a new artificial mat to go with their clay wicket – believed to be the only clay wicket in the Cooks.

The mats were sent to Pukapuka by the principal of Tauhunu School on Manihiki, Retire Puapii.

Puapii is the former president of the Aitutaki Cricket Association.

In fact, cricket is ‘booming’ across the outer islands is thanks to the ANZ In Schools Cricket programme.

The programme is aimed at kids aged five to 18-years-old ensuring a bright future for the game.

Schools on Pukapuka, Manihiki, Penrhyn, Rakahanga, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro, Palmerston and Mangaia have signed up for the programme.

Each school on the outer islands has signed up to teach cricket in the schools for five weeks.

Earlier this year, Cook Islands Cricket sent junior cricket equipment to the schools on these islands and followed up with visits to the southern group islands by cricket officials.

CICA general manager Alister Stevic, development manager Shane Thompson and development officer Koria Patia visited schools on the islands and helped spread the word about the greatest game in the world – cricket!

Now, kids from far north Penrhyn to down south Mangaia are chanting – “On your markees! Get your car keys! Go Boomtown!”

More cricket, photos – pages 11 and 12.

• Matariki Wilson

Avatiu rugby player Bilsy Gukisuva has been handed a 26 playing week ban from the game by a three man judicial panel.

During the grand final on Saturday between the Avatiu Eels and Arorangi Cowboys, Gukisuva was cited for punching Arorangi player Emile Mamanu who required 18 stitches to his face from the punch.

The Eels number eight was red carded by the referee and faced the judiciary yesterday.

This means Gukisuva will miss out on the remaining rugby programme this year that includes the hugely popular International Sevens Tournament and a large chunk of the 22 week rugby season in 2011.

• Matariki Wilson

The Takuvaine soccer club will host their neighbours Avatiu today at the valley.

Draw for today at the Takuvaine field: Takuvaine vs. Avatiu, 4.15pm Under 14 Boys, ref: Junior Arioka, assist refs: Mosman Baker and Mary Tou; 5pm Senior Women’s, ref: Tutai Taurarii, assist refs: Robert Savage and Junior Arioka

Draw for Friday, Sept 24 at the Takuvaine Field: 4.15pm, Under 15 Girls, ref: Junior Arioka assist refs: Mosman Baker and Tutai Taurarii; 5pm Premier Men’s, ref: Maara Kaukura, assist refs: Tutai Taurarii and Thomas Nganu.

• CIFA Media

Head to the Telecom Sports Arena this evening for volleyball action aplenty. 10072658

Vonnia’s corporate 6 on 6 volleyball league team Turtle Diggz was the only squad to score over 100 points last Friday.

The team scored 115 points against Te Aponga Sparkz who managed to smash across 61 points.

The huge score has helped Turtle Diggz secure a 2nd place ranking.

But there’s no more time to mull over the ‘what ifs’ of games as the competition heads into the knock out round this evening at the Telecom Sports Arena.

Teams have been allocated into three pools for the knock out competition based on the numbers of wins, losses and draws per team.

Although this is now the knock out round – teams that lose their knock out round 1 and 2 games will still get the opportunity to play while winners move on to play other winners.

Round 7 results – French Connection 67 vs Manea Foods Boom 84, Top Kopz 62 vs Edgewater Spikes and Tykes 79, Sparklings 75 vs BCI Be Cool like Ice 85, Pacific Divers Airbourne 70 vs Smashing T 78, RMD Spikers (1) 67 vs Manea Foods Jumbo 83, Airport Jetz 96 vs Turtles Fani Totoys 68, CITC Smackdown 87 vs Vonnia’s Vikings 67, Stingers 63 vs Te Vara Nui 88, Telecom 87 vs RMD Spikers (2) 67, Te Aponga Sparkz 61 vs Turtles Diggz 115, Killer B’s 75 vs Maungaroa Heights 76, Airport Flyers 87 vs Westpac No Pacz 72.

The following are the knockout pool teams – (Pool A) 1st CITC Smackdown, 2nd Turtles Diggz, 3rd Te Vara Nui, 4th Stingers, 5th Airport Jetz, 6th BCI Be Cool like Ice, 7th Vonnia’s Vikings, 8th Maungaroa Heights (Pool B) – 1st Smashing T, 2nd Manea Foods Jumbo, 3rd Edgewater Spikes & Tykes, 4th RMD Spikers (2), 5th Killer B’s, 6th Telecom, 7th Top Kopz, 8th French Connection, (Pool C) – 1st Sparklings, 2nd Airport High Flyers, 3rd Pacific Divers Airbourne, 4th RMD Spikers (1), 5th Turtle Fani Totoys, 6th Manea Foods Boom, 7th Te Aponga Sparkz, 8th Westpac No Pacz.

During the games this evening, team coordinators will be asked to pick a name of a country at random.

The reason for this is that the Vonnia’s mixed 6 on 6 corporate League prize giving will be held on Friday October 15 and we are encouraging teams to represent the country that they draw ‘out of the hat’ whichever way they like, there will be a team prize for the best country represented team.

Tonight’s draw – (knockout round 1) 5.00pm Crt (1) Sparklings vs Westpac No Pacz Boom (Duty: Te Aponga Sparkz ), Crt (2) Turtles Fani Totoys vs RMD Spikers (1) (Duty: Airport Flyers), Crt (3) Pacific Divers Airbourne vs Manea Foods Boom (Duty: Smashing T), 6.00pm Crt (1) Te Aponga Sparkz vs Airport High Flyers (Duty: Sparklings), Crt (2) Smashing T vs French Connection (Duty: Westpac No Pacz ), Crt (3) Killer B’s vs RMD Spikers (2) (Duty: RMD Spikers (1), 7.00pm Crt (1) Edgewater Spikes and Tykes vs Telecom (Duty: Airport Jetz), Crt (2) Top Kopz vs Manea Foods Jumbo (Duty:Te Vara Nui), Crt (3) CITC Smackdown vs Maungaroa Heights (Duty: Stingers), 8.00pm Crt (1) Airport Jetz vs Stingers (Duty: CITC Smackdown ), Crt (2) Te Vara Nui vs BCI Be Cool like Ice (Duty: Edgewater Spikes and Tykes), Crt (3) Vonnia’s Vikings vs Turtle Diggz (Duty: Telecom)

• Matariki Wilson

Tupou Patia and Terry Piri ready for the OFC Women’s Nations Cup. 10092312

Soccer referees Tupou Patia and Terry Piri have been selected to officiate in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup to be held in Auckland, New Zealand, kicking off on September 29 and finishing on October 8.

For Terry Piri this will be his first international exposure as a soccer official – he has his sights set on a learning experience at this tournament.

Patia is no stranger to national exposure – she has already represented the Cook Islands as an official at the OFC Women’s Under 20 and the OFC Women’s Under 17 tournaments which both took place earlier this year in Auckland.

Their hard work has booked them a ticket to showcase their ability of officiating in the game of football and why not at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup Tournament.

Tupou will officiate as a referee and Terry as an assistant referee.

Tupou and Terry are due to depart tomorrow morning for the week long event.

• CIFA Media

Arorangi faced their first challenge for the 2010 season against Takuvaine on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

Takuvaine were seeking revenge after going down to Arorangi the previous week in the Saturday competition.

Arorangi batted first in the 20/20 match and managed to score runs consistently.

Tom Vea was welcomed back into the team after returning from rugby and made a powerful impact with his big hitting.

Vea finished with 44 and was supported by Ronnie Forbes with 23.

Matangi collected 3 wickets for Takuvaine.

Arorangi managed to score 136 runs for 7 wickets off their 20 overs.

The next day was Takuvaine’s turn at the crease.

Struggling early on with the loss of early wickets, they needed a good middle order to pull them through.

Mata Tipoki was the man for the job by getting 19, but this wasn’t enough to reach the total and Takuvaine were all out for 99.

Kiri was powerful with the ball and collected himself a 5 wicket bag for 20 runs, supported by team mates Tom Vea and Danny Webb with 2 wickets each.

The Cookie Cup remains in the Arorangi trophy cabinet.

• Howzat!

As the 2010 Rarotonga Soccer Round Cup competition continues today, Takuvaine will host Avatiu at the Takuvaine field.

The Under 14 boys kick off their game at 4.15pm followed by the Premier Men’s match at 5pm. Avatiu disposed of Arorangi last weekend and will look forward to doing the same to Takuvaine, however Takuvaine will no doubt make Avatiu work hard for a win as they will look to win on their first match. Tomorrow’s much awaited match of the season will see Nikao play Tupapa at Nikao.

- CIFA Media

Draw for today

4.15pm Under 15 Girls, Ref: Junior Arioka, Assist Refs: Mosman Baker and Tutai Taurarii

5.00pm Premier Men’s, Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist Refs: Tutai Taurarii and Thomas Nganu

Saturday 25 September draw Nikao vs Tupapa

1.30pm Under 15 Girls, Ref: Supi Arioka, Assist Refs: Eric Katoa and Paavo Mustonen

2.15pm Under 14 Boys, Ref: Supi Arioka, Assist Refs: Eric Katoa and Mosman Baker

3.00pm Senior Women’s, Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist Refs: Mosman Baker and Mary Tou

4.30pm Premier Men’s, Ref: John Pareanga, Assist Refs: Melanie Wilson and Maara Kaukura

Saturday 25 September draw Matavera vs Titikaveka

2.15pm Under 14 Boys, Ref: Tutai Taurarii, Assist Refs: Michael Murare and Gifford Enoka

3.00pm Senior Women’s, Ref: Tutai Taurarii, Assist Refs: Travel Nootai and Tino Napa

4.30pm,Premier Men’s, Ref: Robert Savage, Assist Refs: Tutai Taurarii and Tino Napa

ARORANGI BYE

The Cook Islands national women’s soccer squad. More football reports, page 10. 10092305

The Cook Islands national women’s soccer squad left for Auckland yesterday to compete in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup.

The tournament kicks off on September 29 at the North Harbour Stadium and will conclude in a final on October 8 to see who will win through to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany 2011.

The Cook Islands national squad has been preparing since July with tactical games and endurance and fitness training before heading to Auckland. The Aitutaki based players joined the Rarotonga based players on Monday and went straight into game mode against the CIFA Academy Boys as part of the preparations.

They will join the New Zealand based players upon arrival in Auckland where they will head to their accommodation for the week long tournament. There is no rest for the women’s squad as they have been scheduled to play a friendly match against the Three Kings United Women’s team on Sunday (NZT).

Cook Islands will meet Tahiti in their opening match and look forward to the challenge. They will meet defending champions New Zealand in their second match and will face Vanuatu in the third match. The top two teams in each group will then progress to the semi finals.

• CIFA

National track athlete Patricia Taea (front) has won a gold medal at the Oceania Area Championships in Cairns, Australia with a 37.17m javelin throw and will compete in her preferred discipline, the 100m, today. 10092327

The Cook Islands’ sole track athlete taking part in the Delhi Commonwealth Games, Patricia Taea, has bagged a gold medal at the Oceania Area Championship in Cairns, Australia, this week.

The 17-year-old won gold in the women’s under 20 javelin with a distance of 37.17m.

Although this is reportedly not Taea’s personal best throw, it was enough for the ultimate prize.

The Titikaveka College student was also the flag bearer for the Cook Islands team at the Cairns meet.

Taea is in Cairns with Aitutaki athletes Pi David, Daniel Tutai and Ruruia David.

Pi David raced in the 100m sprints and placed fifth overall with a time of 12.40 seconds.

Ruruia David was scheduled to race in the 200m yesterday and the 100m sprints today.

Taea will also race in her preferred discipline, the 100m sprints, today –the same discipline she will race in at the Delhi Commonwealth Games.

Tutai will compete in the under 20 men’s javelin today.

The competition is due to wrap up over the weekend with the team scheduled to arrive back home on Saturday night, while Taea will be met in Auckland by Team Cook Islands on their way to Delhi.

• Matariki Wilson

Today’s main match in the Lotto Premier men’s soccer competition is between Nikao Sokattak and Tupapa at the Nikao grounds.

Both teams are undefeated in this round so this match should decide the competition leader.

This match is the clash of the titans in the Rarotonga round cup competition.

Tupapa was last year’s knockout winner, beating Nikao Sokattak by 1-0, while Nikao was the overall club champions in the last two seasons – so this game will be a nail-biting encounter. Both teams are evenly matched in all departments, except Nikao was struggling a little in their last two games against an improved Avatiu side two weeks ago and the Titikaveka outfit last weekend. On the other hand, the town boys of Tupapa are generally consistent in their game plan with the fielding of their usual soccer players and are consistent on the score board at the start of the season.

Players to watch in the Tupapa outfit are Eugene Tatuava, Roger Manuel and Grover Harmon in the mids, and Mii Joseph and Eddie Brogan at the back. Campbell Best and Paavo Mustonen upfront will give the Nikao boys a run for their money.

In the Nikao Sokattak line-up, players to watch for are Tuka Tisam, Steve Cuthers, James Nan, and Anonga Tisam in the mids, Don Tare and Teariki upfront, and Steve Willis, Andromen and Nathan Tisam at the back.

It will be the playmakers that will make the difference in this game. The battle of goalkeeping is also interesting. For Tupapa, Remi Warring has come of age and will be able to stop Nikao attacks as he did so many times before, while Romeo Keu (if he is available) should guide his players from the back for a win.

In the Senior Women’s match, both teams will be missing valuable players this weekend due to the OFC qualifier in Auckland so it will be trying time for both. This year, Nikao Women finally came out their men’s shadow to show some good soccer skills and will definitely put a lot of pressure on the Tupapa women. All players are well matched in all departments in this game, but whoever scores first could come out winner of this game this afternoon. To all those soccer fans out there, Nikao field is the place to be this afternoon to watch the world game. In today’s other match Matavera will host Titikaveka at the Matavera field. Good Luck to all teams.

• Striker

Local runners Jennie George and Stephen Whitta brake out their best smiles at Thursday afternoon’s fun run. 10092403

Runners and walkers taking part in today’s Round Rarotonga Road Race gathered on Thursday night for the first event of the week of running – the 5km fun run.

This was held at the Edgewater Resort and Spa and was a good opportunity for runners to check out their competition.

The fun meet and greet event included a 5km run around the village of Arorangi before more socialising was held back at the Edgewater.

Today, by the time you have your morning coffee and read the newspaper – a good number of Round Raro Road Race runners would have crossed the finish line.

The race was scheduled to start at 5.30am today from the main road in front of the Punanga Nui market and finish at the back of the market.

The 10km run will begin from Muri at 7.30am and finish at the market.

So take your coffee out to the main road and cheer on the runners.

The week of running will continue with the Hash Birthday run on Monday at 5.30pm from the Edgwater Resort and Spa carpark followed by the Round the Rock Relay on Tuesday from the resort.

Wednesday will see the cross island run that will start from the Wigmore’s waterfalls and finishing at the Avatiu harbour.

• Matariki Wilson

The unbeaten Arorangi cricket team faces stiff competition from third-placed ANZ Avatiu Nikao today as the two faceoff at Raemaru Park.

Red Backs skipper Apii Mamanu will be looking for fine form from his in-form bowlers Henry ‘Gazza’ Geary and Kiri Yeutu if they are to trouble key ANZ Avatiu Batters Dean Head, Hamish Weir and father son duo Chris and Tom ‘Wickets’ Wicks.

A win would push ANZ Avatiu into top of the table contention while a win for the Red Backs would see them clear of the rest of the field.

Davana All Stars continued good form will need to be carried into today’s match if Ata Emile’s young side are to cause trouble for the inform Turangi brothers Sepa and Vane Tangimetua who occupy first and second place respectively on the Computer Man batting table.

Ata Emile will look to his Computer Man third leading run scorer and Telecom high performance player Matt Beasley to provide stability to their batting innings.

After being knocked off the top spot last week Matavera will be looking to regain their number one spot with a strong win against the Titikaveka Titans.

Despite yet registering a point the youthful Titikaveka Titans grow in strength with each week and will not be taken lightly.

Two of last season’s heavyweights Muri and Tupapa have been slow out of the box this year and are both keen to register points in their clash at Victoria Park today. While Terry Williams Takuvaine side will be going all out to collect 4 points from the flamboyant Tupapa Panthers (2) side in the Valley.

Meanwhile in the women’s competition today – plenty of action is expected.

With all but one team (Muri) recording a win in their first two rounds of Edgewater Women’s Saturday cricket the results of today’s games will settle out the table.

Dianna Tamaivas’ top of table (by run rate) Arorangi women side host Matariki Wilson’s second placed ANZ Avatiu Nikao while Punanga Kaveao Muri side are hunting for their first points against forth placed Matavera lead by Trainee Tinorei. Turangi have the bye.

• CICA

The Waitaria Wild dozen took Thursday afternoon’s fun run seriously when they turned up in florescent tights and bright coloured plastic ei.

The group of 12 runners and walkers from Waitaria Bay in the Marlborough Sounds are here for a good time running around Rarotonga.

The group, ranging in age from 47 to 70 have been preparing for the trip for more than six months and is led by former New Zealand cross-country and track running representative John Dixon.

Dixon, also a national coach, started up the Kenepuru Sound fitness group which the Waitaria Wild members belong to.

Dixon formed the group three years ago after being approached by a small group of residents who had never done any form of regular exercise.

“Now look here we are running in Rarotonga,” says Dixon.

Members of the fitness group joined for the sake of their health and many had never run before.

As well as the fitness group, Dixon also organises a triathlon in the south island town which he says doubles in number every year.

While none of the group will be running the full 31km race this morning – they will however be walking and running the shorter 10km race from Muri.

And if they dress in their fun run outfits again today – you won’t miss them on our roads!

• Matariki Wilson

Katikati College Boys First XI. 10092602

A strong First XI soccer team from Katikati College, in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand arrived at the weekend for a week long football tour on Rarotonga.

They have scheduled their tour during the New Zealand school holidays.

The Katikati College XI will play three matches on their short visit here in Rarotonga. The first match is against CIFA’s Academy team, their second against the Tupapa Club and their third and final game against Avatiu Club.

A display of talent will be on show from the visiting school team. The Katikati College team is made up of 14 players and three officials.

The team will have a couple of days to recuperate while they enjoy and experience our island before heading back to New Zealand. Match schedule for the Katikati First XI College team are as follows: Monday, September 27 – kick off at 5pm; Game One: Katikati College vs. CIFA U16 Academy at the CIFA Complex in Matavera. Thursday, September 30 kick off at 5pm, Game Two: Katikati College vs. Tupapa FC at Victoria Park. Friday October 1 kick off at 5pm, Game Three: Katikati College vs. Avatiu FC at the Avatiu field.

• CIFA Media

One day of extensive fitness testing and two days of trials ended on Saturday for the 30 aspirants who are chasing the honour of representing the Cook Islands at the Oceania 7s championships to be held on Friday and Saturday, in Darwin Australia.

The trials, which created competitive play for the 12 positions, exposed some exciting prospects that give depth for the future. The selection panel of Ramsey Tomokino, Vase Samania and Damien Beddoes went through TV footage, fitness results and game scenarios, the injury list and strategies for the tournament in arriving at their decision.

The tournament, which includes seven other teams from Oceania, is to be held in hot and humid conditions in the Northern Territory and will be the final warm up for three teams that qualified last November to represent the Oceania region through the November championship held in 2009 in Tahiti.

The squad attended church at Avarua CICC yesterday.

The team of 12 players and four management departing on Tuesday are: Ashley Drake, Ben Enoka, Dexter Moroney, Teina Savage, Kairan Mahia, Adam Vardey (Capt), Nathan Robinson, Tepou Teanini, Jerome Manukete, Francis Takiari, Beau Mokotupu, Messine Manapori. Management: John Wichman, Ramsey Tomokino, LeeVan Santos, Keith Roberts.

• CIRU

Cook Islands Volleyball is pleased to announce that today, Fabio Menta, a professional volleyball coach from Italy, will arrive on the island to help with the development of the sport.

Menta was invited to come to the Cook Islands by CIVA vice president Brendon Heath and his arrival could not have been better timed.

The newly elected volleyball committee has started to look at how they might start planning a strategy to develop volleyball for youth, elite players and social players.

Menta brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge on developing and coaching volleyball. His credentials are very impressive and his networks in the world of volleyball will no doubt be advantageous for CIVA.

Menta is in his late 40s and has been coaching volleyball professionally for a number of years.

His coaching record to date includes 136 wins and 26 losses. He has coached in Italy, Cuba and the Bahamas.

In addition, he himself has played competitive volleyball in the top league in Italy.

He is also an accomplished footballer, sprinter, and long and high jumper.

• Matariki Wilson

A New Zealand-based Cook Islands under 14 rugby league team is arriving this weekend to play a Cook Islands selection in two games next week.

The local side is being organised by Inangaro ‘Love’ Tupuna to play against the visitors.

But it’s not all about rugby league for the NZ Cook Islands team who are looking forward to reconnecting with their Cook Islands roots.

The touring team is coached by Horoe Dion Winiata and the trip has been organised by NZ Cook Islands Rugby League Association president Noora Samuela.

The visiting players are – Onosai Nanai-vai, Winiata, Randolph Feilo, Heathangrant Misini-Pulevaka, Chevez Ellis-Cunningham, Jacob Diaz, Brandon Smith, De’Niro Refiti, Kyle Blunkell, Joseph Hay, Latham Poseseione, Zion Haira-Alataua, Ethan Taylor, Izaac Thompson, Junior Lisione, No’o Burroughs-Maki, Fiatotoa Fiatotoa, Byan Repoama. If you would like to catch up with your long lost family member coming on the tour or want to know more information – contact Love Tupuna or Kevin Iro.

• Matariki Wilson

Hash House Harriers celebrates its 30th birthday this evening.

In conjunction with the Week of Running hash will provide the run from the Edgewater car park in Arorangi.

The theme is “The louder the Better” – dress up and enjoy the festivities.

A full barbecue meal will follow at a small cost of $5.

The run commences at 5.30pm and all runners and walkers are welcome.

Saturday’s front runners Roland Neururer (front) and Greg Gustafson ran toe-to-toe right around the island. 10092507

Former world champion runner Greg Gustafson out-sprinted fellow local runner Roland Neururer on Saturday to take out the 31km Round Rarotonga Road Race – 13 years after he last won the event.

The duo ran toe-to-toe from the start of the race at 5.30am until the very end of the course when a huge sprint battle was seen as the pair rounded into the Punanga Nui market.

Neururer seemed to have the edge as he led the sprint but out of nowhere, Gustafson found renewed energy taking off like a rocket to cross the line first in a time of 2.15.32 followed a painful seven seconds later by Neururer.

Neururer’s time was his personal best for the race.

Ever the sportsman, Neururer bore no grudge against Gustafson who congratulated the local half marathon runner saying, “Roland had a fantastic race and he deserved to win.”

In fact, it had crossed Gustafson’s mind during the mad final sprint that he and Neururer should cross the line together – but he didn’t have the chance to ask Neururer during those last frenzied seconds of racing.

“It was a fantastic race,” gasped Neururer as he ripped into a spiel about his race.

“It was so great to have someone like Greg push you and he pushed me the whole way.”

Gustafson, who is from America and once owned a local fishing charter, is also the current record holder (45 minutes) of the Nutters coast to coast cross island race which to be staged on Wednesday.

He will be taking on the challenge again.

The first part of the race saw UK runner Dexter Haywood with a 400m lead on a chasing pack of four runners which included Neururer, Gustafson, returning Kiwi runner Steve McDonald and Scott Howley.

As the runners headed west Dexter continued to increase his lead on the chasing pack but by Titikaveka, Neururer lead the charge in pulling in Dexter until the chasing pack took the lead.

And by the time the front runners reached Matavera primary school – Neururer and Gustafson had clearly established themselves as the race leader.

Third place getter Scott Musgrave of the USA was also a former winner of the race back in 2001 and set a great time of 2.18.07.

Without her usual road race rival, Vanessa Palmer had little challenge in the women’s division of the race coming home sixth overall and first woman in at the time of 2.29.06 – two minutes behind partner Rhys Woodger who had a fantastic race to place fifth overall.

Second placed woman was Sarah Anderson with a time of 2.42.20 while Harriet Carr ran under the Cook Islands banner to be third woman home in a time of 2.47.12.

Palmer’s usual rival Kelly Pick didn’t race the 31km due to a niggling shin injury that has prevented her from running for five weeks.

But she just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to run and joined the 10km from Muri.

She blitzed the course in a sizzling 43 minutes and seven seconds followed two minutes later by husband and beach volleyball player Brendon Heath.

Twelve-year-old Charles Wicks was the first junior runner across the line in the 10km race crossing the line together with Rob Buick for a share time of 56.33.

Wynton Richards (10) was the youngest runners in the 10km race while 14-year-old Beatrice Rongo was the youngest runner in the 31km race around the island finishing in a credible time of 3.37.39.

Overall it was another fantastic morning of racing on the Rarotonga roads and although the main race is over – the week of running continues with the Hash Birthday today (Monday), Round the Rock Relay tomorrow and the Nutters coast to coast cross island run on Wednesday. - MW

Results, page 11.

Photos, page 9.

Tuka Tisam dribbles the ball towards his Nikao goal as Tupapa’s Eddie Brogan chases him down. 10092503

Goals by Campbell Best and Paavo Mustonen sent Tupapa into ecstasy and plunged Nikao into despair in the Lotto Premier Men’s main match last weekend.

The first half of the game was a fascinating tactical contest with Tupapa dominating ball possession and Nikao looking to counter attack.

Best scored Tupapa’s first goal in the first half, catching Nikao’s keeper Romeo Keu off guard.

In the second half the game opened up to produce some exhilarating and incident packed football which had the crowd on the edge of their “seats”. Nikao scored their one and only goal through a free kick after the Tupapa keeper fumbled the ball for a one all draw.

Just as it looked as if the game was heading for a one all draw Mustonen and Best struck another two goals for Tupapa leaving Nikao no time to respond. Taking everything into account the game of football was unquestionably the winner. Tupapa winning that much awaited match against Nikao by three goals to one.

Results from last weekend: Under 17 Boys, Takuvaine 1 – Tupapa 3, Titikaveka 3 – Nikao 2. Takuvaine vs. Avatiu, Under 14 Boys 0-1; Under 15 Girls 0-0; Senior Women 0-1; Premier Men 1-1. Nikao vs. Tupapa, Under 14 Boys 0-1; Under 15 Girls, 0-2; Senior Women 0-5; Premier Men 1-3. Matavera vs. Titikaveka, Under 14 Boys 0-1; Senior Women 1-4, Premier Men 1-1.

Katikati College on soccer tour, page 9.

• CIFA Media

Saturday’s RRRR winner Greg Gustafson gives 7th place getter and leader for most of Saturday’s race, Dexter Haywood, some good advice about pacing oneself in big races. 10092511

Harriet Carr embraces her daughters after her race. 10092512

Sixty one-year-old Kiwi runner Kevin Clark finishes his race with the champions signal. 10092513

Local girl and Te Vaerua Rehabilitation fundraiser runner Serena Hunter was certainly happy finishing her race on Saturday. 10092523

Fifty eight-year-old Danny Johanson of Australia finishes his 10km race. 10092524

Organisers of the Round Raro Road Race made a couple of errors when compiling the final results of Saturday’s race.

Overall winner Greg Gustafson is actually from the USA, not the Cook Islands as listed. Also Harriet Carr was listed as the second local woman to win, when in fact she is from Wellington, New Zealand,

Therefore Fiona Pekepo is the rightful holder of the second local woman placing.

Organisers said they apologised for the oversight and recognise Pekepo’s second place.

“We appreciate runners put a lot of energy and training into this event, and they all deserve to be placed correctly,” a statement from the organisers said.

Here are more photos from Saturday’s event.

• Martin Tiffany

Fabio Menta. 10092332

Fabio Menta, a professional volleyball coach from Italy, arrived in the country yesterday to help with the development of the sport.

Menta said he is well aware of the challenges he faces in coming to the Cook Islands and acknowledges that coaching volleyball in the Cooks will be very different from what he is used to, but he accepts that in anything we do there must be a starting point.

“A Chinese Philosopher from 650 BC, Lao Tzu, used to say, ‘A trip of a thousand miles, starts with a step!’” Menta said.

While he will initially be in the Cook Islands for three months, CIVA are exploring the possibilities of a long term arrangement to ensure Menta can return and work with Cook Islands Volleyball on a five-year development plan, which will include the outer islands.

For more information about Menta’s visit to the Cook Islands, contact Hugh Graham, secretary general of CIVA on email: hugh_henrygraham@yahoo.com

• Matariki Wilson

The main contingent of the CI Diplomats arrived safe and sound into Sydney on Saturday September25 and met up with those who were already in Australia.

Early on Sunday a group of four braved the Harbour Bridge climb, the hours slogging up hospital hill paying off, while the others made Paddy’s market and the fish market their first port of call prior to the opening parade.

As you can imagine, trying to assemble over 4000 people into a very small assembly area results in few delays, but we had arranged for a group of Sydney based drummers and dancers to add  some local flavour to the parade, so they kept the crowd entertained, supported by members of the Mongoose Cultural team.

The CI contingent of 48 plus the dancers and drummers made a big impact on the parade through the streets of Central Sydney to the Darling Harbour Convention Centre, the venue for the much awaited Welcome Party. Four hours of non-stop top line entertainment! The Diplomats first game was the invitation game against The Gentlemen of Sydney who made a late replacement of Robbie Deans the Wallabies coach for Tony Abbott who had parliamentary duties that day.

What a replacement – he was a magnet, all our players wanting photos taken with him. We struck a slight hiccup with the plan to field a combined Diplomat and Mongoose team for this game.

Unfortunately the Mongoose were playing their first game way over on the other side of Centennial Park, so we roped in a few players from another team to make up our numbers until the Mongoose players arrived.

We had no shortage of volunteers to play when they realised that we were to play against ex-Wallabies and NSW rep players plus Dingo Deans.

Despite the lack any serious training runs, the Diplomats scored first with a try to our Managian Warrior. The opposition soon leveled the score with a good break by Robbie Deans from full-back for the first of his two tries. Despite the Indian playing in his gold shorts – no tackles – he was flattened by 6’4” of Warrick Waugh.

When asked if he was colour blind, he said with a big grin on his face: “How do you expect me to see coloured shorts way down there’ pointing to below his knees.”

The match referee, none other than Stu Dickinson Aussie top referee, gave him a yellow card, which turned out to be an invitation to the bar for a drink.  No wonder our players were lining themselves up for the same ‘penalty’.

The Mongoose impact players made their mark with Tok taking charge from half-back combining well with Jesse leading to  tries.

After the game the players were invited to the ‘Corporate Box’  a few drinks with the Gentlemen of Sydney.

• Indian

Former NZ cricket players are to assist with the development of female cricketers in the Cook Islands.

Earlier this week the general manager for CI Cricket, Alister Stevic, announced that they had two respected ex NZ cricketers in Catherine Campbell and Delwyn Costello set to run an exciting women’s Telecom high performance training session next week.

Stevic said that the standard of and passion for women’s cricket continues to grow in strength and CI Cricket looks forward to its member clubs taking advantage of this opportunity to develop their teams’ ability from players who have been at the very top of women’s cricket internationally”.

The Telecom HP session will be held on Tuesday October 5 at the Nikao Field or Princess Anne Hall if raining – thank you to Alan Syme and Tereora College for their support of women’s cricket.

• CICA

On your marks! The Prince of Wales trophy will be back up for grabs on Wednesday, October 6 when kids from around Rarotonga gather for the annual inter primary school athletics competition. 09111326

Rarotonga primary students have been preparing for the last month as they get ready to compete for the Prince of Wales trophy.

The annual inter primary school athletics day will be hosted by Avatea Primary School on Wednesday, October 6, at BCI Stadium.

This year’s competition will be run more ‘professionally’ as only athletes with identification tags will be allowed to be on the running field to race.

There will be security and marshals around the stadium to ensure that students remain in their assigned areas.

But the most import rule for the day will be to have heaps of fun.

This year Avatea School is keen to topple their arch rivals Avarua School who once again reclaimed the Prince of Wales trophy last year.

Parents and caregivers are not only encouraged to head to the stadium and support their kids, but to also provide accurate birthdates for their children so no child that wins a trophy is stripped because of inaccurate dates.

As is tradition, each school will march through the BCI Stadium for the schools’ parade which is judged and points added to the schools overall points.

Kids will then compete in track events from the 60 metre dash to the 4 x 100 metre relay and field events including high and long jump.

The athletics day will be the last major event of the term before a one week break from Monday 11 to Friday 15.

• Matariki Wilson

Te Vara Nui is one of the contenders in Pool A. 10092604

One of the highlights of the Vonnia’s corporate mixed 6 on 6 volleyball league on Friday was two teams scoring over 100 points – CITC Smackdown (112) and Airport (107).

Then there was the close game between Killer B’s and Maungaroa Heights which was another standout performance.

Pool C games saw Airport High Flyers dominate the Sparkies from Te Aponga Sparkz. Watch out for Airport High Flyers in this pool as favourites

There was close competition in Pool B games with scores ranging from 89 to 70. It is hard to predict this pool but Team Telecom and Killer B’s look good.

Pool A is anyone’s guess with the top four teams – CITC Smackdown, Stingers, Te Vara Nui and Turtles Diggz all having equal chances at winning this pool.

The results of quarter finals of the knockout rounds played on Friday : Pool A, CITC Smackdown 112 vs Maungaroa Heights 49; Stingers 79 vs Airport Jetz 71; Te Vara Nui 94 vs BCI Be Cool like Ice 61; Turtles Diggz 93 vs Vonnias Vikings 81.

Pool B, Smashing T 87 vs French Connection 70; RMD Spikers (2) 81 vs Killer B’s 77; Telecom 80 vs Edgewater Spikes and Tykes 72; Top Kopz 89 vs Manea Foods Jumbo 71

Pool C, Sparklings 89 vs Westpac No Pacz 86; RMD Spikers (1) 84 vs Turtles Fani Totoys 76; Manea Foods Boom Win by default vs Pacific Divers Airbourne; Airport High Flyers 107 vs Te Aponga Sparkz 56.

Following are the draws and team duty allocations for the semifinals of the knockout games to be played on Friday, October 1: 5pm, Crt (1) Te Aponga Sparkz Sparklings vs Turtles Fani Totoys (Duty: Sparklings ); Crt (2) Westpac No Pacz Boom vs Pacific Divers Airbourne (Duty: French Connection); Crt (3) Airport High Flyers vs Manea Foods Boom (Duty: Killer B’s ). 6pm, Crt (1) RMD Spikers (1) vs Sparklings (Duty: Te Aponga Sparkz ); Crt (2) Killer B’s Smashing T vs Manea Foods Jumbo (Duty: Airport High Flyers ); Crt (3) Edgewater Spikes and Tykes vs French Connection vs (Duty: Westpac No Pacz). 7pm, Crt (1) Telecom vs Top Kopz (Duty: Airport Jetz ); Crt (2) RMD Spikers (2) vs Smashing T (Duty: Maungaroa Heights ); Crt (3) Te Vara Nui vs Turtles Diggz Heights (Ref Brendon Heath Duty: BCI Be Cool like Ice) 8pm, Crt (1) Airport Jetz vs Vonnias Vikings (Ref: Zerah Daniel Duty Team: RMD Spikers (2); Crt (2) CITC Smackdown vs Stingers (Ref: Brendon Health Duty Team: Top Kopz ); Crt (3) Maungaroa Heights vs BCI Be Cool like Ice (Ref: James Tuaputa Duty Team: Smashing T).

Please duty teams, be on time so that we can start games on time, also give other teams that have been turning up for duty some respect and do your part.

And finally, please encourage your supporters, your family and friends to come up to the Telecom Sports Arena and support and enjoy social volleyball, hey who knows you might even get a game.

• CIVA

Len Edwards hands a cheque for Te Vaerua to Rebecca Washbourn and Hamish Weir at the Hash House Harriers’ fancy dress 30th birthday run. 10092801

Speed walkers Mike and Chris Leahy from Lower Hutt in New Zealand got into the swing of fancy dress at the Hash House Harriers’ 30th Birthday Bash. They won the ‘Best Dressed’ prize for the second year in a row. Chris placed 19th in the RRRR and was the second speed-walking woman home. 10092804

The Run Walk club from Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand brought a green theme to the Hash bash on Monday night. 10092803

Hash House Harriers welcomed around 70 extra people to their Monday night run – their fancy dress 30th birthday run.

The Harriers laid on a barbecue for athletes who are visiting to take part in the Round Rarotonga Road Race (RRRR).

At the event Len ‘Polyononamous’ Edwards of the Hash handed over a cheque for $608 to Te Vaerua physiotherapist Rebecca Washbourn.

Hash House Harriers volunteered to donate $2 for every kilometre run by any Hash member. The $608 dollar donation means that between them Hash runners covered 304km.

“I’m overwhelmed by the support given by the hashers to Te Vaerua,” said Washbourn. “It’s great to see that the rehabilitation service is so valued by the community.”

Monday’s Hash run is part of a week of events which includes last night’s Round the Rock Relay and today’s Nutters Run, which takes runners on a 9km course up and over the cross island track.

• Nerys Case

The Esther Honey Foundation’s Gregg Young and the volunteer vets gave the Hash bash a Roman feel. 10092807

Te Vaerua fundraisers still managed to shake a leg after the Round Rarotonga Road Race on Saturday. Between them, they raised more than $7000 for the rehabilitation service.

“Thank you to everyone in the community who has been so generous, and to the five runners, who have put blood sweat and even a few tears into getting round the island,” Te Vaerua committee member Nadine Newnham said.

Newnham said that the money would help the service to complete the clinic they have been trying to build for the past two years.

• Nerys Case

Lawn bowls manager Ana Kairua wasn’t too sure at first what she was getting herself into but she soon cracked a smile for the friendly rose petal Indian greeters. 10092851

National netball player Poomai Matapo embraces the thrill of being showered with rose petals early Tuesday morning at the newly built Delhi International Airport wing. 10092850

Team Cook Islands was welcomed to Delhi in a shower of rose petals on their arrival early Tuesday morning.

The team touched down in Delhi after a 15 hour flight from Auckland where stewards on the charted Air India aircraft tended to the athletes and officials every need.

In fact, the team was served up supper while the aircraft was still stationary on the Auckland tarmac and the food never stopped coming through the long trip to India.

Team Cook Islands was joined by the Tonga, Samoa, Niue and Tokelau Commonwealth Games team.

Once on the ground in Delhi, the team received a warm welcome that reminded them of home.

There was a welcome with flowers as the Indians showered the team with rose petals. This brought a number of reactions from team members – from giggles of delight to nervous apprehension.

In the end everyone agreed it was a wonderful welcome to Delhi.

But rose petals soon changed to armed guards as the team proceeded through immigration.

Armed and unarmed guards did little to dampen the teams thrill at being in Delhi as some excitedly posed for photos with the friendly security staff.

More armed security greeted the team as they boarded their bus with its own armed army personnel to provide extra security en route to the Games Village.

After a smooth journey from Rarotonga to Auckland and then on to Delhi – the 45 minute bus ride to the games village at 5am was a whole new experience.

A motorcycle carrying two security guards escorted Team Cook Islands bus to the village with another jeep carrying four security men, of which two were armed, followed alongside the bus – and all this in a shrill of police sirens and honking horns.

There were a number of near collisions between the teams’ bus and motorists trying to cross the lane reserved only for Commonwealth Games busses.

A heavy moving truck and a little three wheeled tuk-tuk had the team in stitches – mainly because the vehicles had no headlights on the busy 5am Delhi highways.

But the serious security check at the entrance of the Games Village was no laughing matter as bags were scanned and individuals pattered down.

One more short mini bus ride through the village and the team reached Tower 10 –home for the next three weeks.

Although rough in construction Tower 10 has received the tick from Team Cook Islands.

Athletes and officials spent their first day on the ground in Delhi resting after the long journey and getting familiar with the sprawling Games which is begging to have a festive feel as more athletes poor into Delhi to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

After resting – athletes will get their bodies and mind back into competition mode ahead of the opening ceremony on October 3 and the first day of competitions the next day.

What’s all the fuss about?

This is a common phrase at the Team Cook Islands camp in Tower 10 of the Commonwealth Games Village – a village that will house over 7000 athletes and officials for the games.

The comment is directed at the negative international media hype that has overshadowed the lead up to the Commonwealth Games – especially the Games Village apparent ‘inhabitable’ state and security issues.

The ever present armed security force certainly adds to the ‘peace of mind’ of the team but even then – there seems to be a calm buzz about the Games Village.

With the Games Village, at least Team Cook Islands camp, given the tick – it’s now on to the business of representing the nation.

Sure there’s signs of sloppy workmanship at every corner of the building and some areas would never have passed a basic building assessment – but it’s far from ‘unliveable’ as it was branded.

And Team New Zealand certainly deserves a pat on the back for raising the issues and getting ‘the house’ in order for all teams – the rest was just sensationalised.

It was the boot in the bottom they needed to get things moving along – something a bit like what the Cooks got before the Pacific Mini Games came together.

“It’s not at all like what was reported before we came,” national netballer Curly George said.

“I mean you read and see all the news and then to actually be here – it’s not like what we read and saw.

“The guards and their guns are all visible and it’s good to know they are there but there are no fears – I feel safe.

“So now we can get on and do what we came here to do – play our sport and represent our country.” Team Cook Islands also has the added ‘sense of security’ thanks to the fact that big brother New Zealand is housed in Tower 17 right across from Tower 10 and will be looked after by seven New Zealand police officers acting as security.

They will also provide extra security for Tokelau and Niue athletes who are also housed in Tower 10.

And after the teams’ first early morning frisking on arrival by guards – athletes are more aware of the dos and don’ts while preparing to go through security.

• Matariki Wilson

Motor Centre Umpire Sabu Matapo and Oliver Syme in action during the Turtles Domestic League. 10092806

Cricket umpire education is about to mark an achievement at the upcoming CI Cricket Level l Umpires course.

For the first time local qualified umpires will be acting as umpire educators.

Tererima Williams and Oliver Syme will be accrediting players from both men’s and women’s teams through the basics and some of the finer aspects of the rules of cricket.

With the course scheduled for 5pm this Friday at Raviz, it is CI Cricket’s expectation for each men’s team to send four and each women’s team to send three players who have not already attained an umpiring qualification. For more information contact CI Cricket on 20744.

• CICA

Today’s first match will take place between Matavera and Takuvaine in the Under 17 Round Cup competition at the CIFA complex in Matavera.

Matavera showed dominance in their last match against Tupapa and with no doubt look to extend the same courtesy to Takuvaine.

Tupapa will face Titikaveka in the second match and both teams are looking forward to the challenge.

Titikaveka is currently sitting second on the points table and will look to dominate Tupapa will ball possession and place the ball at the back of the net.

There is no question that Tupapa will seize the opportunity to rectify their performance from their last match against Matavera by gaining a victory against Titikaveka who remain unbeaten.

Draw for today (September 29) at the CIFA complex: 4:15pm, Matavera vs. Takuvaine, ref: Lai Gukisuva, assist refs: Tino Napa and Junior Arioka; 5:20pm, Tupapa vs. Titikaveka, ref: Tutai Taurarii, assist refs: Travel Nootai and Anaberth Tetauru; Bye – Nikao Sokattak.

• CIFA Media

Cricket is a sport full of surprises and the Edgewater women’s mid week third round match between Matavera Hot IIIs and Muri 1 was no exception.

Batting first Muri scored an impressive 86 runs (Ngarangi Napa 37 no) from their 14 overs. Matavera were in hot pursuit with Amelia Moetaua causing all sorts of problems for Muri as she smashed 36 runs. The Muri bowlers were doing well, picking up consistent wickets at the other end driving the game to a cliff hanger.

With nine balls left, no wickets in hand and only needing one run for victory a touch of brilliant fielding from Muri saw captain Trainee Tinorei run out just centimetres short of her crease ending the hard fought game in a draw.

In Turangi Davana Womens 2 side were fighting it out with Turangi 1 as they set out to chase down the 86 runs set by Turangi (Ina Willy 23). Tight bowling from Ina Willy, Grace Ngarua and Margerat Tuaputa and great team fielding made it exceptionally tough work for Davana as the side fell 50 runs short.

Flying high going into the round unbeaten, the impressive Air Raro side were handed their first loss of the season by Turangi 2 (Rupe Piakura, 32 runs) as they chased Air Raro’s modest 78 (Petua Meti, 23 runs) with only one wicket down.

The Davana 2 side headed to Muri to take on Muri 2. Batting first Davana scored 69 runs (Maraeura Peyroux, 24 runs), however, Muri were equal to the challenge taking the win.

In the Edgewater Western league Tupapa made quick work of the enthusiastic Top Cops side, with Tina arresting Top Cops batting taking 3 wickets. Requiring only eight runs to win Tupapa got the total in the first over.

• CICA

CISNOC president Sir Geoffrey Henry (middle) and chef de mission George George (right) face the Cook Islands flag as it is hoisted in the Games Villages. 10092881

Tears of pride rolled down the faces of Cook Islands athletes as the national flag was raised in a special ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.

It’s tradition for each arriving sporting team to have their nation’s flag raised, signalling to other teams they have taken up the challenge.

It was the event that really drove home to the team that they were in India – half a world away from our beautiful island home.

Upon arrival at the flag-raising venue within the Games Village, each athlete and official was welcomed with traditional Indian scarf – which complemented the head ei wearing team very well.

A ‘flag team’ ceremoniously marched the Cook Islands flag to the pole along with that of Brunei whose athletes had also arrived in the village on Tuesday.

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) president Sir Geoffrey Henry and Team Cook Islands chef de mission George George joined the games mayor for the ceremony, in which the Cook Islands national anthem was sung with such passion that tears rolled from the eyes of athletes while photographers lapped up the scene.

After the flag was raised, a replica of the Queen’s Baton was presented to Sir Geoffrey who, along with George George, presented a replica model of a traditional Cook Islands drum or pate.

A stunning showcase of Indian culture followed with dramatic and eye opening dance and costume mesmerising onlookers.

The young Indian performers came from local schools in India and were more than thrilled to pose for photos with the team.

Unfortunately the lawn bowls could only stay for the official flag raising before taking to the Jawarhalal Stadium for their first roll up.

The boxers were committed to a boxing training schedule and missed the ceremony but they will, like the rest of the team, know that the flag is up meaning the war is on!

Stories, photos – page 12

The CITC Rarotonga Club 7s competition kicks-off this weekend with the all matches being played at the one venue – the Avatiu Field.

The first game due to kick-off at 2.30pm and the draw has been structured to ensure more 7s matches are being played by the individual teams and to ensure quality competition over the next four weeks.

The next four weeks of club competition will best prepare our local players for our major event – the hugely successful CIRU International 7s Tournament to be held in early November.

• CIRU