Olympic Fun run celebrates volunteers
Oldies at Tupapa tomorrow
Adopt a country launched for 2009 events
Cooks play Niue today
Tupapa too strong for Takuvaine
Unbeaten sides to clash at Raemaru
Fairies gives squad a good run
Cooks beat Niue in RWC qualifier
Can Takuvaine do it again?
Keen action at sea today
Team CIs – Pep talk
Michigan shootout on today
League team here for 2 games
Rough 7-6 win to Cowboys
Kairangi so close in final
Under 21s on track for world youth clash
Big scores notched up in junior rugby
New cricket manager named
Rugby climbs up two places
Visitors go one-up in league series
Soccer semis today
Youngster to Tokyo
Olympic Fun run celebrates volunteers
Thursday 25: Around 100 enthusiastic sports supporters pounded the pavement around Avarua on Tuesday for the annual Olympic Fun run.
The event was based on the theme of celebrating volunteers.
Team Cook Islands athletes took advantage of the event and turned it into a team training run while families and friends took a leisurely walk.
Team Cook Islands athletes were joined by members of the Pacific Mini Games organising committee who are still calling for volunteers for the games.
An orientation evening for registered volunteers and those intending to be volunteers will be held at the National Auditorium this evening. - MW
Oldies at Tupapa tomorrow
Thursday 25: Last Friday’s golden oldies rugby rumble saw the Takitumu turn up late – so anyone who turned up by 4.45pm made up the opposition against the Takuvaine Legends
The match was officiated by George George – and a mighty job he did at that.
As the game progressed players that turned up put on jerseys and joined in for either side so only one game of 30 minutes each way was played. But a lot of fun was had by all.
2papa’s Dad and Dave act proved good with Ringo making a break and dad Anau making the tackle. Dad even managed to take the ball away from Ringo.
FBI Brown made a couple of good breaks only to be stopped by either big Puna or Tony Mac.
The game progressed back and forth from 22 to 22. When ever George the ref was able to keep up, he would allow a try or two.
Otherwise a quick running game was had by all with nobody having the advantage over the other team so a draw was declared at the end.
It was noted that the MPs were absent but they should all be present at 2papa on Friday.
The after game function was again excellent with plenty of good food and big Steins being consumed during the showing of the All Blacks match.
This Friday’s games will see 2papa host the day’s games at Victoria Park. 2papa will take on the Takuvaine Legends at 4.30pm while Takitumu will face the Avatiu-Nikao Mongoose. - Indian
Adopt a country launched for 2009 events
Friday 26: The ‘adopt a country’ programme for both the World Youth Netball Championships and the Pacific Mini Games was launched on Thursday at the PR centre in Avarua.
The ministry of education was thanked for their support in allowing the schools on Rarotonga and outer islands to take part in the programme.
Schools picked a country from a hat, which they will support at the August netball championships and the mini games in September.
Around 80 people gathered at the PR centre to witness the event with Tatari Mitchell heading the programme as coordinator.
Only Rarotonga schools were selected for the WYNC adopt a country programme as school will still be in progress during the event.
However outer island schools will take part in the programme for the Pacific Mini Games.
The main responsibility of each school and its students is to cheer and support its adopted country. Some schools have been allocated more than one country.
Schools and their adopted countries for the WYNC are St Joseph’s (Australia), Takitumu (Barbados), Rutaki (USA), Arorangi (England, Fiji), Avatea (Botswana, Malawi), Imanuela Akatemia (Ireland), Avarua (Jamaica, Vanuatu), Te Uki Ou (Malaysia), Titikaveka College (New Zealand, Singapore), Tereora College (South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Wales), Nikao (Papua New Guinea), Nukutere (Scotland, Samoa).
For the Pacific Mini Games – schools will support the team which will stay at their school while outer islands schools have been included in the programme.
Schools and their adopted country are Mauke (Nauru), Atiu (Tuvalu), Mitiaro (Solomon Islands), Mangaia (Tokelau), Imanuela Akatemia (American Samoa), Aitutaki (Niue), Arorangi (Fiji), Nikao (Samoa), Avarua (Vanuatu), Rutaki (Wallis and Fortuna), Papaaroa College (Tonga), Tereora College (Kiribati, Federated State of Micronesia), Te Uki Ou (Norfolk Island), Nikao (Papua New Guinea), Titikaveka College (Cook Islands), Nukutere College (Samoa), Avatea (Tahiti) and St Joseph’s (New Caledonia). - MW
Cooks play Niue today
Friday 26: The Cooks has finalised their 22-man rugby squad to play against Niue in the Oceania Cup East match to be played today (New Zealand time).
The starting line up includes local centre Turori Matutu (Tupapa) and winger Bruce Goldsworthy (Avatiu).
The Cook Islands team will be captained by hooker Joe Marsters from the Bay of Plenty and also includes four other members of the Marsters family – brothers Joe and prop Jacob plus their cousins lock Tai, winger Eugene and reserve halfback Wynyard.
Team manager Vincent Peters reports that the team have been training well and have received extra coaching support from All Blacks legend Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford.
They are staying at the Ramarama Country Inn in Pukekohe, close to the match venue and really looking forward to today’s match against Niue.
The Cooks Islands squad is as follows; Jacob Marsters, Joe Marsters (captain), James Ngatupuna, Tai Marsters, Mat McGrath, Tamati Hawea, Amosa Anglem, Nick Connal, Aaron Turley, Eugene Marsters, Daniel Kauraka, Turori Matutu, Bruce Goldsworthy and Nathan Robinson (vice captain). Reserves players are Mike Toki, Paana Purotu, Wynyard Marsters, Jamie Rolton, Ioane Ioane, Antonio Diaz and Patrick Kapi.
For messages of support – the team can be contacted by email on vinsin.peters@gmail.com or mobile number 021 0246 3196. - CIRU
Tupapa too strong for Takuvaine
Friday 26: The Tupapa under 15 rugby team proved too strong for city cousins Takuvaine in the first Coca-Cola trophy challenge on Wednesday.
Tupapa comfortably won the match 30-0 and were ably led by forwards Junior Ngere and Eric Newbigging.
And with direction provided by the classy inside back pairing of Stubby Kamana and Jaymon Iroa the team crossed the try line five times.
The team led 10-0 at half time before the floodgates opened in the second half.
Best for Takuvaine were side-stepping fullback Ari Arioka and utility back Ieremia Tuteru.
Tupapa’s tries came via Maeva Smith, Trainee Amarama, Richard Vainerere, Makea Tupa and Mitchell Ford with Stubby Kamana slotting in three converstions.
Junior Ngere of Tupapa and Arioka Arioka of Takuvaine were singled out as the most valuable players of the day. - CIRU
Unbeaten sides to clash at Raemaru
Friday 26: Takitumu and Arorangi are the places to be this afternoon as the senior B grade rugby teams kick start round three of the Air New Zealand trophy competition.
In Takitumu, Titikaveka will host Avatiu and Ngatangiia-Matavera will take on Tupapa at Muri.
The Arorangi club will host Takuvaine today in their senior B grade match.
The remainder of the grades will be played out tomorrow with the match of the week to be played at Raemaru Park between the two unbeaten senior sides, Takuvaine and Arorangi.
The under 9 and 11 grade matches will also be played tomorrow with games at 11.30am at Muri and at 1pm at Arorangi.
If your little one has not joined up with a team – head to Arorangi or Muri where he will be put into a team. - MW
Round three rugby draw and referee appointments.
Friday June 26 – (at Titikaveka) Titikaveka vs Avatiu-Nikao 4.30pm senior B, ref-Johnny Hosking assisted by Robert Matapo and club rep; (at Ngatangiia) Ngatangiia-Matavera vs Tupapa; 4.30pm senior B, ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Tangi Toa and club rep; (at Arorangi) Arorangi vs Takuvaine 4.30pm senior B, Ref-Tuaitu Ngaputa assisted by Pare Rongokea and club rep.
Saturday June 27 at Titikaveka – Titikaveka vs Avatiu-Nikao 2.50pm under 15, ref-Pius Mitchell assisted by Simiona Teiotu and Tutai Taurarii; 3.50pm senior A, ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Tutai Taurarii and Pius Mitchell.
Saturday June 27 at Ngatangiia – Ngatangiia-Matavera vs Tupapa 12pm under 13, ref-club rep assisted by V Tokorangi and T Williams; 12.40pm Under 15, Ref-club rep assisted by V Tokorangi and T Williams, 1.30pm Under 17, Ref-Tangi Toa assisted by V Tokorangi and T. Williams, 2.30pm Under 19, Ref-Arthur Emile assisted Tua Ngaputa and Tangi Toa, 3.50pm Senior A, Ref-Tuaitu Ngaputa assisted by Arthur Emile and Tangi Toa.
Saturday June 27 at Arorangi – Arorangi vs Takuvaine 1.40pm under 15, ref-Pare Rongokea assisted by club reps; 2.40pm under 17, ref-Dan Munro assisted by Ben Koteka and Fraser Nooroa; 3.50pm senior A, ref-Johnny Hosking assisted by Fraser Nooroa and Ben Koteka.
Fairies gives squad a good run
Friday 26: Geneva Maroroa (pictured with ball) of the Fairies men’s netball team put the Cook Islands mini games netball squad through their paces last weekend.
The men’s team, lead by netball stalwart Tex Tangimetua, have been helping out with the mini games team preparation for the event in September.
The men’s team have certainly given the mini games team some physical games and given head coach Mii Maui the opportunity to iron out the kinks in her team.
The mini games team will really be tested next month during a three test series tournament when they will play the Fairies plus a ‘best of the rest’ Rarotonga selection.
The Rarotonga selection hit the Avatiu courts last Saturday to make sure they are as ready as they can to give the national team a really good run before the games.
Under the guidance of Tai Manavaroa the team hope to provide a tough and physical game for the mini games team.
The three test series will be held on 9, 10 and 11 June and the Cook Islands Netball Association hope to be able to use the new multi sports complex in Nikao for the event but if this is not possible the games will be played at the National Auditorium.
Don’t forget the squad’s runathon fundraiser tomorrow, Saturday, June 27. The team members are sill looking for sponsors – call anyone in the squad or CINA if you are interested in sponsorship.
The squad – and supporters -- will assemble on the main road near The Bond Liquor Store, opposite the Punanga Nui market at 6.45am. The runathon will start at 7am. – MW
Cooks beat Niue in RWC qualifier
Saturday 27: The Cook Islands beat Niue in a Rugby World Cup qualifier at Pukekohe, South Auckland, last night.
The Cooks led 9-7 at half time and then raced away to win 29-7.
Fullback Nathan Robinson was the star for the Cooks, scoring 19 points through a try, four penalties and a conversion. Tupapa’s Turori Matutu and prop Jacob Marsters also scored tries.
Cook Islands Rugby Union chief executive Ben Koteka spoke to president John Wichman who said that a crowd of nearly 1000 turned up for the match at Growers Stadium. Koteka said the Cooks started slowly and squandered
chances in the first half.
However, after blowing out the cobwebs, the Cooks put the pressure on their opponents to win comfortably in the end.
The team will now focus on the game against the Oceania West winner – Papua New Guinea or Vanuatu for the Oceania Cup final on July 4.
Whoever wins that game will take on Manu Samoa on a home-and-away basis.
For messages of support – the team can be contacted by email on vinsin.peters@gmail.com or mobile number 021 0246 3196. - Moana Moeka’a
Can Takuvaine do it again?
Saturday 27: Under new coach Pare Rongokea Jnr the Takuvaine senior A grade squad have had a good start to their season as they head into round three of the Air NZ Trophy competition undefeated.
In the first match of the season, the Takuvaine squad thrashed Titikaveka 45-0 and last weekend the team edged out Ngatangiia-Matavera 23-21.
With coach Rongokea being an ex-Arorangi stalwart, he will have intimate knowledge of what makes the Cowboys team tick.
But he will need to convince his Takuvaine team that in order to win today’s match, they will need to go toe-to-toe with the Cowboys forwards for the full 80 minutes if they are to notch up win number three on the trot.
If the Takuvaine forwards can face up to the challenge and supply quality ball for their gun backline, then we should be in for a great match.
In the red corner, the return of the Cowboys experienced props David Heather and Makirere Makirere should see an improved set piece complemented by young forwards Brendan Smith, Edwin Teraitua and Emile Mamanu.
Together with the cultured boot of first five eighth David Wichman, the Cowboys team of old look to be back in business.
Be at the Arorangi Raemaru Park to find out.
Kick starting the games at Arorangi will be the under 9 and 11 year olds starting at 1pm.
Out at Titikaveka, Avatiu will be hosted by the club while Ngatangiia-Matavera will host Tupapa at Muri. –Ruck and Maul
Arorangi Cowboys: David Heather, Katini Heather, Makirere Makirere, Geoffery Akanoa, Steven Naea, Brendan Smith, Emile Emile, Edwin Teraitua, Cosmar Bell, David Wichman(Capt), Joe Mamanu, Semi Sotiti, Spoon Marsters, Ken Mataroa and Sione Faametau.
Takuvaine: Futu Banaba, Papa Tuteru, Apii Apii, Kura Tereapii, Silafi Tovio, Alistair Newbigging, Travel Tou Jnr, Poko Turua, Jnr Tereora, Tave Tereapii, Rouru Ngametua, Louis Moimai, Matthew Titoa, Vase Samania, Owen Titoa, Afato Ioane, Ailaoa Samania, George Ngatikao, Levi Teinaki and Iosefo Samania.
Saturday June 27 at Titikaveka – Titikaveka vs Avatiu-Nikao 2.50pm Under 15, Ref-Pius Mitchell assisted by Simiona Teiotu and Tutai Taurarii, 3.50pm Senior A, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Tutai Taurarii and Pius Mitchell.
Saturday June 27 at Ngatangiia – Ngatangiia-Matavera vs Tupapa 12.00pm Under 13, Ref-club rep assisted by V Tokorangi and T Williams, 12.40pm Under 15, Ref-club rep assisted by V Tokorangi and T Williams, 1.30pm Under 17, Ref-Tangi Toa assisted by V Tokorangi and T. Williams, 2.30pm Under 19, Ref-Arthur Emile assisted Tua Ngaputa and Tangi Toa, 3.50pm Senior A, Ref-Tuaitu Ngaputa assisted by Arthur Emile and Tangi Toa.
Saturday June 27 at Arorangi – Arorangi vs Takuvaine 1.40pm Under 15, Ref-Pare Rongokea assisted by club reps, 2.40pm Under 17, Ref-Dan Munro assisted by Ben Koteka and Fraser Nooroa, 3.50pm Senior A, Ref-Johnny Hosking assisted by Fraser Nooroa and Ben Koteka.
Keen action at sea today
Saturday 27: Race four of the Cook Islands Canoeing Association mid distance series will be held today from Avarua harbour.
With Pacific Mini Games contenders out training for the games – expect to still see a full range of crews and singles paddlers taking part.
The first race of the day will be the OC1 8km race followed by the V6 8km race.
Registration for both races will start at 12.30pm with registration fees of $2 for under 19 paddlers and $5 for seniors.
The course will begin from the Boiler outside Avarua harbour and take paddlers east to Tupapa at the turnaround out from the Skip Price property and back to Trader Jacks.
The OC1 paddlers will set out at 1pm followed by the V6 crews at 1.10pm.
And with the weather clearing – expect some great action on the water. -Matariki Wilson
Team CIs – Pep talk
Saturday 27: Train smart, be super fit
Some athletes treat a particular training programme like it’s the gospel.
But really it’s about being smart about your training.
Athletes usually have a ‘game plan’ for the day but I think it’s more important to have a ‘training plan’.
The last thing we need is burnt out or injured athletes come the Pacific Mini Games.
Some people are just not capable of getting up early in the morning to train.
For some an early morning training session can screw up their whole day.
For me, I know that if I’m playing golf in the afternoon, I don’t go to the gym in the morning and lift weights – I’ll be smashing balls all over the course!
Some people think that if they go to the gym in the morning, they will be on form and hit a hole in one – it doesn’t work like that.
Training is not about the quantity of work you do – it’s about being smart and doing quality training.
You know, I’m against guys training just to be fit. There are some lazy athletes who just do enough to get by.
To win – you have to be super fit and you will be the ultimate athlete.
There are no quick fixes – only idiots wait till the last minute.
And coaches also have to be smart too.
We already have one advantage over our opponents and that’s having the home ground advantage – playing in conditions we know.
So if your games are going to be in the middle of the day, then train in the middle of the day so you are prepared for the conditions.
And my best training technique is sleeping – not sleeping for four days and training for one, but making sure you have enough rest.
Michigan shootout on today
Saturday 27: The Michigan Motors golf shootout will start today at the Rarotonga Golf Club in Nikao.
The shootout follows the Calcutta on Thursday which saw the favourites – the Pacific
Mini Games training squad – in great form.
But as past records show, the favourites usually crash on the final day.
After the shootout a shotgun start will kick off for all the members. Presentation of trophies for the first half of the year will start at 7.30pm with a BBQ.
This is the 15th year that Michigan Motors has sponsored this successful tournament.
Since 1995 the most successful golfers have been Stuart Henry (two wins one runner up), Junior Manuela (two wins), Royale Brogan (two wins) and James Herman who has won once and came runner up once.
Only two ladies have embarrassed the men and they are Moe Nio and Maara Kenning.
Invitees are bar manager Toots, president KG, club captain S Urlich and upcoming junior golfer Tony Turua.
My pick for 2009 shootout will most likely come out of these favourites – Sonny Karati, James Herman, Daniel Webb, Junior Manuela, TJ Marsters, Ned Howard, Tuaine Marsters, Alice Pilkinton and Maara Kenning.
Members are reminded to bring kinaki and salad. - RGC
League team here for 2 games
Saturday 27: The Australian affiliated states league team will arrive on the island today for a two-match test series against the Cook Islands.
The Australian team is made up of players from Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia and is managed by former Kiwi international and Cook Islander Matt Rua.
The team will take on a Cook Islands team in their first match up on Monday June 29 at Raemaru Park in Arorangi.
The second test match is scheduled for Thursday July 2.
The last time the Cooks faced an Australian affiliated team was in 2004 – a strong Cook Islands team defeated the team and there are high hopes of another win for the Cooks this time round.
While the two test matches will be played in the traditional 13 man format – the majority of the Cook Islands squad will be made up by players training for the Pacific Mini Games sevens format. -Matariki Wilson
Rough 7-6 win to Cowboys
Monday 29: The Arorangi Cowboys were just able to keep a stubborn Takuvaine squad at bay to win what was a heated match 7-6 on Saturday at Raemaru Park.
Takuvaine just refused to lie down and as predicted the team coached by former Cowboys Pare Tangata played their hearts out.
Takuvaine’s short coaching sessions with Ireland based player Stanley Wright certainly paid off as the Takuvaine forward pack ground away at Arorangi and caused a lot of frustrations for the Cowboys.
With the halftime score at 7-6, the Cowboys enjoyed decisive territorial advantage in the second half of the match but the Cowboys’ inability to convert this into points allowed Takuvaine to retain a sense of hope and self-belief that this match was theirs for the taking.
Takuvaine’s brilliant defensive efforts were highlighted by the team’s veteran Vaivase Samania who with his never-say-die attitude chased down the Cowboys centre Spoon Marsters.
Marsters, as he often easily does, split the Takuvaine defence from 40 metres out and on his way to the try line, while saluting to the crowd, had the ball knocked from his grasp by Samania.
Takuvaine’s points came via two penalty kicks by the cheeky Afato Ioane.
Best for the Cowboys were big tight head prop David Heather and energetic blindside flanker Brendan Smith, while Takuvaine veteran first five eighth Vaivase Samania and busy number 8 Travel Tou Jnr were the stand out players for the other team.
However, what would have been a great match was tarnished by ill disciplined players from both sides who mistaken-ly thought they were in a boxing ring.
Referee Johnny Hosking issued four yellow cards (three to Arorangi players and one to a Takuvaine player) and one red card to Arorangi halfback Cosmo Bell (who received a yellow card earlier in the match) two minutes before full time.
But Bell just couldn’t control his anger and after the full time hooter, he allegedly biffed a water bottle at the referee – an offence that should receive a harsh penalty when the Cook Islands Rugby Union Judiciary meet this week.
CIRU does not condone on field violence and will look to stamp this type of behaviour out of the game.
In other senior A grade matches of the day – it was a confident and solid Titikaveka team that steam rolled Avatiu 18-10.
Titikaveka could have done more damage had their last minute try been allowed.
Titikaveka used the old chip over the top to break the Avatiu line with some great bursting runs seen.
Avatiu on the other hand lacked cohesion and will need to focus on union skills more if they are to get their season on track.
At Muri – Tupapa suffered a 24-0 thrashing by the Flying Dragons.
This week’s games will see neighbours Ngatangiia-Matavera and Titikaveka go head to head at Muri while Tupapa will host Arorangi and Takuvaine meet Avatiu at the swamp. - Ruck & Maul
Wins to The Rock and Arai-Te-Tonga
After the last round of games played on Thursday June 25, The Rock and Arai-Te-Tonga have won the five-a-side soccer round cup competition in the men’s and women’s divisions respectively.
In the men’s main match of the day, The Rock beat the fancy Atiu Warriors team by five goals to two.
This was enough for The Rock team to win the round cup competition on goal difference with the two teams locked on 16 points each.
Today’s men’s knockout games should be top notch matches with the games starting at 5.25pm at the CIFA complex in Matavera.
- CIFA
Results from Thursday June 25: (women) Wild Wild West 2 vs Arai-Te-Tonga 1, Hartal Posers 5 vs Hot Shots 0, (men) The Rock 5 vs Atiu Warriors 2, Viti Boys 3 vs Takuvaine Boys 1, Hartal Clowns 2 vs Virgin Ave 1, Black Puta 3 vs Quest Crew 1.
Today’s knock out draw and referee appointments: 5:25pm – (men) The Rock vs Quest Crew on field one, Ref-Lai Gukisuva, Atiu Warriors vs Takuvaine Boys on field two, Ref-Robert Savage, Viti Boys vs Hartal Clowns on field three, Ref-John Paul Wilson, Black Puta vs Virgin Ave on field four, Ref-Maara Kaukura.
Kairangi so close in final
Monday 29: Emerging Cook Islands professional tennis player and Pump Scholarship recipient Kairangi Vano came oh-so-close to winning her first TIF Futures title in Rotterdam in the Netherlands at the weekend.
With her partner Alenka Hubacek of Australia, Vano reached the doubles final, against top seeds Irina Kuzmina of Lat-via and Eugeniya Pashkova of Russia.
In the end it was not to be – although they showed great fighting spirit, the ANZACs lost the final in a tight, two-set match, taking the favourites to a tie-break each time.
The score was 7-6 (6) 7-6 (8) – it couldn’t get much closer than that.
Vano is assisted with overseas travel through a grant awarded as part of the Pump Tennis Scholarship programme.
The Cook Islands are watching with interest as Vano is looking to be at the South Pacific Mini games in her homeland later this year, and there’s no doubt she’ll have gold in her sights. - CITA
Under 21s on track for world youth clash
Monday 29: The national under 21 netball team are on track with their training for the World Youth Netball Championships in August, according to Cook Islands Netball Association president Margharet Matenga.
As host of the event, the Cook Islands will play the opening match of the championships against Pool B opponents Wales.
This match will be played after the opening ceremony of the championships on Monday August 10 at 2.30pm.
As part of the Cook Islands teams final preparations, the squad will head into an intense camp from July 14 to 19.
Coinciding with the camp is the squad’s fundraiser.
Matenga says that the team held a fundraiser evening on Friday June 17 at the well known Cook Islands night club in downtown Papatoetoe.
Matenga says that the evening also served as the launch of the team’s WYNC uniforms.
“The girls’ parents are real keen,” says Matenga.
“And because the girls in the team are from New Zealand and Australia, it’s only fair to hold the fundraiser on that side and have the community there support the girls.”
Matenga will head to New Zealand in July to support fundraising activities and check on the team’s progress.
Matenga says that the team are scheduled to arrive on Rarotonga on August 5 for the championships.
The Cooks have been drawn in Pool B along with England, Malaysia, Wales and Vanuatu.
The WYNC will open on Monday August 10 followed by the first game between the Cooks and Wales.
Between Tuesday August 11 and Saturday August 15 pool games will be played.
Monday August 17 will see the quarter finals played out with the semi finals to follow on Tuesday August 18.
Final play offs for placings 9-12 will be held on Wednesday August 20 while the final matches for placings 1-8 including the grand final and closing ceremony will be held on Thursday August 20. - MW
Big scores notched up in junior rugby
Tuesday 30: The Takuvaine under 17 team scored the most points during round three of the Air New Zealand trophy competition at the weekend.
The team wasted no time in asserting their dominance against Arorangi with the players certainly enjoying every minute of their 64-5 try fest over the Cowboys.
Tave Tereapii was the standout player for the team using the chip over the top tactic to put his players in try scoring positions.
The youngster also made an appearance in the senior A grade match between the two clubs although Takuvaine were edged out 7-6 by the Cowboys.
The Takuvaine under 15 team however were not able to find their groove and were thrashed by the Cowboys 60-0.
The Ngatangiia-Matavera junior grades also had big wins at the weekend against Tupapa.
The clubs under 19 team were just too good for Tupapa winning 48-0 while the country clubs under 17 team beat Tupapa 38-7.
The Ngatangiia-Matavera under 15 grade also had a big win beating Tupapa 52-17. Out at Titikaveka, the Avatiu under 15 team out-muscled Titikaveka 25-12.
- Matariki Wilson
Full results from the weekend: Ngatangiia-Matavera vs Tupapa (Ngatangiia-Matavera scores first) snr A 24-0, snr B Ngatangiia-Matavera won by default, U19 48-0, U17 38-7, U15 52-17, U13 0-10, Arorangi vs Takuvaine (Arorangi scores first) snr A 7-6, snr B 35-5, U17 5-64, U15 60-0, Titikaveka vs Avatiu (Titikaveka scores first) snr A 18-10, snr B 15-17, U15 12-25.
New cricket manager named
Tuesday 30: New Zealander Alister Stevic has been appointed as the new general manger of the Cook Islands Cricket Association.
Stevic is a proven sports administrator and manager, having recently performed the role of operations manager for the Rotorua Cricket Association and he will take up the job in a month’s time
Cook Island Cricket Association president James Thomson says that they are very excited to have a person of Stevic’s calibre take up the position of general manager.
“We are sure that Alister will work well with the cricket community within the Cook Islands to further promote and develop the sport in our islands,” said Thomson.
In an interview after his appointments – Stevic said he was looking forward to taking up his position here in the Cooks.
“I am keen use this opportunity to continue to develop cricket at the grass-roots level and further strengthen the administrative functions of the organisation.”
“It is an extremely exciting time to take on this role and I look forward to working with the Cook Islands Cricket Board to implement our key strategies.”
ICC EAP Regional Development Manager Matt Weisheit said that the appointment of Stevic is part of an overall strategy to strengthen governance and administration within ICC member countries.
“We look forward to working with Alister and the Cook Islands Cricket team to further progress the sustainable development of cricket in the Cook Islands,” said Weisheit. - MW
Rugby climbs up two places
Tuesday 30: The Cook Islands have moved up two places in the latest International Rugby Board’s world rankings to 53 on the back of the team’s Oceania Cup victory over Niue in New Zealand last Saturday.
Meanwhile Niue has dropped nine places to 69 -- only a couple of places above their lowest ever position since the rankings were introduced in October 2003.
The 29-7 victory for Cook Islands means the team will now travel to Port Moresby on Saturday to face Papua New Guinea after it beat Vanuatu in its Rugby World Cup qualifier at the weekend.
The winner of the Cooks-PNG game will play Manu Samoa over two legs to determine the last Oceania qualifier for the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
Visitors go one-up in league series
Wednesday 1: The Australian Affiliated States beat the Cook Islands President XIII 38-20 in their first rugby league clash at Raemaru Park on Monday.
The local team worked hard to keep up with the Australian team earlier on in the match but lagged off in the final quarter of the game.
Australia led 20-10 at the half time break.
The superior fitness of the Australians saw them wear down the Cooks in the last quarter to score some very good tries to increase their lead and win the game 38-20.
The Cooks had their chances to score and win the game but sloppy passes and poor defence around the ruck costs them the game.
The two teams will meet again on Thursday at Arorangi for the second and final test before the Aussies head back home on Friday morning.
Could the final match be the opportunity for the Cook Islands President XIII to level the test series or will the Australians be too strong for the Cooks again?
The final clash between the two teams will be held again at Raemaru Park on Thursday starting at 4.15pm. - Matariki Wilson
Soccer semis today
Wednesday 1: The five-a-side soccer knock out semi-finals will be played today at the CIFA complex in Matavera.
In the men’s division the Hartal Clowns, who demolished Viti Boys by six goals to one on Monday will take on Black Puta while round cup winners The Rock will play arch rivals Atiu Warriors.
In the women’s division Wild Wild West will match up against Hartal Posers with the winner to play Arai-te-Tonga on Friday.
The finals will be played on Friday July 3. - CIFA
Monday’s results: (men) The Rock 4 vs Quest Crew 3, Atiu Warriors 7 vs Takuvaine Boys 1, Hartal Clowns 6 vs Viti Boys 1, Black Puta 3 vs Virgin Ave 0.
Today’s draw and referee appointments: 4.45pm – (women) Wild Wild West vs Hartal Posers on field one, ref-Robert Savage; 5.25pm – (men) The Rock vs Atiu Warriors on field one, ref-Robert Savage; Hartal Clowns vs Black Puta on field four, ref-Maara Kaukura.
Youngster to Tokyo
Wednesday 1: Young Jamaneter George (12) of Mangaia has qualified and secured a place in the Oceania table tennis team to attend the World Cadet (juniors) Challenge later in the year in Tokyo, Japan.
Jamaneter is the second player to represent the Cook Islands in such event.
The team of Jamaneter, Ana Pere (14) from Mauke and Louisa Mokoha (17), is currently on the Gold Coast, Australia at a youth training camp preparing for 13th leg of the ITTF world junior circuit event.
Following this event the team will travel to Melbourne and will compete in the Oceania World Cup qualifying event and the Australian open championship.
These competitions are also part of the qualifying events to secure selection for Team Cook Islands in the up and coming Pacific Mini Games.
The Cook Islands Table Tennis Association would like to thank CISNOC for the funding to help the young players attend these events and of course the parents of the players for their support.
On the local scene – training continues at the Mangaia hostel on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Anyone interested in having a game with the training squad is most welcome to come along on Friday nights from 6.30 to 8.30pm. - CITA
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