Netball Cook Islands (NCI) Rarotonga Local Club Competition enters the top four battle this week, with teams ready to put their bodies on the line to earn a spot in next week’s grand finale.

In the much-anticipated premier grade semifinals, the undefeated Titikaveka Pearls take on Arorangi while Tupapa faces Takuvaine this Saturday.

After two intense preliminary rounds, comprising 10 weeks of closely fought games and last week’s knockouts, the fate of the tournament will be decided in the upcoming two rounds of competition: this weekend’s semifinals and next week’s finals.

Four teams remain undefeated throughout the competition. In premier grade, Titikaveka Pearls Netball Club, and Avatiu Netball Club in the Senior Open 2 grade, 14 under and 6 under grades.

Avatiu’s premier team failed to make the top four after going down to Takuvaine 42-54 in a major upset in the knockout clash last Saturday.

In the other premier grade knockout battle, Arorangi defeated Ngatangiia 61-37 to make the semifinals.

The senior open grade semifinals were played yesterday in Ngatangiia.

The semifinals in other divisions will be played this Saturday at the National Sports Arena in Nikao, starting at 11 am.

There is a gold coin entry charge for ages 14 and under. Entry fee for everyone else is $3.

Semi-final fixtures:

11am: 6U Titikaveka vs Ngatangiia; Avatiu vs Arorangi.

11.20am: 8U Titikaveka vs Avatiu; Tupapa vs Arorangi.

11.50am: 10U Ngatangiia vs Arorangi; Tupapa vs Avatiu.

12.25pm: 12U Ngatangiia vs Arorangi; Titikaveka vs Avatiu.

1.05pm: 14U Takuvaine vs Tupapa; Avatiu vs Ngatangiia.

1.50pm 16U Takuvaine vs Avatiu; Arorangi vs Ngatangiia.

2.40pm Res Arorangi vs Tupapa; Avatiu vs Titikaveka.

3.40pm Prem Tupapa vs Takuvaine; Titikaveka vs Arorangi.