Sports News

Hard call at Air New Zealand golf
Aggressive luffing in Electron nationals
Kick off for final round of league
Matutu Mile event debut
Team in peak condition for Cup
Top of the table soccer clash
Sailing trio on their Olympic mission
Locals the talk of the Boiler Swim
No standout favourites for todays tri
Zumba fundraiser a huge success
Eels tackle Panthers in final league round
High winds a test at tri
Black Puta in lead
Eels slither in by 1 point
Titikaveka on a roll
Fast times despite conditions
Wind gusts expected in Tour de Raro
Run, walk or stumble
Fast times despite conditions
Wind gusts expected in Tour de Raro
Run, walk or stumble
Tour de Raro cyclists battle elements
Zumba Party!

A big field of 94 players turned out last Saturday for the first round of the Air New Zealand golf tournament at Rarotonga Golf Course and while there were some outstanding scores, there are still about 40 players who are in with a chance to win when the final round is played.

It was pretty much a perfect day for golf but then there is never a bad day for golf and many players handled the course well.

Once again the ladies seemed to enjoy the conditions and the game and the top three leaders in the tournament were the ladies.

Three strokes covered the top ten places, keeping the club captain busy doing count-backs.

The placing and scores in this bogey tournament, so far, are 1st Terangi Teokotai (+7), 2nd Rita Howard (+7), 3rd Tuaine Marsters (+7), 4th Russell Hynd (+6), 5th Royle Brogan (+6), 6th Des Eggelton (+6), 7th James Herman (+5), 8th Mahai Daniel (+5), 9th Henry Story (+5), and 10th Chris McGeown (+4) who earned his spot on a count-back from several other players.

Best round of the day from the men was from young William Howard who carded a 69 off the stick.

His feat was matched by Royle Brogan, also with 69.

Best of the ladies were Tuaine Marsters and Kurai Foster, both with 76.

Basically, anyone with a +2 or better is in with a real chance to take out the major prize of an Air New Zealand return ticket to NZ.

This is one of the more popular prizes for the year at the Rarotonga Golf Club where everything depends on the 2nd round this year.

It is one of the closest competitions in recent history and will depend on who handles the conditions on the day which, at the moment, are forecast to be tricky with the wind having a major effect.

All players are reminded that they should be at the 1st tee, ready to play, at least 5 minutes before their scheduled tee time.

If you are late, the starter will try and fit you in if there is an empty place in a group later on. This is a major tournament and you wont be allowed to just join in the next group making up a five.

The Birdie Twos competition jackpotted once again to $326 and will increase this Saturday as players register.

As the saying goes, Youve got to be in it to win it.

The draws for the Lionel/Virginia competition will be completed this week, so if you are not financial yet, remember that this popular competition is for fully financial members only. Please also remember that if you are not fully financial you must pay green fees every time you play. Good luck to all golfers.

• NAGA

Electrons burning up Muri lagoon at the weekend. 11050403

Last weekend saw 15 races in the Electron sailing champs off the Rarotonga Sailing Club on Muri lagoon competed for by some of the best sailors on Rarotonga.

Wind and wave conditions ensured some exciting sailing and a lot of close calls with boats competing keenly for good line starts and close mark roundings.

Eruera I have the wind Nia was probably the outstanding star for the day on port and starboard incidents plus tactical decisions whilst Robert Papa Hopper Skews showed himself again to be the master of downwind runs, taking out many competitors with his aggressive luffing style.

Certainly a joy to watch for the dozens of fans camped on the beach.

Des Eggelton and Thomas Koteka were last minute no shows citing extreme family pressures and headaches.

Thanks to their absence, Peter Heays and Jeff Hill were able to cause trouble and strife within the fleet during the majority of races and probably should have been the joint winners that day.

Kris Goodwin, ably representing the Cook Islands Navy, sailed brilliantly in the final 8 races, winning 7 of them in a row and was then favourite to take the title but he was pipped by a mere 1 point by Tony the Pool Doctor Heays who is now the official 2011 National Electron Sailing Champion.

Jeff Hill and Peter Heays will represent the Cook Islands in New Zealand this month at the Electron World Sailing Championships.

They are expected to do well and intense training has commenced this week.

• Sailing Cook Islands

The under 19 Titikaveka Bulldogs and Arorangi Bears will kick off the final round of the rugby league competition this afternoon in Titikaveka.

The reserve grade will play after the under 19 match before the Bulldogs and Aitutaki Sharks clash on Friday.

Before the premier grade match the under 16 Bears and Bulldogs squads will rumble and soften up the pitch for the senior players who will take to the field at 4.45pm.

On Saturday two big matches will be played when the Takuvaine Warriors host the Ngatangiia Sea Eagles at the BCI Stadium and the Tupapa Panthers host the Avatiu Eels at Victoria Park. - Matariki Wilson

Thursday 5 at Titikaveka Bulldogs vs Bears 3.45pm under 19, Ref-T Manea assisted by P Mitchell and B Bishop, 4.45pm reserves, Ref-N Tou assisted by P Mitchell and B Bishop.

Friday 6 at Titikaveka Bulldogs vs Bears/Sharks 3.45pm under 16, Ref-J Whitta assisted by T Manuel and M Caffery, 4.45pm premier Bulldogs vs Sharks, Ref-T Manea assisted by A Emile and T Tuakana (sub officials-S Willis and M Caffery).

Saturday 7 at Victoria Park Panthers vs Eels 12pm under 13, Ref-P Ngaroi assisted by club officials, 1pm under 16, Ref-K Kopu assisted by P Ngaroi and P Mitchell, 2pm under 19, Ref-S Teiotu assisted by P Mitchell and P Ngaroi, 3pm reserves, Ref-T Manea assisted by J Murray and K Kopu, 4.30pm premiers, Ref-S Willis assisted by T Manea and S Teiotu (sub officials-P Mitchell and J Murray).

Saturday 7 at BCI Stadium Warriors vs Se Eagles 12pm under 13 Warriors vs Bears, Ref-R Mato assisted by club officials, 1pm under 16, Ref-T Manuel assisted by R Mato and T Benioni, 2pm under 19, Ref-T Tuakana assisted by B Bishop and T Manuel, 3pm reserves, Ref-N Takaiti assisted by T Benioni and B Bishop, 4.30pm premiers, Ref-A Emile assisted by Tuakana and T Manuel (sub officials-N Takaiti and B Bishop).

Get dressed in your outrageous best and be in to win spot prizes at the inaugural ‘Matutu Mile’ race next Wednesday. 11050327

The Matutu Mile is the newest event on the programme for the week of triathlon a fun run benefitting a worthy cause.

The fun run will be held on Wednesday after athletes have recovered from the main Air New Zealand International Triathlon race on Saturday.

The small $2 entry fee for every runner will go towards supporting the islands rehabilitation service Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Group.

The fee will entitle runners to take part in the fun run which starts from the Tikioki tri site plus a free glass of beer at the turnaround mark being the Matutu Brewery sign just around the corner from the tri site.

All racers are encouraged to wear something silly, outrageous and out there, to be in to win some awesome prizes.

Do something outrageous and crazy and be in the running for some great Matutu Moment prizes include a 6-pack of your favourite Matutu brew, beer coolers and a tour of the local brewery.

For more information or to find out how many of your staff, family and friends you can bring along for the fun run contact Jennie George of the Cook Islands Triathlon Association or Nadine Newnham of Te Vaerua.

Get your wigs and fairy wings out and hit the road for the Matutu Mile next Wednesday.

• Matariki Wilson

Superior fitness by Teariki Mateariki (touching down) and the local based squad has seen all the players selected into the national squad. 11050405

Superior fitness has seen all Rarotonga-based touch rugby players selected into the national squad to play at the touch rugby World Cup in Scotland next month.

The training squad from Rarotonga took part in a trial and training camp with overseas-based players in Auckland over the Easter weekend.

Over the weekend trials the local players experienced playing and training in temperatures much like what they will experience in Scotland 18 degrees or less.

The trialing players took on Aucklands top team Freezin Hot on the last day of the camp where they came out victors with a 4-point win.

At the end of the day their fitness trumped over Freezin Hot, evident by the pace of their game being consistent and at times getting faster towards the end of the game thanks to all the hard work and training the boys have been doing here for the last 4 months, says team manager Olivia Heather.

As well as all the locally-based players making the cut, a new addition has been pulled into the squad in Avatiu speedster Andrew Mokoroa who passed all the fitness tests despite his late entry.

The national touch rugby squad to represent the Cook Islands at the World Cup next month includes Andrew Mokoroa, Kristopher Williamson, Apii Rau, Pokoroa Pauka, Conrad Piri, Teariki Mateariki, Geoffrey Halston (player/coach), Wallace Aroita and Gordon Heather. They will be joined by oversees players including Brian Adams (NZ player/coach) Cameron Adams (Australia), Vairaro Mahutariki (London), Ben Tokahere (NZ), Noovao Noovao (Australia) and Teariki Mahutariki (London).

The Cook Islands have been drawn in a new pool and will play Austria, Netherlands, Japan and South Africa first up in the competition.

While all looks great on the fitness and training side of things, the locally-based players still have a number of fundraising events to cover the costs of travelling to Scotland for the World Cup.

A zumba fundraiser takes place this evening at the Telecom Sports Arena with tickets selling for $7 each.

Light refreshments and fruits will be served after the two-hour Zumba cardio workout with some fantastic prizes to give away that follow the evenings theme of tight and bright.

So, break out that leopard print and fluro tights, sweat bands and get on up to the TSA and support the local touch rugby players.

• Matariki Wilson

Mii Joseph (facing) of Black Puta defends an All Stars player. 11050413

The top two teams in the five-a-side soccer round cup competition will go head to head today at the CIFA Complex in Matavera.

Black Puta will play The Rock today in the mens division while leaders in the womens competition Black Qwenz take on F.O.B which consists of players from the Titikaveka football club.

Todays main matches will be exciting with teams fielding national players that are sure to spark up the games.

- CIFA Media

Results from Monday (women) White Fairies 1 vs Tic Taks 4, Black Qwenz 3 vs Zconi Rebels 0, F.O.B 2 vs Avatiu No Boys 1, (men) All Stars 1 vs The Rock 3, Maro Bhago 2 vs Who Cares 1, Avatiu No Girls 1 vs Warriors 1, Virgin Ave 0 vs Black Puta 5.

Todays draw 4.45pm (women) on field 1 Tic Taks vs Avatiu Bo Boys, on field 2 Black Qwenz vs F.O.B, on field 3 White Fairies vs Zconi Rebels, 5.20pm (men) on field 1 Black Puta vs The Rock, on field 2 Virgin Ave vs Who Cares, on field 3 Maro Bhago vs Warriors

Field 4 All Stars vs Avatiu No Girls.

Olympic squad sailors (from left) Junior Charlie (2010 Purapura sportsman of the year), Helema Williams (2010 sportswoman of the year) and Taua Eliza (2010 sportsman of the year) are excited about the next step in their Olympic qualification journey which takes them to Europe for three months of racing and training. 11050524

Olympic qualification hopes will keep homesickness at bay for local sailors who are heading to Europe to train and race for the next three months.

Olympic training squad sailors Taua Eliza (20), Helema Williams (19) and Junior Charlie (21) are packing their bags and getting ready to head to Europe on May 15 for crucial Olympic qualification regattas and training.

The trio, who all won major awards at the recent sports awards night, are excited to sail their best and earn points that will help them get to the Olympics.

The team will first head to Holland for the ISAF World Cup where they will spend six days sailing against some of the worlds best in the laser radial (women) and laser standard class sailing boats.

The next regatta as part of the Olympic qualification sailing series the local sailors will sail in will be the Sail for Gold regatta in the UK.

The six-day regatta is another opportunity for the local sailors to prove themselves and earn points to qualify for London 2012.

Charlie will head back to Rarotonga while Eliza and Williams continue to train in Europe under the guidance of coach Laura Baldwin.

Both Williams and Eliza are excited about sailing in the Olympic test event from August 1 to 14 at Weymouth Bay.

The test event is being run at the Olympic venue and over the same dates the sailing races in 2012 will be staged.

After the test event, Williams and Eliza will meet up again with Junior Charlie for the Pacific Games in New Caledonia in late August.

The Pacific Games will also serve as another opportunity for the local sailors to qualify for the Olympic Games from within the Oceania region.

The sailors are certainly excited about this next step on their Olympic qualification journey and say they are able to train hard, often for months on end away from family and friends, because of the generous support they get from their sponsors both past and present.

The crew would especially like to thank Aquila Rentals on Aitutaki for helping the team organise accommodation and transport for their three-month training and racing programme in Europe.

The team plans to start a blog to keep family and friends updated on their Europe adventure and their quest to represent the Cook Islands at the London Olympics.

• Matariki Wilson

Local knowledge was advantageous for Rarotonga swimmers competing in Thursdays Boiler Swim that marked the start of the triathlon week.

While visiting triathlete Jon Robinson won the race in a time of 10.34 in rough conditions, local swimmers were the talk of the afternoon with five island swimmers stroking their way to a top 10 finish in fantastic times.

Second place went to Nathan Robinson, who set the 9 minute boiler swim record in 2001, with a time of 10.44.

First local and first female across the line was Vanessa Nemo Palmer with a time of 11.17.

New island resident Gareth Clayton also impressed with his 3rd male and 2nd local home title 12 seconds behind Palmer.

Shannon Saunders was at her usual swimming best bursting out of the swim and across the line in a time of 11.53 to take out the 3rd female and local across the finish line.

John Beasley is looking forward to a strong swim at todays Air New Zealand International Triathlon after finishing the race in 12 minutes flat for a 9th overall placing. Roland Neururer rounded off the list of top 10 athletes, finishing 10 seconds behind Beasley.

Full 2011 Boiler Swim results 1-Jon Robinson (1st male) 10:34, 2-Nathan Richmond (2nd male) 10:44, 3-Vanessa Palmer (1st local, female) 11:17, 4-Gareth Clayton (3rd male, 2nd local) 11:29, 5-Lynette Griffiths (2nd female) 11:39 6-Shannon Saunders (3rd female, 3rd local) 11:53, 7-John Beasley 12:00, 8-Steve Marshall 12:03, 9-John Boakes 12:06, 10-Roland Neururer 12:10, 11-Kevin Henderson 12:11, 12-Terry Meyer 12:22, 13-Justin Rous 12:32, 14-Rhonda Clelland 12:34, 15-Liz Gilmore 12:37, 16-Fiona Deed 13:14, 17-Peter Robinson 13:24, 18-Jos McDonald 13:26, 19-Jennie George 13:29, 20-Leighton Hunt 13:34, 21-Rangi Apera 14:00, 22-Andy Martin 14:00, 23-Malcolm McKee 14:01, 24-Bruce Henderson 14:13, 25-Allan Bieber 14:30, 26-Apii Napa 14:32, 27-Rob Matheson 14:41, 28-Aden McOnie 15:07, 29-Louise Wilkinson 15:08, 30-Petero Okotai 15:10, 31-Bernie Raffe 15:47, 32-Craig Elgie 15:53, 33-Duncan Horne 16:04, 34-Antony Wills 16:13, 35-Andy Nouk 16:17, 36-Rob Buick 16:21, 37-Justin Henderson 16:24, 38-Dan Roberts 16:45, 39-Michelle Gray 16:55, 40-Elidh Hawkins 16:55, 41-Emma Owens 17:05, 42-Faith Harlow 17:07, 43-Zena Boakes 17:23, 44-Anna Staples 17:23, 45-Peter Reid 17:24, 46-Glen Armstrong 17:30, 47-Shirley Rolston 17:55, 48-Rob McKenzie 18:03, 49-Derek Bewg 18:09, 50-Laura Swann 18:35, 51-Joe McCallum 18:44, 52-Pat Swann 18:47, 53-Jeff Cook 19:06, 54-Lynette Johnston 19:15, 55-Harry Heather 19:57, 56-Joan Beecroft 19:59, 57-Pare Tangata 20:40, 58-Chris Cooper 20:59, 59-Allan Middleton 22:32, 60-Ann Bondi 22:39, 61-Catrionia Pirie 24:17.

• Matariki Wilson

New faces are expected to take out todays Air New Zealand International Triathlon when 150 athletes line up on the start line at Muri beach at 1.30pm.

Last years winners Josh White and Michelle Bremer have not returned to defend their title, leaving the competition wide open with a couple of local racers tipped to be front runners.

Local athletes are expected to figure prominently in the top field with Roland Neururer and Kelly Pick, the recent Tinman triathlon winners, likely to place well up.

The 1.5km swim in Muri lagoon, 41km cycle around Rarotonga, with the addition of the loop that takes in a part of the hospital hill, down past the back of the golf course and back to the main road at the Avatiu Harbour, and 10km run in Muri makes for a picturesque but tough race.

Not all are entering to be competitive as many athletes take part to prove that they can still do very well, what they used to do even better.

For many overseas competitors its a great sporting holiday.

All competitors are entered for the draw of the Air New Zealand sponsored return air ticket, and the first overall male and female competitors receive return air tickets sponsored by Air New Zealand.

The action starts from the beach next to Ngatangiia field today at 1.30pm and the general public is urged to drive carefully as cyclists will be out on the roads through the afternoon while runners will be all over Ngatangiia.

Everyone is invited to go to the Ngatangiia field and support the multisporters.

• Matariki Wilson

11050607

Over 200 touch rugby supporters shook their hips and worked up a sweat at Thursday nights Zumba fundraiser at the Telecom Sports Arena. It raised $2400.

This weekend is the final round of games in the current rugby league season, which heads into the top-four playoff next Friday and Saturday.

Today, top of the premier grade points table the Avatiu Eels will head to Tupapa to meet the Panthers in what should be a bruising encounter.

The Panthers are currently sitting in 4th place on the points table and will want to beat or match the Eels today although theres no real threat of the Panthers dropping from their 4th place spot.

In the other main game of the day second ranked premier grade team the Ngatangiia-Matavera Sea Eagles squad will head to the BCI Stadium to meet with the Takuvaine Warriors.

Theres no stopping the Sea Eagles rise this season and they will no doubt put on a good show for their fans in todays game while the Warriors, sitting in 6th place on the table, will no doubt play a nothing to lose style game today.

Expect to see the Warriors throw everything at the Sea Eagles.

From next Friday all league games will be played at the BCI Stadium starting with the top-four playoff.

1st and 2nd ranked teams on the table will battle it out with the winner going straight to the grand finals and the loser meeting the winner of the 3rd and 4th place playoff.

So expect to see some do or die rugby league action this weekend as the top four teams establish their spots for the business end of the season next week.

- Matariki Wilson

Saturday 7 at Victoria Park Panthers vs Eels 12pm under 13, Ref-P Ngaroi assisted by club officials, 1pm under 16, Ref-K Kopu assisted by P Ngaroi and P Mitchell, 2pm under 19, Ref-S Teiotu assisted by P Mitchell and P Ngaroi, 3pm reserves, Ref-T Manea assisted by J Murray and K Kopu, 4.30pm premiers, Ref-S Willis assisted by T Manea and S Teiotu (sub officials-P Mitchell and J Murray).

Saturday 7 at BCI Stadium Warriors vs Se Eagles 12pm under 13 Warriors vs Bears, Ref-R Mato assisted by club officials, 1pm under 16, Ref-T Manuel assisted by R Mato and T Benioni, 2pm under 19, Ref-T Tuakana assisted by B Bishop and T Manuel, 3pm reserves, Ref-N Takaiti assisted by T Benioni and B Bishop, 4.30pm premiers, Ref-A Emile assisted by Tuakana and T Manuel (sub officials-N Takaiti and B Bishop).

Wet, wild and windy thats what Rarotonga turned on for the 17th Air New Zealand International Triathlon on Saturday.

This did not deter the hardy athletes as the second largest field in history was on the start line at Muri beach, with 110 competitors battling what most swimmers would call a ferocious lagoon.

This was evident in the swim times, with most being at least 2 minutes slower than expected. Nathan Richmond (NZ) was first out of the water in 22.50 followed 3 seconds later by Boiler Swim winner Jon Robinson (NZ) and Stephen Farrell (NZ) just 5 seconds after Robinson. First woman out was local girl Kelly Pick in 24.00 with Vanessa Palmer (CI) and Jo Saxton (NZ) emerging 2nd and 3rd just over a minute later.

It was then on to the bike with gusty winds buffeting the cyclists the entire way around the island.

Local veteran Geoff Stoddart came away with the fastest cycle time of the day in 1.07.08 followed closely by Roland Neururer (CI) in 1.07.14 and Stephen Farrell in 1.07.31.

Fastest female bike time of the day went to Kelly Pick in 1.12.23 with Fiona Deed (NZ) getting around in 1.16.30 and Vanessa Palmer in 1.16.35.

The run was windy but cool, much to the overseas competitors relief, and fastest run time went to Stephen Farrell, clocking up 41.08 for his 10km, with Roland Neururer close behind in 41.19 and Nicholas Graham (NZ) not far off in 41.58.

Overall winner for the day was New Zealands Stephen Farrell in a fantastic time of 2.11.37 despite crashing on his bike at the roundabout in town and having to complete the rest of the ride in top gear including the hospital hill!

Local champion Roland Neururer continued his winning streak, coming in 2nd and breaking the local record in a blistering time of 2.14.55.

Third male was Nathan Richmond in 2.16.26, with Nicholas Graham in 2.17.23 taking out fourth, followed closely by fifth place getter and first woman, our own Kelly Pick, also breaking her own local record, streaking in at 2.17.31 and clocking up the fastest female run 6th overall. The first junior was Ryan Helg (NZ) in a fantastic time of 2.18.54, bettering his time by nearly 8 minutes from last year.

Seventh went to Geoff Stoddart, taking out first veteran and 2nd local male in 2.20.22 with his good mate Al Bieber from Australia almost catching him on the run and coming in 8th overall and 7th male in 2.20.55.

Jon Robinson featured again 9th overall and 8th male just 71 seconds later in 2.22.06.

Local all-rounder Terry Meyer grabbed 9th male in 2.24.41 and Vanessa Palmer took 10th overall place and second female home in 2.26.57.

Rounding up the top 10 males was Paul Davidson (NZ) in 2.29.20.

Third female was Jo Carrell (NZ) in 2.33.28, with Australias Rhonda Clelland 4th woman and first female veteran in 2.37.06.

Fifth female was Joanne Saxton (NZ) in 2.37.26 with Jo Tacon (NZ) 6th in 2.38.00, followed closely by Fiona Deed (NZ) in 2.38.55 as 7th female.

Local Jennie George took 8th place in 2.39.54 with Judith Taylor (NZ) 9th in 2.41.29 and another local Rangi Apera rounding up the top 10 females in a personal best of 2.43.15.

In the teams section, 22 teams battled it out with first team home and new veteran record holders the Three Old Beans made up of locals Justin Rous, Brendan Sutherland and Scott Howley in a great time of 2.17.40, closely followed by The Long & The Shorts Richard Denny, Richard Vinsen and Greg Gustafson in 2.20.04. Third team overall was Open Team Tri Time made up of Gareth Clayton, Mark Worthington and Hamish Weir in 2.26.48. First female team was the local Power Puff Girls made up of Shannon Saunders, Serena Hunter and Charlotte Piho in 2.39.38.

Fastest swimmer in the team section for the day was Tri Times Gareth Clayton, with Brendan Sutherland of Three Old Beans taking out fastest team bike time in 1.09.13 and Pukekohe Travels Leighton Hunt, back for his 10th Raro Tri clocking up the fastest team run in 40.09.

It was a good day at the office for the locals this year, with the men taking 3 of the top 10 places and the women taking 4 of the top 10, not to mention the winning female team and winning and record-breaking veteran team!

In fact, it was a good day at the office for everyone, which was evident on the smiles of almost all competitors as they finally crossed the finish line, knowing they had conquered this gruelling race of a 1.5km choppy swim, a 41km windy bike and 10km gusty run!

Local Vanessa Palmer was also extremely pleased with the group she has trained over the season in her triathlon coaching course, being able to boast all of her trainees having personal bests!

One of these was our youngest Cook Islander Jacob Pynenburg having a great debut race in a respectable time in tough conditions.

Other improvers were Apii Napa shaving a whopping 14 minutes from her best time, Taki Anaru whacking off 12 minutes and Antony Wills reducing 10 minutes off his time from last year. Rob Matheson was extremely pleased with his debut, coming in way better than expected, not to mention our oldest local Steve Whitta all smiles on his debut managing to get in under 3 hours!

Overall it was a hugely successful day, which could not happen without the support of our sponsors, large and small Air New Zealand, Westpac Bank, Island Car & Bike Hire, Edgewater Resort, The Computer Man, Vaima Water, CITC Liquor, CITC Pharmacy, Aroa Vegeland, CI Tourism, Pukekohe Travel and Snowbird Laundry.

Huge thanks also to the triathlon committee for their tireless efforts and hours of organising, not to mention all the volunteers on the day. Thanks too to the Girl Guides for their smiles and cheers at the water stops, Cook Islands Police, Ministry of Infrastructure & Planning, Rarotonga Sailing Club, Ina & Sharon Marsters of CI Athletics, Lynn Hobbs & Julie Afflecks huge volunteer group, all the road marshals, Andy Olah, CI Squash Club, Esther Honey vets, Karen Kirkhams First Aid assistance, Miss Cook Islands Ingara Gosselin at the finish gate, Mike Pynenberg for the finish photos, Katu our warrior, the pulsating drummers, John Hobbs as race MC, and of course all those out on the roads and at the site cheering everyone on. Meitaki Maata!

And Tri Week is not over yet today will see our popular Hash House Harriers run with a traditional umu, Tuesday is the Turtles Tour de Raro Cycle race and Wednesday we have our inaugural Matutu Mile Fun race. Keep your eye on the paper for details.

• CITAI/JG

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Warrior Katu conducts a traditional turou (welcome) and blessing ceremony before the 150 athletes took to Muri lagoon for the first leg of Saturday’s Air New Zealand International Triathlon. 11050817

 

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Air New Zealand International Triathlon winner Stephen Farrell took out the event at the weekend after emerging third out of the swim leg and crashing on the cycle leg. 11050801

 

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Local girls (from) left Melanie Wilson, Pare Tangata, Mona Henderson, Rangi Apera and Apii Napa were all smiles as usual before their race on Saturday. 11050827

 

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Local triathlete Roland Neururer in fiery form. 11050864

 

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Geoff Stoddart took out first veteran and 2nd local male in 2.20.22. 11050839

 

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Arama Tom tackles the cycle leg. 11050846

 

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Air New Zealand International Triathlon winner Stephen Farrell, who will celebrate his 49th birthday on Tuesday with his family Suzanne Parker (right), Maraea-Rose (far left) and Sophie after the race. 11050802

 

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Stephen Farrell crosses the finish line in 2.11.37 to win the weekend’s triathlon. MORE PHOTOS FROM SATURDAY’S RACE WILL BE PUBLISHED THIS WEEK. 11050803

 

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5th overall and first female and first local female home Kelly Pick was ecstatic after a fantastic race on Saturday. 11050808

 

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First local woman and female across the finish line Kelly Pick with second overall and first local male athlete Roland Neururer and his youngest son after the race on Saturday. 11050804

 

Tuka Tisam (left) of The Rock distracts Black Puta’s Eugene Tatuava. 11050881

The 5-a-side soccer game in the mens category between Black Puta and The Rock saw Black Puta thump a depleted Rock team by 6 goals to nil to maintain their lead in the round competition.

Midfielder Grover Harmon opened and scored a hat trick during the game along with Campbell Best who did not disappoint by putting 3 goals to his name.

Black Puta controlled the game with field and ball possession over The Rock who had no chance to score.

In the other matches, team Who Cares came out with a 3-all draw against Virgin Ave while the Indo-Fijian team finished their game with 2 goals over Avatiu No Boys 1 goal.

The second Indo-Fijian side Maro Bhago came 1 goal short against Warriors 4 goal victory.

The young ladies in the Black Qwenz team saw a close game against F.O.B winning by 1 goal to 0.

Both teams were evenly matched however the Black Qwenz dominated with field and ball possession.

In the other games Avatiu No Boys proved too strong for Tic Tacs winning by 6 goals to 1 and White Fairies beat Zconi Rebels by 3 goals to 0. - CIFA Media

Thursday results (women) Black Qwenz 1 vs F.O.B 0, Tic Taks 1 vs Avatiu No Boys 6, Zconi Rebels 0 vs White Fairies 3, (Men) Black Puta 6 vs The Rock 0, Warriors 4 vs Maro Bhago 3, Who Cares 3 vs Virgin Ave 3, All Stars 2 vs Avatiu No Girls 1.

Todays draw 5.20pm on field 1 Virgin Ave vs The Rock, on field 2 Black Puta vs All Stars, on field 3 Maro Bhago vs Avatiu No Girls, on field 4 Who Cares vs Warriors.

Avatiu Eels’ big running Bilsy Gukisuva exploits a weak Panthers defence line and crashes across for the opening try in the first set of the game at Victoria Park on Saturday. 1105087 11050876

Eels 25 vs Panthers 24 Bulldogs 22 vs Sharks 17 Sea Eagles 32 vs Warriors 18

The Avatiu Eels managed to slither their way to a win against the Panthers on Saturday with a cheeky drop kick by veteran Eels Terry Piri the deciding factor in the Eels 25-24 win.

With the wind on their backs, the Eels came out firing early in the game scoring a try in the first set.The try came via the hulking Bilsy Gukisuva who crashed through a weak Panthers defence to score the first try under the goal posts.

In fact it was all Eels action in the first half of the game with team creative director Bobby Hansen working his magic to exploit weak Panthers defence to score the Eels second try.

Terii Aberahama was the next to score a try for the Eels dotting down on the goal post pads and taking the Eels lead to 18-0.

When the Panthers looked like they were angling for a try 10 metres from their try line, a misjudged Panthers pass was intercepted by a young Avatiu winger who sprinted to the Eels 10-metre line before being brought down by Panthers speedster Conrad Piri.

The Eels were quick to rally in support to spread the ball out wide where Hansen was in prime position to slip through scrambling Panthers to score his second try of the game and give the Eels a 24-0 at the half time break.

Back in the second half and with the wind now gusting in their favour, the Panthers began to rack up the points with a team effort try before the Panthers workhorse Teina Savage struck in the corner to put the Panthers back in the game 24-10.

With Bilsy Gukisuva sent off for a high tackle, the Eels were feeling the Panthers pressure when veteran Terry Piri decided to drop-kick the ball over the goal to take the Eels lead to 25-10.

Turori Matutu worked up some magic for his side to score a try and pull back the Eels lead 25-14.

Matutu again took advantage of the slack Eels defence with a breakaway run before firing the ball to Conrad Piri to score and claw back the Eels lead to 25-20 and giving the Panthers hope to win the match.

As light deteriorated and winds howled, a try did come for the Panthers from what was outstanding desperate play from the side and with ball in hand Lui Moemai was always going to be hard to stop as he crashed through the tiring Eels to score the try.

But with the conversion missed the Panthers were a point away from levelling the game with the Eels 25-24.

However, time ran out for the resurgent Panthers much to the relief of the Eels who were glad to escape the Panther claws.

In other premier grade matches at the weekend the Bulldogs proved too strong for the Sharks 22-17 while the Sea Eagles thrashed the Warriors 32-18.

• Matariki Wilson

Three weeks out from the netball season grand finals only one premier grade match was played.

At the weekend, defending netball champions Titikaveka certainly sent a clear signal that they were not ready to let their title go.

The squad faced rivals Avatiu in the only premier grade match and were unstoppable on court as they thrashed Avatiu 68-41.

And if these two teams face off again in the grand finals Avatiu will need to have a heap of arsenal up their sleeves if they are to stop the Titikaveka netball machine.

Arorangi won their premier game by default against Ngatangiia who havent fielded a premier grade this season.

Tupapa also registered a win by default against Takuvaine who have been missing in action for the past couple of weekends.

This weekend is the knockout competition of the season which ends in three weeks time with the grand finals.

Full results Under 10-Takuvaine 1 vs Tupapa 16, Under 10-Titikaveka 13 vs Avatiu 12, Under 10-Ngatangiia 18 vs Arorangi 8, Under 12-Takuvaine 0 vs Tupapa 37, Under 12-Titikaveka 17 vs Avatiu 8, Under 12-Ngatangiia 15 vs Arorangi 11, Under 15-Takuvaine 11 vs Tupapa 19, Under 15-Titikaveka 22 vs Avatiu 3, Under 15-Ngatangiia 7 vs Arorangi 26, Junior Open-Takuvaine 25 vs Tupapa 27, Junior Open-Titikaveka 43 vs Avatiu 36, Junior Open-Arorangi won by default against Ngatangiia , Open 2-Takuvaine 24 vs Tupapa 22, Open 2-Titikaveka 6 vs Avatiu 24, Open 2-Arorangi won by default against Ngatangiia , Open 1-Takuvaine won by default against Tupapa , Open 1-Titikaveka 51 vs Avatiu 28, Open 1-Ngatangiia 22 vs Arorangi 52, Reserve-Takuvaine 78 vs Tupapa 31, Reserve-Titikaveka 57 vs Avatiu 51, Reserve-Ngatangiia 84 vs Arorangi 43, Premier-Tupapa won by default against Takuvaine, Premier-Titikaveka 68 vs Avatiu 41, Premier-Arorangi won by default against Ngatangiia.

• Matariki Wilson

Jon Robinson was still all smiles after the swim and bike. 11050851

Local man Paul Brown heads out on the cycle leg. 11050844

Fast race times were recorded at the weekends Air New Zealand International Triathlon despite a choppy swim and gusty winds on the cycle and run legs.

The overall race record remains at 1.58.18 set by Bryan Rhodes in 1998 with eventual winner of the race at the weekend Stephen Farrell finishing in a great time of 2.11.37 after coming out third in the swim leg and crashing on the cycle race.

In fact, Farrell had the third fastest individual time in each of the three disciplines on Saturday.

New local race records were recorded when first local male home and second racer overall Roland Neururer set a blistering time of 2.14.55 and first female and local woman Kelly Pick finished in 2.17.23.

The previous local male record was 2.15.37 set by Phil Washbourne last year with Pick shaving close to 2 minutes off her 2010 record of 2.19.03.

Former Kiwi Olympian Nathan Richmond, who placed 3rd overall, was the fastest on the swim taking out the 1.5km course in 22 minutes and 50 seconds followed 3 seconds later by Jon Robinson.

Local cycling enthusiast Geoff Stoddart was the fastest on the bike riding the 41km course in 1.07.08 followed 6 seconds later by eventual local male winner Roland Neururer.

Team Pukekohe Travel set the fastest run time over the 10km course in 40 minutes and 9 seconds followed 19 seconds later by team The Long and Short.

Over winner Stephen Farrell set the fastest individual time of 41 minutes and 8 seconds.

While racers will still be talking about their race times, keen cyclists will line up in Avarua at 5.15pm for todays Tour de Raro round island cycle race.

All competitors and supporters are encouraged to support the Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Service by entering tomorrows inaugural Matutu Mile fun run in Tikioki starting at 5.30pm.

Air NZ rarotonga International Triathlon

• Matariki Wilson

Cyclists are urged to be cautious in what will be a windy ride around the island in this afternoon’s Tour de Raro cycle race. 11050901

The Triathlon Associations main cycle race known as the TurtlesTees Tour de Raro will be held today starting at 4.45pm opposite the Goldmine Shop in the town centre.

Last year 87 cyclists took to the start line, up from 44 entrants in 2009 and 55 in 2008. The event is kindly sponsored by long time supporter TurtlesTees Sportswear.

It is expected that around 50 riders will enter in spite of windy conditions likely to make cycling difficult this afternoon.

The race leaders are expected to achieve a time of around 45 minutes.

Cyclists should note that several groups of riders spaced a few hundred metres apart will form in the first few kilometres of the race depending on riders abilities.

Cyclists are asked to order themselves on the start line with the expected fastest riders at the front and the slower near the rear.

This race goes clockwise around the island the opposite direction to the triathlon cycle.

Please take extra care in the first two kilometres of the race especially at the roundabout through to Tupapa village due to traffic islands and intersections there.

Under triathlon association rules, cyclist are not allowed to use aero bars when riding within the peloton group.

Aero bars may be used once riders have been reduced to groups of four or less.

If conditions remain windy, extra care will be required by all riders. Avoid following too close to other riders and be especially wary of sideways movement in the wind gusts.

Cyclists might best position themselves behind rather than beside.

A police motorcycle escort will proceed 50 metres in front of the leading riders.

The race record is 42 minutes 16 seconds by Luke Bell of Australia set in 2002. The local record is 44:38 by Geoff Stoddart.

The open womens record is 45:44 set by Cathy McManus of New Zealand and the local womens record is 45:47 held by Jennie George.

This year the triathlon association has arranged electronic timing of the race by Sports Timing New Zealand Ltd under the skilled management of Richard and Stuart.

An ankle strapped transponder will be allocated to each rider.

The finish line arrangements are that the inside lane of the Maire Nui drive will be coned off from vehicle traffic further back to enable cyclists to finish across the timing mats placed on the inside lane only.

Cyclists are asked to gather at the start line area from 3.45pm to have their names on the start board and receive their transponder.

Cyclists not entered and paid as part of the full triathlon package can still do so today, including booking for the after race barbeque meal at the Edgewater Resort & Spa.

Within an hour of start time, most riders will have circled the island and be ready to wind down at the after race function and prize-giving to be held at the Edgewater Resort & Spa from 7.30pm.

• CITA

Get dressed up for the inaugural Matutu Mile on Wednesday and show your support for Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Service. 11050902

Run, walk or stumble a mile for a glass of beer at Wednesdays inaugural Matutu Mile fun run and raise funds for Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Service.

The triathlon association and local Matutu Breweries have organised the Matutu Mile fun run from the Tikioki tri site, starting at 5.30pm to conclude the week of triathlon activities.

Everyone is encouraged to take part and make a $2 donation, which goes directly to the Te Vaerua service.

There will also be prizes for the best dressed so fancy costumes are essential for Wednesdays fun run. Special prizes are offered for the more outrageous Matutu moments.

Matutu beer will be on sale and there will be a sausage sizzle, with proceeds also going towards Te Vaerua.

Te Vaerua is a charitable, non-government organisation, and is the only rehabilitation service in the Cook Islands providing physical therapy and assistive devices for people with disabilities.

It is heavily dependent on volunteer support and charity funding.

Te Vaerua provides services and support for a range of people, who due to injury, illness or disability require services and support to assist them to regain their independence, improve their quality of life and regain life skills.

The service includes work, leisure, self care and community-based activities for people who may have been affected by stroke, head injury, neurological conditions, limb amputation, arthritis and other physical disabilities or accidents.

The Te Vaerua team aims to help people help themselves, providing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social support and home based care services.

The Te Vaerua team includes social worker Pat Farr, equipment store manager Mataiti Mataiti, occupational therapist Kelly Pick and newsletter scribe Edwina Matapo.

Also instrumental in the development and running of the service are committee members Pastor Eliu Eliu, Jane Lamb, Dernice Rongo, Grete Marsters, Nadine Newnham and Marie Francis.

The Te Vaerua team will appreciate your fun and contribution at the Matutu Mile on Wednesday.

• Matariki Wilson

Jon Robinson was still all smiles after the swim and bike. 11050851

Local man Paul Brown heads out on the cycle leg. 11050844

Fast race times were recorded at the weekends Air New Zealand International Triathlon despite a choppy swim and gusty winds on the cycle and run legs.

The overall race record remains at 1.58.18 set by Bryan Rhodes in 1998 with eventual winner of the race at the weekend Stephen Farrell finishing in a great time of 2.11.37 after coming out third in the swim leg and crashing on the cycle race.

In fact, Farrell had the third fastest individual time in each of the three disciplines on Saturday.

New local race records were recorded when first local male home and second racer overall Roland Neururer set a blistering time of 2.14.55 and first female and local woman Kelly Pick finished in 2.17.23.

The previous local male record was 2.15.37 set by Phil Washbourne last year with Pick shaving close to 2 minutes off her 2010 record of 2.19.03.

Former Kiwi Olympian Nathan Richmond, who placed 3rd overall, was the fastest on the swim taking out the 1.5km course in 22 minutes and 50 seconds followed 3 seconds later by Jon Robinson.

Local cycling enthusiast Geoff Stoddart was the fastest on the bike riding the 41km course in 1.07.08 followed 6 seconds later by eventual local male winner Roland Neururer.

Team Pukekohe Travel set the fastest run time over the 10km course in 40 minutes and 9 seconds followed 19 seconds later by team The Long and Short.

Over winner Stephen Farrell set the fastest individual time of 41 minutes and 8 seconds.

While racers will still be talking about their race times, keen cyclists will line up in Avarua at 5.15pm for todays Tour de Raro round island cycle race.

All competitors and supporters are encouraged to support the Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Service by entering tomorrows inaugural Matutu Mile fun run in Tikioki starting at 5.30pm.

Air NZ rarotonga International Triathlon

• Matariki Wilson

Cyclists are urged to be cautious in what will be a windy ride around the island in this afternoon’s Tour de Raro cycle race. 11050901

The Triathlon Associations main cycle race known as the TurtlesTees Tour de Raro will be held today starting at 4.45pm opposite the Goldmine Shop in the town centre.

Last year 87 cyclists took to the start line, up from 44 entrants in 2009 and 55 in 2008. The event is kindly sponsored by long time supporter TurtlesTees Sportswear.

It is expected that around 50 riders will enter in spite of windy conditions likely to make cycling difficult this afternoon.

The race leaders are expected to achieve a time of around 45 minutes.

Cyclists should note that several groups of riders spaced a few hundred metres apart will form in the first few kilometres of the race depending on riders abilities.

Cyclists are asked to order themselves on the start line with the expected fastest riders at the front and the slower near the rear.

This race goes clockwise around the island the opposite direction to the triathlon cycle.

Please take extra care in the first two kilometres of the race especially at the roundabout through to Tupapa village due to traffic islands and intersections there.

Under triathlon association rules, cyclist are not allowed to use aero bars when riding within the peloton group.

Aero bars may be used once riders have been reduced to groups of four or less.

If conditions remain windy, extra care will be required by all riders. Avoid following too close to other riders and be especially wary of sideways movement in the wind gusts.

Cyclists might best position themselves behind rather than beside.

A police motorcycle escort will proceed 50 metres in front of the leading riders.

The race record is 42 minutes 16 seconds by Luke Bell of Australia set in 2002. The local record is 44:38 by Geoff Stoddart.

The open womens record is 45:44 set by Cathy McManus of New Zealand and the local womens record is 45:47 held by Jennie George.

This year the triathlon association has arranged electronic timing of the race by Sports Timing New Zealand Ltd under the skilled management of Richard and Stuart.

An ankle strapped transponder will be allocated to each rider.

The finish line arrangements are that the inside lane of the Maire Nui drive will be coned off from vehicle traffic further back to enable cyclists to finish across the timing mats placed on the inside lane only.

Cyclists are asked to gather at the start line area from 3.45pm to have their names on the start board and receive their transponder.

Cyclists not entered and paid as part of the full triathlon package can still do so today, including booking for the after race barbeque meal at the Edgewater Resort & Spa.

Within an hour of start time, most riders will have circled the island and be ready to wind down at the after race function and prize-giving to be held at the Edgewater Resort & Spa from 7.30pm.

• CITA

Get dressed up for the inaugural Matutu Mile on Wednesday and show your support for Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Service. 11050902

Run, walk or stumble a mile for a glass of beer at Wednesdays inaugural Matutu Mile fun run and raise funds for Te Vaerua Community Rehabilitation Service.

The triathlon association and local Matutu Breweries have organised the Matutu Mile fun run from the Tikioki tri site, starting at 5.30pm to conclude the week of triathlon activities.

Everyone is encouraged to take part and make a $2 donation, which goes directly to the Te Vaerua service.

There will also be prizes for the best dressed so fancy costumes are essential for Wednesdays fun run. Special prizes are offered for the more outrageous Matutu moments.

Matutu beer will be on sale and there will be a sausage sizzle, with proceeds also going towards Te Vaerua.

Te Vaerua is a charitable, non-government organisation, and is the only rehabilitation service in the Cook Islands providing physical therapy and assistive devices for people with disabilities.

It is heavily dependent on volunteer support and charity funding.

Te Vaerua provides services and support for a range of people, who due to injury, illness or disability require services and support to assist them to regain their independence, improve their quality of life and regain life skills.

The service includes work, leisure, self care and community-based activities for people who may have been affected by stroke, head injury, neurological conditions, limb amputation, arthritis and other physical disabilities or accidents.

The Te Vaerua team aims to help people help themselves, providing physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social support and home based care services.

The Te Vaerua team includes social worker Pat Farr, equipment store manager Mataiti Mataiti, occupational therapist Kelly Pick and newsletter scribe Edwina Matapo.

Also instrumental in the development and running of the service are committee members Pastor Eliu Eliu, Jane Lamb, Dernice Rongo, Grete Marsters, Nadine Newnham and Marie Francis.

The Te Vaerua team will appreciate your fun and contribution at the Matutu Mile on Wednesday.

• Matariki Wilson

Local cycling enthusiast Richard Vinsen gets into the zone before yesterday’s Tour de Raro cycle race around the island. 11051017

Fifty-one cyclists lined up for yesterdays TurtlesTees Tour de Raro cycle race around the island.

Top riders in the race were expected to clock 45 minutes for the round island cycle although strong winds and rain might have caused slower times than previous years.

The cycle race part of the week of triathlon activities following Saturdays Air New Zealand International Triathlon was for the first time electronically timed by Sports Timing New Zealand Ltd.

The record to beat was 42 minutes 16 seconds set by Luke Bell of Australia in 2002.

The local record is 44:38 held by Geoff Stoddart.

The open womens record is 45:44 set by Cathy McManus of NZ and the local womens record of 45:47 is held by Jennie George.

• Matariki Wilson

11050608

Impersonate your favourite sports idol and head to the National Auditorium on Thursday for the Team Cook Islands Zumba party fundraiser.

This is the second Team Cook Islands fundraising initiative to help athletes attend the Pacific Games in New Caledonia in August.

The dance party fundraiser will be run by the fit and fantastic crew of Fitness Revolution and will include the ever popular zumba, X55, fight do and hupa moves.

Tickets are selling out fast and if you want to shake what your mama gave you in support of Team Cook Islands grab at$5 ticket from the CISNOC offices.

The dance party swings into action at 5pm

• Matariki Wilson