Sports News

Little Bears and Bulldogs clash
Cricket honours its stars
Ella 9th in Oceania event
Four local paddlers competing
267 teenagers to try oe vaka
League double header today
Squash does the business
Sharks maul Doggies
Top 2 face off
New team in netball
League games shift back
Sun and tempers flare
Masters athletes prepare
Calling all Mangaians
Youth athletics competition re-scheduled for today

The under 13 Arorangi Bears rugby league team will open up this week’s round of rugby league matches with a match against the Bulldogs this afternoon.

The under 13 grade has gone through some restructuring to give the limited number of under 13 grade teams more game time.

The first up under 13 match will be played at 4pm tomorrow at the Takuvaine sports field in the Happy valley.

Following this game will be the reserves grade match between the Bulldogs and Warriors.

This game is scheduled to kick off at 4.45pm.

This Friday the Titikaveka Bulldogs premier grade will head to Aitutaki to play the Aitutaki Sharks on their home ground.

This will be the first game hosted on Aitutaki this year and it sure to be an all island affair as Aitutakians will no doubt come out in force to cheer on their boys.

This game will kick off 5pm.

Meanwhile back on Rarotonga, the remaining Bulldogs grades will take on the Takuvaine Warriors in the Happy Valley.

The two main clashes this Saturday will be between the Arorangi Bears and Ngatangiia-Matavera Sea Eagles at Raemaru Park and the Avatiu Eels and Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers at the Swamp.

All hosting teams are again reminded that it is your responsibility to provide the match balls and ball boys.

Last weekend the match between the Panthers and Bears was a stop-start affair as spectators rummaged to the taro patch looking for the match ball.

In some cases it took up to 6 minutes to retrieve the ball for the game to resume!

If you would like more clarification on your responsibility as the host club – contact Taua Benioni on 50893.

- Matariki Wilson

This week’s draw

Thursday February 25

Bulldogs vs Takuvaine at Takuvaine – 4pm-under 13 grade, Ref-Tutai Tuakana assisted by cub officials, 4.45pm-reserves grade, Ref-John Whitta assisted by Paul Allsworth and Tutai Tuakana.

Friday February 26

Bulldogs vs Sharks on Aitutaki – 5pm-premier grade, Ref-Pare Rongokea assisted by Arthur Emile and Peckham Maoate.

Bulldogs vs Warriors in Takuvaine – 4pm-under 16 grade, Ref-Koa Kopu assisted by club officials, 5pm-under 19 grade, Ref-Ratu Mato assisted by Nga Takaiti and Jeff Murray.

Saturday February 27

Bears vs Sea Eagles at Arorangi – 1pm-under 16 grade, Ref-Koa Kopu assited by club officials, 2pm-under 19 grade, Ref-Tutai Tuakana assisted by Koa Kopu and Ratu Mato, 3pm-reserve grade, Ref-Tua Manea assisted by Ratu Mato and Nga Takaiti, 4.30pm-premier grade, Ref-Ngavavia Tou assisted by Tua Manea and Nga Takaiti.

Eels vs Panthers at Avatiu – 1pm-under 13 grade, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by club officials, 1.40pm-under 16 grade, Ref-Terry Strickland assisted by Phillip Strickland and Bishop Bishop, 2.40pm-under 19 grade, Ref-Billy Bush assisted by Terry Strickland and Phillip Strickland, 3.40pm-reserve grade, Ref-Simi Teiotu assisted by Jeff Murray and George Maggie, 5pm-premier grade, Ref-Sean Willis assisted by Billy Bush and Simi Teiotu.

International cricketers were recognised for their efforts in lifting the profile of Cook Islands cricket. More cricket awards photos, page 13. 10022302

Cook Islands Cricket held its swept-up, new-look annual cricket awards recently.

Twenty-six awards were presented in the women, junior and men categories including honouring international performances and volunteer contributions.

Five Rarotonga men’s club awards were up for collection across 12 weeks of club competition.

Muri and Arorangi dominated the awards as Arorangi picked up the first award of the evening –the Cookie Sadaraka trophy.

The Rarotonga Round Robin award was won by Muri and the top four and bottom four were awarded to Arorangi and Matavera respectively.

This season’s two heavy weights Arorangi and Muri did battle for the title of Champion of Champions which was convincingly won by Muri.

Individual honours went to Tom Vea for batsman of the season and Ronnie Forbes for wicket keeper of the season.

The new women’s cricket competition which had taken Rarotonga by storm this season was played out over two competitions with league winners honours going to Muri (Eastern League) and Avatiu-Nikao (Western League).

Individual honours went to Luciana Matenga of Avatiu-Nikao for batswoman of the season, Jean Akavi of the ANZ Chickadees team for bowler of the season and joint winners Matariki Wilson (Avatiu-Nikao) and Apii (Muri) collected the honour of wicketkeeper of the season.

The coveted club of the season trophy in which clubs are rated over five categories – women’s and men’s performances, spirit of cricket, club organisation and facility presentation – went to Muri.

Awards for the widely successful Turtles Domestic League, which was another new addition to the Cook Islands Cricket calendar, were dominated by undefeated winning team the Royal Heat. Ace Royal Heat and international player Davis Teinaki picked up three awards for bowler, batter and all-rounder of the tournament.

Storm Chasers captain Ronnie Forbes was named wicket keeper of the tournament, Royal Heat and international player Lucky Topetai won fielder of the tournament and Storm Chasers David Leeming collected Manager of the Tournament.

Cook Islands Cricket General Manager Alister Stevic paid particular thanks to the volunteers and sponsors who had assisted in making the season so successful.

Outstanding volunteer services to Cook Islands Cricket awards, recognising those people who had made a substantial contribution to cricket over the season, went to Pavai, David Leeming, Apii Mamanu and Tom Wicks.

International honours based on the national players’ performances during the recent International Cricket Council’s East Asia Pacific Trophy were dominated by Royal Heat captain Vane Tangimetua. Tangimetua collected a slew of awards – batsmen, all-rounder and supreme player of the year. New Zealand based player Tino Etita picked up bowler of the season and Peter Tare collected future star of the year.

Cook Islands Cricket continues its efforts in developing local players through its cricket in schools programme.

• MW/CICA

Ella Nicholas paddles her way through the gates to achieve good times and places at the Oceania Canoe-Kayak open in Sydney this week. 10022533

Accomplished Cook Islands slalom kayaker Ella Nicholas qualified ninth fastest in the final of the women’s C1 slalom event at the Oceania Canoe-Kayak Open in Sydney this week.

The C1 canoe slalom is a new discipline of canoeing for Nicholas who had just four weeks of training prior to the competition.

Clocking a time of 198.9, Nicholas said she had enjoyed the run.

“I think I got all the gates, it wasn’t amazing. I did a bit of switching hands but it was good fun,” Nicholas said following her race.

The C1 canoe slalom is a new International Canoeing Federation class which will also be raced at the World Championships later this year.

“Being here is just good experience for me. I have only been training for four weeks so I am not expecting to be amazing straight away.”

Nicholas is the only member of the Cook Islands slalom canoe/kayak team but hopes more people will take up the sport.

“I know there’s heaps of people from the Cook Islands in New Zealand and it’d be cool to get some more people into it,” she said.

It is the start of her second season competing in the open competition having accomplished much success through the junior grades.

“I think it’s a pretty tough course for some of us girls out there who are just starting,” she said.

Nicholas also competed in her normal K1 slalom discipline but was disappointed with her placing of 33 from a field of 200 paddlers from 20 countries.

Nicholas will return to Dunedin, New Zealand, to continue her medicine degree and training for the World Championships in Slovenia in December. –Matariki Wilson

Note: The K1 slalom event is very similar to the C1 event in that there is only one paddler in the boat. The difference, of course, is that in the K1 event the boat is a kayak and the C1 event is for canoes. Since the slalom event is paddled on whitewater course, both canoes and kayaks use spray skirts. The difference in distinguishing between a canoe and a kayak is the type of paddle used. A double-bladed paddle means that the boat is a kayak. Single-bladed paddles, as in the photo of Ella, are used to propel canoes.

Four paddlers from Rarotonga will paddle for various crews in the two-day Takapuna Beach Cup outrigger race this weekend (February 27-28).

Two race courses are on offer for paddlers including the 24km race and the longer 42km marathon which will take paddlers from Takapuna beach past Rangitoto Island, Motutapu Island and around Rakino Island back to Takapuna beach.

The Trader Jacks six-man vaka, normally suspended from the ceiling of the Avarua restaurant, was shipped over to Auckland last month for the race.

The vaka will be paddled by last year’s second place getters of the Vaka Eiva Festival round Rarotonga race – team Peniula Portage Crossing from New Zealand and local paddler Romani Katoa.

The vaka will also be used to promote the Vaka Eiva Festival in November.

Local paddlers Papa Jack, Mark Cowan and Kees van Wijk will also paddle in the race for various clubs.

New Zealand based paddler Allen Sullivan will paddle with his Team Phoenix crew.

Owner of the Trader Jack vaka Jack Cooper is also in New Zealand to cheer on Katoa and the crew paddling in the black Jack canoe.

• Matariki Wilson

The oe vaka in schools programme starts on Monday March 1 with 267 secondary school students registered for the seven-week programme.

Junior oe vaka programme coordinator Teina Taulu says that the Vaka Iti programme aims to give Cook Islands youth the opportunity to give paddling a go and those bitten by the paddling bug can then move into the island’s three oe vaka clubs.

Taulu says that the seven-week training course is also a time for junior oe vaka coaches to identity talented paddlers for further development and inclusion in the Cook Islands crews for the expanding annual Vaka Eiva junior Mapu Oe Vaka programme.

Tereora College, Nukutere, Papaaroa, Imanuela Akatemia and Titikaveka College students are taking part in the training programme which will end with the Vaka Iti paddling competition on April 15.

The competition day will give the students a chance to show off their oe vaka skills and paddle for college pride.

Taulu says the competition will also help coaches identify the best junior paddlers to take part in a two-day paddling camp in preparation for the Mapu Oe Vaka races in November.

Taulu is calling all club oe vaka paddlers to help run the programme by volunteering your time to coach the school students.

If you are keen to make this programme a success through volunteering your time to coach or other tasks, contact Teina Taulu on 51249.

• Matariki Wilson

Andy Kapi and the Avatiu Eels will host the Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers at the Avatiu swamp. 10022603

If the weather is on our side today – the Avatiu swamp and Raemaru Park are the places to be for what will be two fantastic games of rugby league.

At the swamp, the Eels will host 2009 champions the Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers.

On paper, these two giants of the local league scene are evenly matched in skill and talent with both teams yet to register a loss.

In the fitness stakes, the Eels as a whole have a slight edge over the Panthers with the team competing weekly in the touch rugby competition.

Superior fitness has been the key to the Eels’ winning streak this season, edging out the tenacious Sharks in week one 26-2, dominating and disposing of the Arorangi Bears 34-24 in week two and swiping aside the Bulldogs 26-16 last week.

And with the cool head of Bobby Hansen at the helm, the Eels seem to be on the right track.

The Eels will need to continue their open and expansive style of game and make use of the speedster on their side and whip their strong forwards into action on the defence.

But the Eels’ overly cool and casual start to games may have honed their impressive ‘catch up’ game skills – it has caught them out on a number of occasions and this attitude is exactly what the Panthers will be hoping for from the Eels today.

Consistency is the key to the Panthers success and unlike the Eels this side is pumped from the first to the final whistle.

This side has a knack of unsettling their opponents who self destruct under pressure and hand the win on a silver and black platter to the Panthers.

The Panthers have had a similar path of success this season to the Eels.

In game one – the Panthers hardly broke a sweat when they put away the Sea Eagles 22-8.

Their second match against the Aitutaki Sharks was cancelled due to cyclone Pat and last week the Panthers just escaped the grip of the Bears 26-20.

So it’s going to be a thrilling game between these two old rivals as neither team will want to go down to the other.

So be sure to get to the swamp and support your team – your cheers could be the winning factor today!

Today’s premier game at the swamp kicks off at 4.30pm with live commentary, food and music sure to make for an electrifying atmosphere.

Meanwhile out at Arorangi today the Bears will host their country brothers the Sea Eagles.

The Bears have had an ‘oh so close, but no cigar’ start to their season just missing out on wins by a few points.

Fitness is definitely an issue for this hard hitting team who start off so well but run out of gas in the second half when their opponents pounce and run away with the win.

The Bears are no doubt going to unleash their frustrations on the Sea Eagles today but they will be unwise to think the Sea Eagles are an easy beat!

Despite heavy losses at the start of the season, the Sea Eagles bounced back last week to register their first win against the Sharks 28-20.

This confidence could see the Sea Eagles soar above the Bears and register a second win.

Head to Raemaru Park and find out with this match starting at 5pm. - MW

Saturday February 27

Bears vs Sea Eagles at Arorangi – 1pm-under 16 grade, Ref-Koa Kopu assisted by club officials, 2pm-under 19 grade, Ref-Tutai Tuakana assisted by Koa Kopu and Ratu Mato, 3pm-reserve grade, Ref-Tua Manea assisted by Ratu Mato and Nga Takaiti, 4.30pm-premier grade, Ref-Ngavavia Tou assisted by Tua Manea and Nga Takaiti.

Eels vs Panthers at Avatiu – 1pm-under 13 grade, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by club officials, 1.40pm-under 16 grade, Ref-Terry Strickland assisted by Phillip Strickland and Bishop Bishop, 2.40pm-under 19 grade, Ref-Billy Bush assisted by Terry Strickland and Phillip Strickland, 3.40pm-reserve grade, Ref-Simi Teiotu assisted by Jeff Murray and George Maggie, 5pm-premier grade, Ref-Sean Willis assisted by Billy Bush and Simi Teiotu.

Cook Islands Squash is looking forward to a very competitive business house competition with six teams already registered for the annual event.

The competition, to be played over two nights a week, will start on Monday and Tuesday March 7-8.

The competition, which will run for the next two months, is for teams of six players who will be stacked in order of skill to play against opponents of similar skill level.

Games will be played at the squash courts behind the St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral in Avarua with prizes up for grabs for standout players and teams that make a top three placing.

There are spaces still available for more teams to enter the competition which guarantees heaps of fun, friendly competitive rivalry and a good sweat out!

If you and your workmates are keen to take part in the business house squash competition – register at the squash courts on 21056 or contact Marie Priest on 23677.

• Matariki Wilson

Aitutaki Sharks line-busting star Mau George was in devastating form against the Bulldogs busting the Bulldogs defence line to score two great tries for the Sharks and sending the Aitutaki crowd into jubilation. 10022801

Saturday morning’s tsunami warnings caused the cancellation of the two planned rugby league games on Rarotonga.

The cancelled games were the double header showdown between the Arorangi Bears and Ngatangiia-Matavera Sea Eagles, and the Avatiu Eels and Tupapa-Maraerenga Panthers.

However, on Friday afternoon, a fantastic game of rugby league was played on Aitutaki between the Aitutaki Sharks and the Titikaveka Bulldogs with the whole island turning up to enjoy the game and support their side.

The Bulldogs scored two early tries to give them a comfortable lead.

The Sharks came back with a converted try to keep them in the game 12-6 before the half time whistle.

The star Sharks player Mau George was in a devastating form, busting the defence twice to score two great tries and edge out the Bulldogs by 2 points 14-12.

It was a very vocal crowd and the home support certainly paid off when the Sharks half back crossed the line to dot down under the post.

The conversion gave the Sharks a comfortable lead 20-12.

With time ticking away the Bulldogs again attacked the Sharks with Bulldogs captain Lloyd Matapo finally crossing the line to pull in the Sharks lead 20-18.

The Bulldogs, sensing their chances slowly slipping away with minutes left on the clock, launched a final attack on the Sharks only to be stopped inches away from the try line.

It was a jubilant crowd when the hooter finally went for full time and a big relief to the players who managed to hang on to their 2 point lead.

While it brought joy to the people of Aitutaki, poor handling errors by both teams spoilt a very good running game and the scores would probably have doubled if these mistakes were avoided.

The completed sets were a disaster with both teams only managing to complete about two sets each.

The Sharks’ defence was very good which kept them in the game and eventually gave them the win.

Above all it was an excellent day for the island of Aitutaki

• Play League or what!

Today’s open men’s and women’s touch competition has very interesting match ups with the top two women’s team the Vixens and FBI first up tonight.

These two young and feisty sides have been the standout teams in the women’s competition and today’s match is going to be a must see.

Playing on the adjacent field at the same time will be the Warriors and Avatiu League Boys match which is sure to be one skill-filled game to watch.

The Oda Rebels will take on the Roxz prisoners team this afternoon and will need to come prepared for this side of fast- improving players.

The northern group Rama women’s team take on a very talented TSL Rookies who are always a threat in the women’s competition.

The finals women’s game of the evening will be between the Devil Slayers and Bounty Hunters. Based on their team names alone one gets the feeling this is going to be an action-packed game!

Leading men’s team the Vikings will take on a ‘never to be underestimated’ Germinators.

Head to the Avatiu swamp this afternoon for the touch rugby action.

Today’s touch rugby draw – 5pm on field one Vixens vs FBI, 5.00pm on field two Avatiu League Boys vs Warriors, 5.35pm on field one Oda Rebels vs Roxz 5.35pm on field two Rama vs TSL Rookies, 6.10pm on field one Devil Slayers vs Bounty Hunters, 6.10pm on field two Vikings vs Germinators. Bye-Rama.

• Matariki Wilson

Newly elected Cook Islands Netball Association president Patsy Hockin is looking forward to a positive year of netball with her team of experienced netballers ready to take on any challenges this year.

A new team of executives was elected during the association’s annual meeting on February 26 with Hockin taking over from former president Margharet Matenga.

The new CINA executive members are: president-Patsy Hockin, vice presidents-Selina Napa, Tex Tangimetua and Sebon Nicholas, secretary-Lynette Hagai, assistant secretary-Apii Pakitoa, treasurer-Taina White, assistant treasurer-Autiare Luke. Sub committees are still to be confirmed.

Hockin says that she has every confidence in her team of highly motivated and enthusiastic netballers.

She adds that the majority of the new executive members held major roles in the three major netball events in 2009.

“I have every confidence in my team of highly motivated and enthusiastic players, most of whom held major roles in the three major netball events of 2009, being World Youth Champs, Pacific Mini Games and the Men’s International Netball Tournament,” says Hockin.

“The experience they have gained has enlivened them with fresh ideas and renewed energy and we look forward to going forward in 2010.”

Hockin and the CINA executives are calling all local netball club delegates to a meeting this Thursday March 4 at the CISNOC office starting at 5.30pm to discuss this year’s netball calendar.

• Matariki Wilson

The weekend’s cancelled rugby league matches will be played at the end of round two in mid March.

Tsunami alerts forced the cancellation of the games between the Avatiu Eels and Tupapa Panthers at the swamp and the Arorangi Bears and Ngatangiia-Matavera Sea Eagles at Raemaru.

Rugby league competition coordinator Taua Benioni says the cancelled game between the Panthers and Aitutaki Sharks in the second week of the competition due to cyclone Pat will only be played if it will make a difference in a top four placing for the teams.

Meanwhile this week’s games will see the Arorangi Bears host the Aitutaki Sharks while the Bulldogs will travel to the Tupapa Pantherland to take on the Panthers.

The Sea Eagles will host the Avatiu Eels at the Ngatangiia sports ground.

• Matariki Wilson

Sun showers added extra sparkle to touch rugby games on Monday with Oda Rebels speedster Spoon Marsters having no real problems in the rain. 10030201

Sun showers made for slippery touch rugby games on Monday afternoon among teams in the open me’s and women’s competition.

The top two women’s teams the Vixens and FBI ladies went head to head but neither side could break their 2-all tie.

The TSL Rookies ran circles around their northern group sisters Rama to win their match 7-1.

Tempers flared in the final women’s match between the Avatiu netball team Devil Slayers and Bounty Hunters.

Both teams were matched in skill, talent and fitness but one stalwart Devil Slayer had one too many words with the referee which cost her team a win against the Bounty Hunters who were more than happy to take the 5-4 win.

No doubt the Avatiu netball coach will give the offending Devil Slayer player an extra round of push-ups and laps around the court at the team’s next training!

In the men’s competition, it was all action no talk with the Warriors sharing high fives after downing the Avatiu League Boys 6-5.

The Vikings continue to grow in strength and skill as they once again trounced their opponents the Germinators 9-2.

A tough match was seen between the Oda Rebels and Roxz prisoners team.

The Oda Rebels had to dig deep to keep the Roxz at arm’s length and managed to out-do the Roxz 6-4.

Today the mixed competition continues at the Avatiu swamp.

And extra round of catch up games in the mixed competition will begin next week to make up for cancelled games.

Today’s competition starts at 5.35pm with a total of four games to be played.

Today’s draw – 5.35pm on field one 007 vs Klasix, 5.35pm on field two Club Raro Stormers vs Marekos, 6.10pm on field one No Names vs The Roxz, 6.10pm on field two Vikens vs Rama.

• Matariki Wilson

Cook Islands masters athletes will continue with their regular track and field meetings at the BCI Stadium this afternoon from 5pm.

These Wednesday meetings are to help the athletes who are preparing for the Oceania Masters Athletics Champs to be staged in Tahiti in early July.

Tahiti formerly had a synthetic track similar to the BCI Stadium but it was damaged last year after a group had covered it with soil for some BMX cycling.

They are now laying a “mondo” synthetic track in two-tone blue!

Any masters athlete (aged 40 plus) who is interested in taking part on a regular basis or joining in with the group who are planning to attend the championships in Tahiti (July 2-10) should come to the BCI stadium on Wednesday.

The programme of events for Wednesday is – 5pm shot put, 5.20pm long jump, 5.40pm javelin throw, 6.00pm 100m, 6.15pm 1500m, 6.15pm hammer throw.

• ACI

Registrations are now open to all Mangaians interested in being part of the third bi-annual Mangaia Tri Series Games.

The sports codes to be contested during the competition are cricket, darts, golf, netball, oe vaka, rugby, soccer, table tennis, tennis, touch and volleyball.

At present social games are held every Friday at the Avatea school grounds starting at 5pm as we start our preparations to retain the Champions Trophy.

For more details contact the coordinator Tearoa Iorangi on 28038 or 50319 or head to the Avatea school field on Fridays.

• Tarzan

Last week’s postponed youth athletics competition will be held today at the BCI Stadium in Nikao. The athletics meet will run every fortnight as a lead up to the International Athletics Day commemoration on May 12.

Today’s competition will include five track and field events for athletes in the under 18, under 16, under 14 and under 12 age categories.

Each week the athletics disciplines will change to give kids the opportunity to compete in the various track and field disciplines. The events to be this week is the 100m sprints, long jump, discus throw, 400m race and shot put.

The fortnightly competition will also second as a talent spotting event for Athletics Cook Islands who are keen to develop the skills of aspiring athletes.

The first athletics competition on Wednesday March 3 starts at 5pm with the 100m sprints and wraps up at 6.30 with the shot put event.

For more information on how you can help out this week to enter your child in the competition – contact Athletics Cook Islands on 24095.

• Matariki Wilson