Sports News

YWAM volleyball for family fun
Marsters re-elected to athletics president
Sea Eagles meet Bulldogs today
Team Cook Islands prepare for Delhi
League at Tupapa, Ngatangiia today
Vaka sprints in Muri
Eels and Bears clash today
Muri cruising
Fun and skill in five-a-side soccer
Canadian visitors to play U16 rugby games
Eels strangle Bears at the swamp
Touch grand finals today at Avatiu
Josh Kronfield guest for national sports awards
Takapuna abuzz over Traders vaka
Swim meet an eye opener for local team
Kids in Boats proves popular
Swim coach impressed with local skills
Bears and Bulldogs first league of week
Youth beats experience
Avarua on a roll

David Maihia tips the ball over the net for the Young Blood volleyball team. 10031459

Creating a healthy, family fun event was the main reason behind Saturday’s volleyball competition hosted and held at the Youth With A Mission grounds in Vaimaanga.

A total of nine mixed volleyball teams signed up for the one-day tournament which was dominated by the Pukapuka and Fiji communities who were out in force with the kids.

And it was no surprise then that the two Pukapukan teams – Young Blood and Lovely Boys –took out the competition.

But organisers of the tournament just couldn’t figure out which Pukapukan team had won as the two teams socialised together throughout the whole day in the spirit of family fun.

Either way – the Pukapukan community walked away $500 cash – $350 for first place courtesy of Wigmore’s Superstore and $250 sponsored by the Titikaveka CICC church.

Third place in the competition went o the Fiji Celtics who won $100 cash sponsored by the AOG Lighthouse group.

A spokeswoman from YWAM told Cook Islands News that they hope to organise more one-day tournaments for the community to bring together families and neighbour for a day of healthy fun.

• Matariki Wilson

Continuing the development of junior athletes and building the capacity of local coaches is the aim of newly re-elected Athletics Cook Islands president Ina Marsters.

Marsters is looking forward to serving a third year as president after first being elected to the post in 2007.

She returned to the post of president in 2009.

Marsters says that 2010 is the athletics year of coaches and the association aims to develop more athletics coaches as well as athletes.

She says that the association is planning some exciting athletics events for this year to boost the annual local competitions.

Air Rarotonga managing director Ewan Smith is the association’s patron with Tereora College principal Teaea Parima supporting Marsters as vice-president.

Mama Pukeiti-Lazaro is the association’s general secretary with Sharon Marsters the assistant general secretary.

The association treasurer is Melanie Wilson and the committee members are Kevin Henderson, John Teiti, Paul Peyroux, Maki Toko, Bill Carfax-Foster and Inangaro Taia.

• Matariki Wilson

Avatiu Eels and Arorangi Bears will meet in the swamp this Saturday, in the main game for this week’s rugby league match.

But before that game, the Ngatangiia-Matavera Sea Eagles will host the Titikaveka Bulldogs today with the Under 19 and Reserve Grade matches played out at Ngatangiia field.

The Under 16 grade and Premier grade match between these two sides will be played on Friday.

The Aitutaki Sharks will travel to Pantherland to take on the Tupapa Panthers for the first time this season. The Panthers first round match against the Sharks was cancelled due to the devastation caused on the outer island by Cyclone Pat.

This is sure to be a very interesting match and if the Sharks keep up the way they are playing at the moment – they might just savage the Panthers.

But the Panthers will head into this Friday’s clash against the Sharks with the memory of their first loss still fresh in the minds.

The team were caught napping in Raemaru when the Bears pounced and beat them.

Remaining Panthers grades will prepare to take on the Takuvaine Warriors on Saturday afternoon.

Meanwhile the Bears, still grinning after the Panthers attack, will travel to the Swamp this Saturday to the home of arch rivals the Avatiu Eels. And with the Avatiu hosting, it’s going to be a great day of league.

And as any hardy Bears and Eels supporters know – it’s best not to make early predictions about how the match will be played out.

But one thing is guaranteed – it’s going to be a massive game packed full with action.

- Matariki Wilson

This week’s league draws

Thursday

Eagles vs Bulldogs at Ngatangiia – 4pm under 19 grade, Ref-Paul Allsworth assisted by Koa Kopu and Terry Strickland, 5pm reserve grade, Ref-John Whitta assisted by Koa Kopu and Terry Strickland.

Friday

Eagles vs Bulldogs at Ngatangiia – 4pm under 16 grade, Ref-Paul Allsworth assisted by Ratu Mato and Framhein Koteka, 5pm premier grade, Ref-Ngavavia Tou assisted by Teokotai Tuaivi and Simi Teiotu.

Bulldogs vs Panthers at Tupapa – 4.15pm under 13 grade, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by Tutai Tuakana and Terry Strickland.

Sharks vs Panthers at Tupapa – 5pm premier grade, Ref-Tua Manea assisted by Nga Takaiti and Taua Benioni.

Saturday

Panthers vs Warriors at Tupapa – 1pm under 16 grade, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by Love Tupuna and Koa Kopu, 2pm under 19 grade, Ref-Koa Kopu assisted by Mark Brown and George Maggie, 3pm reserve grade, Ref-Tere Strickland assisted by Koa Kopu and George Maggie.

Bears vs Eels at Avatiu – 1.15pm under 13 grade, Ref-Nga Takaiti, 1.40pm under 16 grade, Ref-Tutai Tuakana, 2.20pm under 19 grade, Ref- Teokotai Tuaivi assisted by Ratu Mato and Tutai Tuakana, 3.20pm reserve grade, Ref-Simi Teiotu assisted by Ngavavia Tou and Nga Takaiti, 4.30pm premier grade, Ref-Sean Willis assisted by Ngavavia Tou and Taua Benioni.

Team Cook Islands preparations for the Delhi Commonwealth Games kicked into gear this week with the announcement of the sporting codes that have qualified to take part in the games in October.

The six codes are boxing, lawn bowls, athletics, netball, tennis and weightlifting.

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee president Sir Geoffrey Henry announced yesterday that Team Cook Islands will be made up of athletes from six sports codes.

He says that these codes have been selected based on them meeting the High Performance Commission eligibility criteria and qualifying for the games.

Sir Geoffrey believes that around 36 athletes will make up Team Cook Islands with officials, coaches and technical advisors to take the total number of the team to 56.

The six sports codes are being urged to begin preparations for the Delhi games with the final announcement of Team Cook Islands to be made closer to the games.

Meanwhile Team Cook Islands chef de mission George George has just arrived back from his second trip to Delhi to check out the venues for the games.

George reports that preparations are on track for the games and that a number of new sports venues are currently being used for international events as trial runs for the venues.

“The venues are top class, like the venue for netball is said to be the best in the world,” says George.

“The lawn bowlers will be very pleased as India is building a brand new lawn bowls venue.”

George adds that India is spending more than $30 million on each venue but the athletics venue may cost around $130 million.

George says that team chef de missions were assured that tight security will be in force during the games to ensure a friendly and safe game.

He also reports that Air India will charter two planes to pick up Pacific Island teams with Auckland and Brisbane the planned pick up points for the teams.

George says that once picked up from Auckland or Brisbane, it will be a direct flight to India.

“To get to India at the moment you have to go from Raro to Auckland, Hong Kong, Bangkok and then India or some other way. That’s not something any athlete wants to go through.”

But before Team Cook Islands goes anyway – the hard yards have to be done on the field and already the netballers are getting the ball rolling on their games campaign and so are the lawn bowlers and boxers.

• Matariki Wilson

Today’s two premier grade rugby league games are shaping up to be real thrillers.

At the Eagles’ nest in Ngatangiia, the Bulldogs could cause the upset of the season if they beat the Sea Eagles in what is being touted as the Takitumu derby of the season.

Word on the underground wireless is that Bulldogs leader Lloyd Matapo will be taking to the field to give the team the brawn they have been missing for a few weeks.

And the Bulldogs last couple of floggings are certainly no indicators of how they will go today.

The Eagles have not been in the spotlight much this season and today could be their day to shine bright.

And as hosts – the Eagles are calling all supporters to head to the field and show your support.

The game starts at 5pm so head to the Ngatangiia field to find out if the Bulldogs will register their first win and cause the upset of the season or will Ngatangiia just be too classy and blow them out of the park.

Meanwhile the second match today will be a fierce battle to say the least as the Panthers meet the Sharks for the first time this season.

This game also starts at 5pm and should be another thriller.

- Matariki Wilson

Today’s draw: Eagles vs Bulldogs at Ngatangiia – 4pm under 16 grade, Ref-Paul Allsworth assisted by Ratu Mato and Framhein Koteka, 5pm premier grade, Ref-Ngavavia Tou assisted by Teokotai Tuaivi and Simi Teiotu.

Bulldogs vs Panthers at Tupapa – 4.15pm under 13 grade, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by Tutai Tuakana and Terry Strickland.

Sharks vs Panthers at Tupapa – 5pm premier grade, Ref-Tua Manea assisted by Nga Takaiti and Taua Benionia.

Top junior women’s paddler Emilene Taulu (centre) helps show new paddler Teiva Maui (left) and younger sister Kimiora Taulu (13) the oe vaka ropes and they should be in fine form today. 10031448

Te Tupu O Te Manava oe vaka club members new and old were out in force last Saturday for the first sprint races of the season.

Not only was the club out in force, they also dominated the day’s 500m V1 and V12 races on the Muri lagoon.

But a big showing from the Ngakau Toa Vaka club should be seen today as the club play host for today’s sprint races in Muri.

Today’s sprints will be in the V6 500m and 1500m categories and should provide some great on the water action.

Last week saw novice paddlers in the Te Tupu O Te Manava junior girls grade complete their first oe vaka race with the buzz of the race clearly visible on their smiling faces.

It was also heart-warming to see young paddlers like Te Tupu O Te Manava’s Emiline Taulu showing the oe vaka ropes to new paddlers like netballer Teiva Maui who raced for the first time on Saturday.

Saturday’s sprints was also a time for the Cook Islands Canoeing family to meet and greet the new CICA executives.

Glenn Armstrong is the new CICA president taking over from Christina Newport.

Janet Maki replaces Joshua Mitchell as vice president with Eva Nepia-Clamp the CICA secretary.

Lorenna Maru is the treasurer and Teina Taulu remains the associations youth development officer.

Te Tupu O Te Manava will host the finals day scheduled for April 10.

- Matariki Wilson

V1 and V16 sprint results

V1 500m under 19 girls – 1st Emiline Taulu 3.10.65 (TT), 2nd Teiva Maui 3.39.36 (TT), 3rd Kimiora Taulu 3.55.05 (TT).

V1 500m open women (heat 1) – 1st Annie Fisher 3.14.90 (TT), 2nd Teina Taulu 3.16.15 (TT), 3rd Tara Cummings 4.14.90 (NKT), (heat 2) 1st Paio Short 3.06.32 (LF), 2nd Emilene Taulu 3.11.52, 3rd Vaea Melvin 3.13.11 (NKT), (heat 3) 1st Queenie Tamariki 3.13.74 (LF), 2nd Mona Pokoati 3.19.38 (LF), 3rd Lyn Andrews 3.29.63 (LF), 4th Mami Nikoro 3.45.09 (LF).

V1 500m open men – (heat 1) 1st Papa Jack 2.51.08 (TT), 2nd John Raita 2.54.49 (TT), 3rd Roland Maru 3.06.12 (TT), (heat 2) 1st Romani Katoa 2.49.11 (TT), 2nd Fletcher Melvin 2.49.80 (NKT), 3rd Tupuna Amo 2.52.17 (NKT), 4th Karl Ponga 3.15.16 (NKT), (heat 3) 1st Paul Pearson 3.11.26 (NKT), 2nd Willie Marsters 3.13.09 (TT), 3rd John Taulu 3.16.45 (TT), Kees Van Wijk 3.19.45 (TT), (heat 4) 1st Reuben Dearlove 2.44.90 (TT), 2nd Corey Fisher 2.51.50 (TT), 3rd Graham Whitfield 2.53.11 (NKT), (heat 5) 1st Joshua Mitchell 2.44.41 (NKT), 2nd Sonny Sosene 2.45.28 (TT), 3rd Tungane Manuel 2.51.08 (NKT), 4th Mark Cowan 3.05.67.

V1 500m under 19 boys – 1st Andre Tutaka 3.07.34 (TT), 2nd Roland Maru 3.18.22 (TT), 3rd Damon Tamariki 3.18.74 (TT), 4th Tom Wicks 3.39.10 (TT).

V12 500m– (under 19 mixed) 1st Te Tupu 2.39.83, 2nd Ngakau To 2.58.18, (mixed open) 1st Te Tupu 2.39.83, 2nd Ngakau Toa 2.48.94, 3rd Ngakau Toa 2.54.67, (open women) 1st Te Tupu 2.13.45, 2nd Ngakau Toa 2.36.82, (mixed masters)– times not recorded due to technical problems) 1st Te Tupu, 2nd Ngakau Toa, 3rd Live Free.

The Arorangi Bears will have their claws out today when they face the Avatiu Eels after a near clean sweep of Tupapa last week.

The Bears league club just missed out on the clean sweep with just a loss in the Under 13 grade.

No doubt they will want a better result today, but they will need to bring their band of supporters to the Swamp to cheer them on.

The Eels on the other hand are always a hard team to beat on home ground but if the Bears can get under their skin and force the penalty – they could well be the victors today.

The Eels have had a strong performance this season but handing errors and ill discipline have been their biggest problems. If the Eels tighten up their game plan and keep their comments to themselves on the field – the club house could well be rocking afterwards.

Meanwhile in Tupapa – the Panthers will host the Warriors from Takuvaine in the age grade and reserve grades.

So don your red for the Bears or gold and blue for the Eels and head to the swamp this afternoon for what should be a cracker day of league games.

- Matariki Wilson

Today

Panthers vs Warriors at Tupapa – 1pm under 16 grade, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by Love Tupuna and Koa Kopu, 2pm under 19 grade, Ref-Koa Kopu assisted by Mark Brown and George Maggie, 3pm reserve grade, Ref-Tere Strickland assisted by Koa Kopu and George Maggie.

Bears vs Eels at Avatiu – 1.15pm under 13 grade, Ref-Nga Takaiti, 1.40pm under 16 grade, Ref-Tutai Tuakana, 2.20pm under 19 grade, Ref- Teokotai Tuaivi assisted by Ratu Mato and Tutai Tuakana, 3.20pm reserve grade, Ref-Simi Teiotu assisted by Ngavavia Tou and Nga Takaiti, 4.30pm premier grade, Ref-Sean Willis assisted by Ngavavia Tou and Taua Beniona.

National sailor Taua Eliza spent the weekend cruising Muri lagoon in an optimist boat and helping green sailors learn the ropes.

Eliza has recently returned home after nearly three months away racing in regattas across Australia and New Zealand.

He capped off his summer sailing programme by taking out the Auckland Laser Championships.

And what better way for a champion to chill out than cruising Muri lagoon in an opti with your feet up.

There was plenty of fun and skill in the Rarotonga annual five-a-side competition which kicked off last week, Thursday.

In the women’s division Arai-Te-Tonga comprised of national player Melanie Wilson who guided her team to a comfortable win over TSL by 3- 0.

In the men’s division new comers Waka Boys comprised of the Tupapa cricket players taking on team Tsunami.

There were goal scoring opportunities from both sides but team Tsunami took their opportunity to a three goal win over the Waka Boys who could only kick it to a ‘six’.

In other matches White Puta edged out Pacific Divers in a fast game to win by 7- 5. Virgin Ave took their first win against the Takuvaine Boys but with stiff competition.

Bandits played against the vibrant Viti Boys but both teams could not find the back of the net and this game ended in a nil all draw. - CIFA Media

Results – (Women) Arai-Te-Tonga 3 vs TSL 0, Fruit salad 0 vs Tic Taks 2, (Men) Waka Boys 0 vs Tsunami 3, Viti Boys 0 vs Bandits 0, White Puta 7 vs Pacific Divers 5, Virgin Ave 5 vs Takuvaine Boys 3.

Today’s draw – (Field 1) Waka Boys vs Black Puta, Ref-Maara Kaukara, (Field 2) Virgin Ave vs Viti Boys, Ref-Tupou Patia, (Field 3)Pacific Divers vs Tsunami, Ref-Robert Savage, (Field 4) White Puta vs Bandits, Ref-Tutai Taurarii

Canadian Lions Rugby Club arrives into Rarotonga next weekend to play four under 16 matches against our local boys.

The local under 16 teams will be combined regional teams namely Tupapa-Avatiu, Arorangi-Takuvaine and Ngatangiia-Titikaveka.

Cook Islands Rugby Union chief executive officer Ben Koteka explains that the combination teams is an attempt by CIRU to develop regional level rugby. This would be the next stage above clubs in the hope of building the local capacity of players and management.

Five touring teams from Canada, United Kingdom and New Zealand are confirmed to tour in 2010 with team grades ranging from under 14 to under 18 years which Koteka says is great for local development.

CIRU would like to thank all stakeholders, including Charles Carlson and Cook Islands Rugby League Association, for their support in the ‘off-season’ to allows games against our Canadian rugby union family.

Meanwhile the combined Avatiu-Tupapa under 16 team is being called to training this afternoon at the Tupapa field starting at 5pm.

The teams will be coached by Teokotai Tuaivi (Billy Bush) and Andrew Iroa.

The following players are asked to be at Tupapa for training – (Forwards) Jaemal Pakitoa, Marouna Ioane, Zeru Pera, Dave Mato, Petero Teio, Piri Maao Steven, Eric Newbigging,

John Pierre, Makea Tupa, John Vano; (Backs) Marcelo Rairoa, Stubby Kamana, Basil Matapo, Jamian Iroa, Stanly Tobia, Araiti, Nigel Hoeflich, Temaiva Smith, Arama Bishop, Richard Vainerere, Twin Tiro.

• Matariki Wilson

Bruce Goldsworthy scampers around a Bears defender with Mathew Pierre in support. 10032110

Eels 20 vs Bears 15

Sea Eagles 20 vs Bulldogs 2

Panthers 24 vs Sharks 20

The Avatiu Eels premier league team had their supporters on the edge of their seats as they defended attacks after attacks from the Arorangi Bears to edge out and win the match 20-15.

The match, played at the Avatiu ground, attracted a huge crowd of Eels and Bears supporters providing a ‘grand finals’ atmosphere at the Swamp.

Both sides were on-form with little errors seen in their game, but it was the Eels defence that won them the game.

The Eels were first across the line through winger Duane Gukisuva before the Bears hit back with their winger Johnny George dotting down to bring the scores to 4-all.

A brief moment of frustration saw the Eels’ pivotal player Bobby Hansen sin-binned but that didn’t prevent the Eels scoring a try in his absence.

The try, possibly the best of the day, came via a cheeky up and over into the corner.

Bruce Goldsworthy shot off after the ball without a Bear in sight to retrieve it.

He was confronted by the Bears’ Mamanu Emile but he managed to punch the ball back into the path of supporting Eels player, Mathew Pierre, who bolted to the try line.

In fact the inside-outside combination of Pierre and Goldsworthy was poetry in motion as the pair worked together like a well-oiled machine.

The try gave the Eels a slim 8-4 lead before the half time break.

Duane Gukisuva again scored the first try of the half, thanks to the slick hands of the Eels who moved the ball down the line with lightning speed. This created an overlap in the Bears’ defence and a hole for Gukisuva to punch through and score the try and take the Eels further in the lead 12-4.

The Eels looked like they were slipping back into their bad habits when they were penalised on a number of occasions, allowing the Bears to walk towards their try and organise an attack.

The Bears made sure they took advantage of Eels errors and with ball in hand – Eddie Teraitua crashed over the line to score a try right in front of the Bears supporters who were elated with the action finally coming to their end of the park.

And with the boot of David Wichman sending the ball over the posts – just two points 12-10 separated the Eels’ lead from the Bears.

But the slim lead was short lived as the Bears winger Johnny George crossed the line for the second time to give the Bears the lead 14-12.

As the sun set over the swamp, the clock ticked away and fans in both camps were on the edge of their seats.

The Bears set up camp in the Eels territory and launched a massive attack.

But the Eels defence held strong forcing the Bears’ David Wichman to kick a field goal to extend their lead by another point 15-12.

Then Lui Nicholas stepped up and put his body on the line – the try line that is, as he dragged a mob of Bears defenders across the try line to return the Eels to the lead and with the conversion finally finding the centre of the sticks – the Eels were up 18-15.

A royal wave by Nicholas certainly didn’t impress the Bears but it sure did frustrate them and with that frustration came a penalty in favour of the Eels who wasted no time adding the extra two points.

With a converted try in it, the Bears drove the Eels right back until they had them pinned on their try line.

But attack after attack was met by Eels brawn and when the Bears couldn’t find a try at the end of their set – the hooter sounded the end of the game much to the relief of the Eels supporters.

• Matariki Wilson

The grand finals of the open men and women’s touch rugby competition will be played out today at the swamp starting with the minor place getters finals.

The Warriors and Rama will play off for 3rd and 4th spots in the men’s competition while the FBI ladies will meet the Vixens for the 3rd and 4th playoff in the women’s competition.

These two games will start at 5pm followed by the women, then the men’s grand finals match.

The women’s grand final is between the experienced Bounty Hunters and the sprightly TSL Rookies.

The Bounty Hunters know they need to play as a unit as a individuals won’t win them the game.

The Hunters must stick to their game plan and use their collective years of experience from the likes of Julz Westrupp on the touch field to guide them across the try line.

And they must not let the spunky Rookies get under their skin – otherwise they can kiss the winner’s trophy goodbye.

The TSL Rookies – a combination of up and coming touch stars and experienced ladies have impressed all season and if they keep they keep their cool and play how they have all season they could well down the Hunters and celebrate victory.

Who wins the grand final will be determined after the 5.35pm match.

In the men’s grand final match – The Oda Rebels will really need to be in top form if they are to give the in-form Vikings a run for their money.

The Vikings have been unstoppable all season while the Oda Rebels have had their moments of brilliance – otherwise they wouldn’t be in the finals.

The Rebels will need to look to their leaders Tariu Tairea and David Wichman to guide them through the Vikings hot line up.

So make sure you are at the field to cheer on your team and watch who takes out this year’s open touch rugby championship titles.

Prizes and trophy presentations will be held after the games.

Grand finals draw - 5pm (Field 1) Warriors verses Rama (men’s 3rd and 4th playoff), 5pm (Field 2) FBI verses Vixens (women’s 3rd and 4th playoff), 5.35pm (women’s grand final) Bounty Hunters vs TSL Rookies, 6.10pm (men’s grand final) Oda Rebels vs Vikings.

• Matariki Wilson

Former All Blacks flanker and reality television ‘Dancing with the Stars’ contestant Josh Kronfield is guest speaker at this year’s national sports awards in May.

This year’s national sports awards will be hosted by Vaka Puaikura at the Aroa Nui hall on Tuesday May 25.

Forms have been sent out to all national federations to nominate their athletes into the running for awards in 14 categories.

All national federations are asked to please make an effort in sending in your nominations so that your athletes, teams and coaches can be recognised for their sports achievement in 2009 – a year packed with sporting events in the Cook Islands.

Entries for the Sports Hall of Fame will also be accepted as new inductees to the hall of fame will be announced and honoured on the sports award evening.

For more information on the sports awards – call the CISNOC office on 24095.

• Matariki Wilson

Team Goodyear, who eventually won the Takapuna Cup, and Team Trader Jacks battle it out in the first part of the 42km race in Auckland. 10032211

The Trader Jacks oe vaka crew, made up of top international paddlers and local Boiler Boys paddlers, was placed second at the annual Takapuna Cup race in Auckland last month.

The crew raced in the black Trader Jacks six-men vaka, normally on display in the Avarua harbour restaurant, which was shipped to Auckland for the race and to promote the annual Vaka Eiva Festival.

The race was over a 42kilometres course which took paddlers around Rangitoto Island, Motu-Tapu and Rakino Island.

Local Boiler Boys paddlers Corey Fisher, Papa Tu Jack, Marc Cowan, Kees van Wijk and Romani Katoa paddled for three different crew – Team Trader Jacks, Tui Tonga and Team Phoenix which included New Zealand based Boiler Boys Allen Sullivan and Paul Mangakahia.

Team Trader Jacks included Team Pineula paddlers who placed second at the 2009 Vaka Eiva Festival and set a new world record of 1.43 minutes for the 500m sprints at Lake Karapiro at the New Zealand Nationals early this year.

The crew included Kingi Gilbert, John Papalii, Shannon Moon, Paora Monk, Jeff ah Kuoi, Rudolf Williams, Mark Williams, Caleb Wharepapa and Romani Katoa.

Katoa reports that the race was an exciting one filled with plenty of on the water action.

“It was an exciting first half of the race with two top teams battling it out for number one position,” says Katoa.

“The course runs through the Hauraki Channel which was flat this year with big tidal currents, which made it difficult for support boat changes and made for some very sore paddling.”

In the end, Team Goodyear, who won the 2007 Vaka Eiva Festival Pacific Paddle, won the event in a time of 3 hours 15 minutes followed two minutes later by Team Traders in 3:17 hours.

Sending the number 69 Trader Jacks vaka to Takapuna certainly caused a buzz on the Auckland beach as the vaka and local crew promoted the local Vaka Eiva Festival.

After the race, paddlers, officials and supporters enjoyed fresh sashimi and raw fish brought all the way from the Rarotonga.

Katoa says that it was an enjoyable day for all involved with plans to include more local paddlers and Cook Islands food and drumming at next year’s Takapuna Cup.

Team Trader Jacks would like to say a big atawai wolo to Reef Shipping, General Transport, Team Pineula, Samex and Jack Cooper and Chris Douglas from Trader Jacks for all your support in promoting paddling in the Cook Islands and the Vaka Eiva festival in New Zealand.

• Matariki Wilson

The Cook Islands Aquatic Federation’s (CIAF) four-member swim team rubbed shoulders with some of the world’s best swimmers when they attended the Lique Caledonienne de Nationals meet in mid-February.

The event at the new Olympic-size pool in New Caledonia attracted teams from Fiji, Tahiti, New Caledonia and the top 8 clubs from France, competing for the first time.

The Cook Islands was represented by 17-year old Tepaia Payne (son of Kate Payne and grandson of Albie Westrupp), Petero Okotai, and swimming siblings Aaron (18) and Celeste Brown (15). The group was accompanied by team manager Lisa Iro.

CIAF president Romani Katoa, says that the event was the first international meet that Celeste (15), Tepaia (17), Aaron (18) have attended and all have shown incredible promise for the future of Cook Islands swimming.

“The participation of these young ones has certainly been an eye opener,” says Romani.

“Although no medals were won, the team have certainly started making their mark in the swimming world.”

The local swimmers competed in the freestyle and butterfly swimming disciplines registering credible times against some top international swimmers.

The team will now use their international experience to prepare for the Oceania Swimming Championships in Samoa followed and the youth Olympic Games in Singapore later this year.

The Cook Islands Aquatics Federation would like to congratulate these swimmers on their remarkable achievements.

CIAF would like to send out a big meitaki maata to the Ligue Caledonienne de Natation, Alice Brown, Brin and Kate Payne, Ian Bertram, Hinano Ellis and Ben Ponia for hosting the Cook Islands team in Noumea.

Results (men’s 100m freestyle) 30 competitors–12th Tepaia Payne 1.01.39, 16th Aaron Brown 1.02.00, (men’s 200m freestyle) 18 competitors–12th Tepaia Payne 2.18.25, (men’s 50m fly) 39 competitors–25th Tepaia Payne 30.90, 26th Aaron Brown 31.03, 27th Petero Okotai 31.04, (men’s 50m fly) 39 competitors–9th Petero Okotai 35.49, (mens’ 50m freestyle) 39 competitors–20th Aaron Brown 27.81, 24th Tepaia Payne 28.20, (women’s 50m freestyle) 39 competitors–18th Celeste Brown 31.38, (women’s 100m freestyle) 29 competitors–17th Celeste Brown 1.10.87, (women’s 50m fly) 20 competitors–15th Celeste Brown 35.96.

• Matariki Wilson

The ‘Kids in Boats’  learn to sail programme is proving to be very popular with around 20 youngsters ranging in ages from 7years – 13, turning up for Saturday morning lessons.

The Rarotonga Sailing Club is always keen to teach more kids (and adults) what sailing is all about.

The club’s Peter Heays, along with some parents as helpers, teach the group how to tack, jibe and be confident in a boat.

There is a small charge for this course, with the next one due to begin at the end of April.

Apart from the beginners, those that were in the last course have stepped up to the next stage, and that is competing in races each week.

The more experienced sailors are sailing regularly in Saturday regattas and training on Tuesday afternoons as well.

The seniors sail every Saturday afternoon from 1.30pm and are always keen to take newcomers for a sail, but turn up on the deck by around 1pm.

This Saturday, being the last Saturday of the month is ‘all-comers’ day, with fun races for old and new followed by a prize giving and club barbecue.

Club members are asked to bring salad to share and members eat for free with a small fee of $15 per person for non-club members.

Anyone wishing to enquire about courses, joining the sailing club or any other information can contact Peter or Tony Heays on 55289 or 56599.

• Windy

Faster swim times should be seen from local triathletes over the next few weeks after a group of around 40 locals, mostly triathlon athletes, took advantage of swimming lessons by renowned Kiwi swim coach Mark Saunders.

Saunders, who has just sold his swimming school and overseeing the construction of a new one in Silverdale, North of Auckland is on Rarotonga visiting his daughter Shannon Saunders – the friendly CITC pharmacist.

He was able to give up some of his holiday time to help local swimmers.

“I was mainly looking at improving their techniques,” says Saunders.

Saunders was impressed with the speed when local swimmers picked up new swimming techniques.

“It’s quite amazing how quickly they all picked up the new techniques,” says Saunders.

Local swimmers were lucky to have two lessons with Saunders on Sunday and Monday afternoons. Next weekend’s triathlon meet is certainly going to be a very interesting meet and no doubt a number of regular triathletes will set new personal best swimming times.

• Matariki Wilson

The Arorangi Bears and Titikaveka Bulldogs will start this week’s rugby league round today at the Titikaveka field starting at 4.30pm.

On Thursday the Bulldogs will host their brothers from Takuvaine in the under 19 and reserve grades before the premier grade clash between the Sharks and Bulldogs on Friday afternoon.

The Sharks have yet to register another win since beating the Bulldogs on their home ground in the first round of games and will face a wounded Doggies side who were thrashed 20-2 by the Sea Eagles at the weekend.

Meanwhile the Panthers will host the Eels at Victoria Park on Saturday while the Bears will head to Muri to meet the Sea Eagles. - MW

Wednesday March 24 Bulldogs vs Bears at Titikaveka – 4.30pm under 13 grade, Ref-Bishop Bishop.

Thursday March 25 Bulldogs vs Warriors at Titikaveka – 4pm under 19 grade, Ref-John Whitta assisted by Poso Ngaoire and Mark Brown, 5pm reserve grade, Ref-Paul Allsworth assisted by Poso Ngaoire and Mark Brown.

Friday March 26 Bulldogs vs Sharks at Titikaveka – 4pm under 16 grade, Ref-Sean Willis and Tua, 4.45pm premier grade, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Tutai Tuakana and Bishop Bishop.

Saturday March 27 Bears vs Sea Eagles at Ngatangiia – 1pm under 16, Ref-Koa Kopu assisted by club officials, 2pm under 19, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Koa Kopu and Ratu Mato, 3pm reserve grade, Ref-Tutai Tuakana assisted by Tu Potoru and Ratu Mato, 4.30pm premier grade, Ref-Tua Manea assisted by Simiona Teiotu and Tutai Tuakana.

Saturday March 27 Eels vs Panthers at Tupapa – 1pm under 13 grade, Ref-Jeff Murray assisted by Andrew Iroa and Kimi Samuel, 1.45pm under 16 grade, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by Inangaro Tupuna and Albert Nicholas, 2.45pm under 19 grade, Ref-Teokotai Tuaivi assisted by Albert Nicholas and Ngavavia Tou, 3.45pm reserve grade, Ref-Nga Takaiti assisted by Bishop Bishop and Jeff Murray, 4.45pm premier grade, Ref-Smiley assisted by Teokotai Tuaivi.

Sister Act – Sisters Moana and Mary Taio with the open women’s touch rugby championship trophy. The pair was instrumental in the team’s successful touch rugby season with Moana dotting down the winning try for the team on Monday night against the Bounty Hunters. 10032314

Youth won over experience on the touch field when the open men’s and women’s touch rugby grand finals were played at the Swamp on Monday night.

The youthful TSL Rookies team, sprinkled with a couple of national players, were crowned the queens of women’s touch rugby when they outran the Bounty Hunters team of experienced national players.

The match went down to the wire with a draw at the end of the match forcing a ‘drop off’ format to determine the winner.

Again the game came to a 2-all draw and as the clocked ticked over – players dropped off the field leaving a smaller team to battle it out.

Then Moana Taio of the TSL Rookies caught the Bounty Hunters unawares and dashed for the line to dot down the winning try for the Rookies.

The Bounty Hunters were so close yet so far with the sprightly Rookies snatching the 2010 open women’s title.

In the men’s finals between the Vikings and Oda Rebels – things were more clear cut.

The Vikings dominated the men’s competition this year and they dominated the finals match to take home the trophy after beating the tenacious Oda Rebels 4.

Team Rama took out third place in the men’s team and the Vixens edged out the FBI ladies for third place.

Meanwhile today the mixed touch ruby competition will be played out this evening at the Avatiu field with winners of the semis to head to the grand finals on Monday March 29.

Mixed draw - 5pm (on field one) playoff Klasix vs Roxz (5th and 6th playoff), 5pm (on field two) No Names vs Club Raro (7th and 8th playoff), 5.35pm Marekos vs Rama (semi final), 6.10pm Vikings vs 007 (semi final)

Avarua Primary School pupils continue to show why they were the 2009 schools soccer champions after the boys and girls teams won their games on Wednesday.

Newcomers the Titikaveka-Papaaroa girls surprised the Avarua girls by scoring in the opening five minutes but the defending champs proved too strong for Titikaveka-Papaaroa winning 5-1. There were no surprises in the Avarua boys game as they showed their skill and field work to out-gun the Titikaveka-Papaaroa boys team.

In other games, Nikao girls proved to be a challenge for Arorangi with the latter attacking but unable to put the ball at the back of the net, the game ending in a 2-all draw.

In the boys match, Nikao suffered a heavy defeat against Arorangi who showed skill and class to win their game 11-1.

Avatea School took to the field after a bye in the first round itching to play and went straight to win their first game against Te Uki Ou-Imanuela 4-1. Te Uki Ou-Imanuela lacked that shine from the first round but did not go without sneaking a goal in the dying minutes of the match. - CIFA

Results – (girls) Titikaveka/Papaaroa 1 vs Avarua 6, Arorangi 2 vs Nikao 2, Avatea 6 vs Te Uki Ou-Imanuela 0, (boys) Titikaveka-Papaaroa 0 vs Avarua 8, Arorangi 11 vs Nikao 1, Avatea 4 vs Te Uki Ou-Imanuela 1.

Draw for today - 2.30pm girls kick off (on field one) Nukutere vs Avatea, (on field two) Arorangi vs Avarua, (on field three) Nikao vs Titikaveka-Papaaroa, 3.05pm boys kick off (on field one) Nukutere vs Avatea, (on field two) Arorangi vs Avarua, (on field three) Nikao vs. Titikaveka-Papaaroa. Bye: Te Uki Ou-Imanuela.