A new champion will be crowned in the Rarotonga Netball Club Competition premier grade when underdogs Tupapa takes on Arorangi this afternoon at Tupapa Dome.

A determined Tupapa netball team is focused on discipline as they face Arorangi in the mouth-watering clash at 3.15pm.

Underdogs Tupapa and Arorangi defeated premier giants Titikaveka and Avatiu respectively in the semi-finals last weekend.

Tupapa coach Tehauarii Karotaua said they have kept to their normal training schedule this week.

“We train with our reserves and open teams who also made it to the finals with the open team winning. We are super grateful to have our Dome and lights, enabling us to train in the evenings. Thank you George Maggie and the Tupapa Sports Association.”

Karotaua said her advice to the team was to “remain disciplined”.

Karotaua, who is also the coach of the 6 and under team, said she had assisted with the 8U who lost to Ngatangiia in overtime last week, and coached the Open 2 and premier grades.

“It has been a struggle with the different sports codes at the same time, but we managed to adjust and push through. Frustrating at times, but necessary if I wanted a team that could work together on a Saturday.”

She is calling on all Tupapa supporters to come to Tupapa and enjoy a good day of netball.

“Wear your club colours. Keep it positive and constructive.

“Don’t get rowdy, nobody needs that. If you’re getting angry, go buy a plate of curry and eat.”

Arorangi coach Mavis Teaurima said they have not increased the intensity of their training because of the finals.

“We've been continuing with our usual training and keeping track of our progress, which has brought us this far,” Teaurima said.

“However, we’re also feeling a bit nervous because we know the final game won’t be easy. The final stages of any sport are different from the earlier rounds, so the girls are aware that Tupapa will be highly motivated on Saturday (today).”

Teaurima said the most important advice she has given the team “is to trust in the Lord and believe in yourselves and the team”.

“Making it this far is a significant achievement for us as a team, as well as for the club and the village. Being in the finals means you’re already winners, regardless of the outcome on Saturday. Go out there, give it your all, play smart, and enjoy the experience.”

She has called on family and friends to come to Tupapa Courts dressed in red to support their junior teams (U12/U15) and the premier grade.

“Good luck and best wishes to all the teams playing in the finals.”

Fixtures

11am 6U - Tupapa vs Avatiu, 11.20am 8U - Avatiu vs Ngatangiia, 11.50am 10U - Avatiu vs Tupapa, 12.30pm 12U - Takuvaine vs Arorangi, 1.15pm 15U - Arorangi vs. Avatiu, 2.10pm Reserves - Avatiu vs Tupapa and 3.15pm Prems - Arorangi vs Tupapa.