The Arorangi Flames are the new champions of the Rarotonga Netball Club Competition premier division after a comprehensive win over Takuvaine in the final at the National Sports Arena in Nikao on Saturday.

In the much-anticipated final, Arorangi defeated Takuvaine (TKV) 57-37 in an intense battle between the two teams.

Speaking to Cook Islands News after the final, Arorangi team captain Keziah Lewis expressed the team’s gratitude for winning in the highly competitive premier division title.

Lewis said they entered the season aiming for improvements and growth.

“We went in to the season with a developed mindset trying to get our young ones playing at a higher level and everything like that and I’m so proud because we definitely achieved that.”

Lewis hailed Takuvaine for their determination in making it to the final against all odds.

The Happy Valley side shocked top teams in the knockouts to reach the showdown.

“They (TKV) were at the bottom of the table, then they came into knockout, knocked out Avatiu in a very shocking fashion, then that Tupapa and TKV game was just amazing,” Lewis said.

“And the fact that we got to play them, it was like an underdog season, which was the best.”

Lewis was grateful for the support of her club, Netball Cook Islands for organising the season’s playoffs, the officials for doing their part despite the stress and the contributions from all the other clubs.

Takuvaine TKV skipper Ivana Hunter, who played goal attack (GA), played an instrumental role in motivating her team to push forward.

As this was her first year playing in the local community netball tournaments in the Cook Islands, she was grateful for having such a dedicated and committed team.

“The game went well, we held our heads up, we were the underdogs coming into this,” Hunter said.

“We lost all our games in the round, and then we ended up winning in the knockouts and in the semi-finals. So, we made history today, which was really cool.”

Hunter acknowledged TKV supporters, who supported the team throughout the season during their highs and lows, their coach and also the players who were unable to attend the match.

“We played for you,” she said.

Despite the loss against Arorangi, TKV is motivated and will work harder for next year.

“They (Arorangi) deserved the win, so we’ll just come back stronger next year.”