Sports News

Prime Foods backs new golf tourney
Te Uki Ou sail-off
Cooks beat Indonesia
Off to bowl at junior worlds
Bulldogs face Eels
Avatea top boys, Avarua top girls
Transplant athlete off to Sweden
Bears meet Panthers
Serious oe vaka fun!
Titikaveka Pearls unstoppable
Runaway wins and a draw
‘Legacies’ stay with sports codes
3 on 13 at the top
29th Tin Man on this Saturday
Going for gold
Big tri 4 weeks away
No decision by league judiciary

Joe Vakatini really gets into the swing of things. 11040615

Last Saturday was a normal club sweep day at Rarotonga Golf Club which produced really good golf from a lot of players.

It seems like some are finding their form just in time for the inaugural Prime Foods Golf Tournament which will be held this Saturday with plenty of great prizes, sponsored by Prime Foods, up for grabs.

A big field is expected so golfers should get their names in early to ensure a tee time that suits them.

There were some good scores in last Saturday’s stableford competition – which brought a smile to the face of the handicapper.

Coming in with a nett 57 and 49 points, Rita Howard showed her best form for a long time to be the outright winner on the day.

Playing a relaxed game, Howard hardly put a foot wrong with her drives, approach shots and putting.

She also had the longest drive from the ladies – by about ¾ of a ball!

Young Ngarima Areai seems to improve with every game and won’t be on a high handicap for long. Ngarima came in second with 45 points.

Following with 43 points were Teremoana Hardie, and Katoa (Fotu) Banaba.

The other prize winners were Frank Berg, Teinaki Howard, Eddie Tuaati and Ngatupuna Manuela, all with 42 points, and James Herman and Apii William with 41 points.

There were several players on 40 points but on the day that just wasn’t good enough to be among the winners.

Best gross from the men was a 70 off the stick from Daniel Webb and Kurai Foster was the best of the ladies with an 80.

We are all looking forward to the Prime Foods tournament and another great day playing the wonderful sport of golf.

• NAGA

Apii Te Uki Ou sailors doing their stuff on Muri lagoon. 11040401

Eight weeks of sailing will culminate in a mini sailing competition for Te Uki Ou School senior students.

Students from rooms 1, 2 and 3 will get to show off their sailing skills and techniques to the rest of the school on Friday April 15 – the last day of school before holidays. Under the guidance of national sailors Junior Charlie, Taua Elisa, Helema Williams and Toka Narayan – the primary school kids have been tacking and jibing across the Muri lagoon with plenty of laughs and fun had by the students.

At the start of the programme, students spent some time on land learning the various parts of a yacht and safety around water before practising in Optimist sail boats on Muri lagoon.

Schools keen to get their students into the sport can contact the Rarotonga Sailing Club in Muri for enquires or to register your interest.

• Matariki Wilson

Davis Teinaki and Matt Beasley in high spirits. 11040104

The Telecom Cook Islands national cricket squad registered their first win at the ICC East Asia Pacific Division 2 Trophy tournament in Samoa against Indonesia on Tuesday.

The match was played on day two of the tournament in scorching conditions at the Tuanaimato Oval.

After their earlier losses to Tonga, Samoa and the Philippines, the Cook Islands national squad were eager to take on an enthusiastic Indonesia side.

Winning the toss, captain and team wicket keeper Glen ‘Hori’ Miller decided to field first and restrict the Indonesian’s score with some tight bowling from the local boys.

Toala Teinaki snatched the first wicket with consistent line and length bowling collecting 3 wickets in the innings for 30 runs.

He was well supported by the Aitutaki express Daniel Tutai, who also came to the fore and took his best bowling figures of the tournament so far with 3 wickets for just 14 runs.

In the end, the Telecom Cook Islands squad restricted Indonesia to 110.

Chasing 111 to win, the Cooks lost early wickets, but Toala Teinaki and Tinorei Etita steadied the ship with a valuable partnership of 49 runs for the 3rd wicket.

Indonesia’s bowlers soon had both batsmen back in the tent and from there the game was heading for an exciting finish.

Enter Matavera’s Ray Roumanu, who steered the team home with some intelligent batting, including a 6 which cleared the road to take the victory in the 19th over.

Today, Thursday, the Cook Islands squad will face South Korea who will still be celebrating their fantastic upset win against Tonga.

The match is expected to be an exciting battle as both sides have nothing to lose.

The squad would like to thank everyone for their well wishes and support from back home and will be looking to make it 2 wins in the tournament.

• CICA

Eighteen-year-old Kathleen Mataio is excited to be attending her first international lawn bowls tournament just a year after being introduced to the sport. She is pictured here with coach Vana Ohmsen at training this week. 11040604

A year after being introduced to the game of lawn bowls through the Tereora College physical education programme, 18-year-old Kathleen Mataio is off to the Junior World Cup in Australia to represent the Cook Islands.

Mataio explains that during the college’s lawn bowls programme, physical education teacher Alan Syme encouraged the youngster to take up the sport.

“Mr Syme said I should take up bowling – and I did,” says Mataio.

“It’s a fun game and I like the challenge.”

After joining the Rarotonga Bowling Club, Mataio has been honing her skills under the watchful eyes of coach Vana Ohmsen and fellow triples team member Kanny Vaile.

Ohmsen and Vaile are both world class bowlers who’ve won numerous gold medals for the country in the sport.

Ohmsen says that after the 2010 Tereora College lawn bowls programme, 3 boys and 3 girls were selected to train and prepare for the world up.

However, Mataio was the only student who committed herself to the sport and luckily for Ohmsen – Mataio also turned out to be a talented bowler.

“I feel awesome,” says Mataio of her first ever international bowling event.

“I just can’t wait to get there and play my best.”

Mataio will be joined at the Junior World Bowls tournament from April 12 to 20 by junior men’s 24-year-old bowler Anthony Ngatuakana.

Ohmsen says that this is the first time the Cook Islands has ever been represented in lawn bowls by a junior male and female player.

Ohmsen will accompany the pair to Australia this weekend as coach and manager.

• Matariki Wilson

Titikaveka field is where all the rugby league action will be today when the Bulldogs host the Avatiu Eels.

The first game of the day is at 4pm between the clubs’ under 19 grades followed by the reserve grade at 5pm.

On Friday the under 16 grade will open up the day’s games at Titikaveka field followed by what should be a fantastic rumble between the Avatiu Eels premier grade and the Bulldogs.

Also on Friday, the visiting Aitutaki Sharks will play the Takuvaine Warriors at the Avatiu field starting at 5pm and this will also be another great game.

At Ngatangiia on Saturday – the Sea Eagles will host the Warriors junior grade while the Sea Eagles premier grade take a well earned brake with a bye.

Victoria Park in Tupapa will no doubt attract a capacity crowd with the Arorangi Bears to take on the Tupapa Panthers in all grades from the under 13 at 1pm right up to the premier grade at 5pm.

- Matariki Wilson

Thursday 7 at Titikaveka Bulldogs vs Eels – 4pm under 19, Ref-K Kopu assisted by B Bishop and P Mitchell, 5pm reserves, Ref-N Tou assted by B Bishop and P Mitchell.

Friday 8 at Titikaveka Bulldogs vs Eels – 4pm under 16, Ref-T Tuakana assisted by P Ngaroi and K Kopu, 5pm premiers, Ref-A Emile assisted by T Tuakana and K Kopu (sub officials-P Ngaroi and T Manuel).

Friday 8 at BCI Stadium, Warriors vs Aitutaki Sharks – 5pm premiers, Ref-S Willis assisted by T Manea and S Teiotu (sub officials-P Mitchell and T Benioni).

Saturday 9 at Ngatangiia, Warriors vs Sea Eagles – 1pm under 13 Eels vs Sea Eagles, Ref-P Mitchell assisted by club officials, 2pm under 16, T Manuel assisted by P Ngaroi and M Caffery, 3pm under 19, Ref-N Takaiti assisted by M Caffery and P Mitchell, 4pm reserves, Ref-T Tuakana assisted by T Manuel and N Takaiti.

Saturday 9 at Victoria Park Panthers vs Bears – 12.30pm under 13, Ref-J Murray assisted by club officials, 1.30pm under 16, Ref-B Bishop assisted by K Kopu and J Whitta,

2.30pm under 19, Ref-N Tou assisted by J Murray and S Willis, 3.30pm reserves, Ref-J Whitta assisted by K Kopu and B Bishop, 5pm premiers, Ref-T Manea assisted by S Willis and N Tou (sub officials-J Whitta and J Murray).

B Boys winners Avatea Primary School with their trophy. 11040826

B Girls winners Avarua Primary School with their trophy. 11040827

Fun, excitement, cheering and laughter was heard echoing throughout the CIFA soccer grounds on Thursday as the children representing the 10 primary schools on Rarotonga battled it out on the pitch for the 2011 primary school soccer honours.

The weather was perfect on the day for the games as the youngsters ran a whirl for all those who came to cheer them on.

The larger schools on Rarotonga took honours in the presentation of trophies after the final match.

In the B boys division Avatea Primary School took first place, winning against Nikao Primary School in a penalty shoot-out while Avarua Primary School took third place by winning their game against Arorangi Primary School.

In the B Girls division Avarua Primary School claimed first place over Avatea Primary School, also in a penalty shoot-out while Takitumu Primary School took third place against Arorangi Primary School.

In the B mixed division St Joseph’s Primary School retained their title for another year with Papaaroa taking second place while Imanuela Akatemia took out third.

In the C mixed division last year’s winners Takitumu Primary School faced Avarua Primary School in the finals.

Avarua who were unbeaten in Thursday’s tournament, snuck in a one goal winner to claim the title from Takitumu.

Avatea Primary School claimed third place over Nikao Primary School winning their game by one goal to nil.

The presentation of trophies took place after the final games with the youngsters cheering on as their schools claimed honours for the 2011 Primary School One Day Soccer Tournament.

Great supports from parents was also evident on the day as they cheered the children on the pitch.

Cook Islands Football would like to thank all the schools, parents and teachers for your support – see you all again next year. - CIFA Media

Full results (B boys) 1st Avatea, 2nd Nikao, 3rd Avarua, (B girls) 1st Avarua, 2nd Avatea, 3rd Takitumu, (B mixed) 1st St Joseph, 2nd Papaaroa, 3rd Imanuela Akatemia, (C mixed) 1st Avarua, 2nd Takitumu, 3rd Avatea.

Sports mad Cook Islander Matthew Mokoroa with the ball surges forward for the Arorangi Bears under 16 squad earlier this year. Now he is gearing up to win more medals on the track at the world transplant games in Sweden. 11033106

Fourteen-year-old Cook Islander Matthew Mokoroa has never let the fact that he has had a liver transplant stop him from doing the things he enjoys.

At the top of his list of loves is sports – in particular running and rugby league.

The young man, who along with his mother Annie Heather, had to move to New Zealand for the life saving liver transplant, has made a full recovery and is now gearing up to win more medals at the World Transplant Games in Sweden in June.

The World Transplant Games is a sporting event for transplant athletes that demonstrate the physical success of transplant surgery and to raise awareness of the need to increase organ donation.

In 2009, three years after surgery, Mokoroa was invited to attend the transplant games held in Australia where he went on to win one gold and two silver medals on the track.

“I have always enjoyed athletics, particularly running,” says Mokoroa.

“I started running in races at preschool. I have never let my transplant stop me from doing the things I enjoy and have always dreamt of competing in an event like these games and winning a gold medal.”

Mokoroa says that being at the world transplant games has allowed him to meet some of his personal development goals.

“I was able to show others that I can still do things that other kids can do. It was a wonderful experience.”

Mokoroa returned home for Christmas to visit his family and while on the island – the youngster managed to pull on an Arorangi Bears rugby league jersey and play the first game of the league season for his club.

Mokoroa has been training hard and fundraising to attend the transplant games with his mum in Gotenborg, Sweden, between June 17 and 24.

The motivated youngster has started up an online fundraising page for people to make donations and help him realise his dream of attending the transplant games to win more medals for his family, country and surgeons, who Mokoroa is grateful to for giving him a second chance at life.

To make a donation and help Mokoroa – go to www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/matthewmokoroa13.

• Matariki Wilson

The only premier rugby league match on today is between the Arorangi Bears and Tupapa Panthers but plenty of age grade action will be seen at Victoria Park and the Swamp.

Games start at 12.30pm at Victoria Park in Tupapa with the under 13 grade taking to the field first.

The Bears and Panthers premier grade game will kick off at 5pm.

At the Swamp the under 13 Eels will take on the Sea Eagles at 1pm before the Takuvaine Warriors juniors and reserve grade take to the field.

- Matariki Wilson

Saturday 9 at Avatiu, Warriors vs Sea Eagles – 1pm under 13 Eels vs Sea Eagles, Ref-P Mitchell assisted by club officials, 2pm under 16, T Manuel assisted by P Ngaroi and M Caffery, 3pm under 19, Ref-N Takaiti assisted by M Caffery and P Mitchell, 4pm reserves, Ref-T Tuakana assisted by T Manuel and N Takaiti.

Saturday 9 at Victoria Park Panthers vs Bears – 12.30pm under 13, Ref-J Murray assisted by club officials, 1.30pm under 16, Ref-B Bishop assisted by K Kopu and J Whitta,

2.30pm under 19, Ref-N Tou assisted by J Murray and S Willis, 3.30pm reserves, Ref-J Whitta assisted by K Kopu and B Bishop, 5pm premiers, Ref-T Manea assisted by S Willis and N Tou (sub officials-J Whitta and J Murray).

Muri lagoon and beach became a playground for the 26 teams that took part in Saturday’s popular annual V12 corporate races and in between all the fun – serious and competitive races were held.

Pacific Games squad trialists were out in full force on the day, carrying out official duties like race starts, steering, boat holding on the start line, time keeping and ushering teams in the loading bay area – all so that the corporate teams could have maximum fun.

Those in the know and regulars of the oe vaka corporate races set up tents and marquees the day before or early Saturday morning ensuring prime viewing of the race course and enough space for the BBQ and tables to fuel their teams for the day of racing.

Round one saw first time entry ‘Fix Me’ crew made up of Eric Short and Raro Cars mechanics thrash their opponents in the first race of the day in a time of 1.07.80 minutes, which remained the fastest time of the day.

Winning their race in round two of the competition gave the ‘Fix Me’ crew automatic entry to the finals.

‘Captain Tama’s’ crew and team ‘HSBC’ displayed impressive performances both winning their races in the first and second competition rounds.

Newcomers ‘Koka Lagoon Tours’ followed suit, with all three teams going straight through to the final round.

Team Cook Islands News fielded two separate squads and in their first heat which included eventual winners of the competition Koka Lagoon Tours – team Hot of the Press had a credible third place finish.

CITC’s Frasier Nooroa and Gayle Whitta won title of dancing king and queen for the day, when they got their groove on to out boogie couples from ANZ, Jetsave/FEXCO Foreign Exchange, Westpac, and Te Aponga Uira.

With four crews qualifying for the finals round, one semi-final race was run to fight for the last spot in the finals race.

Budget, CITC crews ‘Team Licker’ and ‘Bob the Sailor’, Air Rarotonga and Sails Restaurant ‘Don’t Crew with us’ paddled it out in an exciting race with only 3.87 seconds between their finishing times.

Budget won the semis in a time of 1.18.61 minutes to progress to the finals, followed by Team Licker (1.20.58) and Air Rarotonga (1.20.85) in second and third place respectively.

A fun race was run to identify who was the best of the worst.

Five teams qualified from having raced the slowest times of the day during either round one or two of the competition.

Westpac Bank, Telecom Tele-Hangers, Te Aponga Uira’s Ocean Power, Jetsave/FEXCO Foreign Exchange and CITC’s Renovation Renegades paddled it out for the ‘fastest of the slowest’ title.

Loads of laughter and cheering saw the ‘Ocean Power’ crew beat their opponents.

In the fashion department, ‘Pacific Carnage’ and Turama Pacific’s ‘Going Troppo’ were beaten by the Caf Jireh ‘Angels’ who won best dressed costume for the day dolled up in silver wigs and white outfits whilst prancing along the beach made it an easy decision for the judges.

The line-up for the final round included powerful crews from Budget, Koka Lagoon Cruises, Fix Me, HSBC and Captain Tama’s head out to the start line with spectators packing the beach to watch the last race of the day.

Koka Lagoon Cruises won in a time of 1.11.85, the second fastest time of the day, followed by former three time champion crew Captain Tama’s in a time of 1.17.39 minutes.

HSBC finished in third place in a time of 1.20.42 and Budget ended their race in 1.22.20 minutes, with the Fix Me crew finishing in 1.22.62.

CICA would like to thank sponsors Captain Tama’s, Cook Islands Breweries, Island Craft Limited, Raro Tours, To the Point, Koka Lagoon Cruises, and CITC for their valuable contribution and sponsorship of the event.

The next oe vaka corporate raceday is scheduled for Saturday October 29 with teams already wanting to reserve their spot.

Whether you’re a regular or want to try it out – the oe vaka corporate is always a great day of fun, team building and healthy competition among local businesses.

See you all on the water next time!

Semi-Final

Final

• CICA

Order prints Click to enlarge

In between the competitive races on Muri lagoon – plenty of fun, games and dancing were had on the beach. 11041040

 

Order prints Click to enlarge

Corporate oe vaka crews head out to the start line. 11041067

 

Order prints Click to enlarge

Staff and friends of Islands Hopper go troppo! 11041032

 

Order prints Click to enlarge

Fun, games and plenty of oe vaka action added to the mix at the corporate race day on Saturday. More photos in mid-week issues of CINews. 11041049

 

Order prints Click to enlarge

The boys of team Pacific Carnage take in some oxygen after another hard slog on the lagoon. 11041033

 

Order prints Click to enlarge

Bain (left) and Pennycook were up to no good and looking for trouble on the water for team Jetsave. 11041031

 

Takuvaine’s open grade shooter eyes up the goal against Avatiu. 11041019

Game two of the second round of the club netball season saw a number of high scoring games at the Telecom Sports Arena in Nikao.

In the premier grade – defending champions Titikaveka Pearls were unstoppable against Arorangi, storming home to a 70-40 win.

The Avatiu Dragonflies had a huge game against Takuvaine, thrashing their opponents by a massive 56 points – 70-34.

The Titikaveka reserve grade also had a high scoring game with a huge 92-45 win against Arorangi.

The Tupapa premier grade had an easy win against Ngatangiia with a win by default.

The highlight of last week’s netball games was the finale of the corporate mixed games on Wednesday night.

Fun yet highly competitive games were seen with the AA Jets just managing to edge out team No Idea 16-15 and the Rehab Rollie Pollies also had a 1-point win in their game against the Air Raro crew 14-13.

Westpac were too strong for ANZ winning the match 23-13.

The Jagger Bombs had a tough battle against the Panthers but managed to find their form to win 34-20.

Jagger Bombs were crowned the winners of the 8-week corporate mixed division with the AA Jets taking out second place and the Panthers from Tupapa settling for third.

Cook Islands Netball Association president PJ Hockin was thrilled with the running of the tournament which she says was organised to introduce people to netball and draw back former netballers.

Hockin says that a second tournament is likely to be organised after the main netball season comes to an end and the national squad returns from their Pacific Netball Series campaign in June.

Congratulations to all the mixed corporate netball teams.

Full netball results – Under 10-Avatiu 13 vs Takuvaine 2, Under 10-Ngatangiia 11 vs Tupapa 9, Under 10-Titikaveka 6 vs Arorangi 4, Under 12-Avatiu 38 vs Takuvaine 0, Under 12-Ngatangiia 9 vs Tupapa 20, Under 12-Titikaveka 13 vs Arorangi 12, Under 15-Avatiu 23 vs Takuvaine 8, Under 15-Ngatangiia 5 vs Tupapa 30, Under 15-Titikaveka 15 Arorangi 21, Junior Open-Avatiu 28 vs Takuvaine 38, Junior Open-Tupapa won by default against Ngatangiia, Junior Open-Titikaveka 29 vs Arorangi 24, Open 2-Avatiu 30 vs Takuvaine 24, Open 2-Ngatangiia 15 vs Tupapa 16, Open 2-Titikaveka 19 vs Arorangi 11, Open 1-Avatiu 19 vs Takuvaine 36, Open 1-Ngatangiia 19 vs Tupapa 26, Open 1-Titikaveka 43 vs Arorangi 27, Reserve-Avatiu 33 vs Takuvaine 43, Reserve-Ngatangiia 50 vs Tupapa 28, Reserve-Titikaveka 92 vs Arorangi 45, Premier-Avatiu 90 vs Takuvaine 34, Premier-Tupapa won by default against Ngatangiia, Premier-Titikaveka 70 vs Arorangi 40, Corporate-AA Jets 16 vs No Idea 15, Corporate-Air Raro 13 vs Rehab 14, Corporate-Panthers 20 vs Jagger Bombs 34, Corporate-Westpac 23 vs ANZ 13.

• Matariki Wilson

Speedy George of the Takuvaine Warriors managed to break the Sharks’ line before his run came to an end when the Sharks circled him. 11041004

Warriors 10 vs Sharks 10 Panthers 42 vs Bears 12 Eels 32 vs Bulldogs 12

The Tupapa Panthers and Avatiu Eels premier rugby league grades registered runaway wins at the weekend against their opponents.

On Friday the Eels were just too strong for the Bulldogs as they ran away with the win 32-12.

At Victoria Park the Tupapa Panthers may have finally found their form as they triumphed over the visiting Arorangi Bears 42-12.

At the BCI Stadium on Friday afternoon, a battle was seen between the visiting Aitutaki Sharks and Takuvaine Warriors with the game ending in a 10-all draw.

The Warriors’ big running Teariki Tou Jnr scored the first try of the game to give the Takuvaine boys an early 6-0 lead.

But the Sharks quickly hit back and with ball in hand – the team’s sprightly winger Alex Roa was hard to stop as he skidded across the chalk to dot down in the corner and put the Sharks on the board 6-4.

A penalty to the Sharks saw them equalise 6-all heading into the break.

Back in the second spell it was the Sharks that were on the ball first with a clever try by the team’s teenage winger Junior Ioane putting the Sharks in the lead 10-6.

With the crowd cheering them on, the Takuvaine Warriors rallied with veteran Eddie Nicholas leading the way with a lucky break through the Sharks’ defence line followed by a timed pass to Kakaio Robati who was in support.

This saw the Warriors celebrate their second try to once again even up the scores 10-all.

The last 20 minutes of the game was messy as desperate play to break the tie saw countless errors and missed opportunities.

The game ended with the scores still locked at 10-all.

• Matariki Wilson

One of the 2009 Pacific Mini Games legacies – a boxing ring bought for the Pacific Mini Games. CISNOC president Sir Geoffrey Henry says all legacies from the games will remain with sports codes. 10082942

Equipment purchased for the 2009 Pacific Mini Games will remain with relevant sports codes and organisations, Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) president Sir Geoffrey Henry says.

He addressed the issue at the committee’s annual general meeting held at Takuvaine last week.

Henry told CISNOC members and affiliates that the legacies left over from the mini games would not be on-sold.

“It’s unfortunate that our minister of sport (Mark Brown) is unable to be with us tonight, who has some very clear ideas about the legacy issues. We’ve had the opportunity to meet with him and to put before him matters of great concern amongst the membership of CISNOC and we’ve had some very clear indication from him about where his views are.

“He has some very firm views that what was bought is not to be sold on. That if it was bought for the mini games, the codes that received that equipment, whatever the equipment is, will retain it because that’s the concept of legacies,” Henry told those at the AGM.

Some members, representing national sport federations, had expressed concern about what would happen with equipment referred to as legacies.

Nearly $10 million was spent on new sporting facilities and equipment for the games.

About $1.5 million was spent on equipment for sports centres and national federations, as well as the games organising committee. Legacies from the 2009 games include the Telecom Sports Arena, new tennis courts, and the synthetic running track within a fully-renovated Tereora National Stadium which became the BCI Stadium.

Legacies were tipped as a main benefit of hosting the event, which comprised about 2500 athletes from 22 countries competing in 15 sporting codes.

• Rosie Manins

The Eke Girls will take on A-Town Galz tonight at 6.20. 11040713

A Roaster Hire flyer takes on AA Jets Willie Hagai. 11040719

This Tuesday marks week 6 of the Cook Islands Basketball Main Season, and also the start of round two of the men’s competition.

After week 5 some interesting stats emerged in the men’s grade including 3 teams at the top of the men’s league that have 13 points apiece.

The competition is wide open, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

Tonight’s tournament starts with Yachtie Hotties up against the Devlins at 5.30pm.

Yachtie Hotties are showing constant improvement in form so it should be a tight game that could go either way.

At 6.20pm – A-Town Galz meets Eke Girls.

Eke Girls will be looking to win in order to match A-Town at the top of the women’s league. At 7.10pm a hungry Philos Team will be hoping to disrupt the unperturbed playing style of Roaster Hire so they can find a way into the league’s top 4 standings.

8pm brings Rentraro together with Airport Jets.

The Airport Jets eternal search for order out of chaos may bring errors into the Rentraro game and tears at the end if Rentraro can’t stick to a plan.

Finally at 8.50pm underdog favourites Club Philippines Raro will go up against ‘masters of the universe’ the Hot Dogs.

Bookies have some extremely long odds on CPR winning, but it’s also generally accepted, that it will be a very enjoyable game to watch, with much noise on and off the court. See you there!

• Bouncers

This Saturday is the Triathlon Association’s 29th annual Tin Man Triathlon to be held at the Tikioki Tri Site starting at the regular time of 3pm.

This is the last big club race before the Air New Zealand International Triathlon on Saturday May 7.

The Tin Man distance is a gruelling 1200m swim, 31km (round the island) cycle and a 10km run.

There is no fee to enter and teams as well as individuals are all welcome to register and race.  For those who have been training hard and building up to the ‘Big One’ on May 7, this is a great practice run, whether as an individual or in a team.

There is a long history of the Tin Man spanning 28 years, with Kelly Pick currently the female record holder with a time of 1.57.46 and the male record still stands with Bernard Wind who broke it way back in 1990 in a time of 1.49.14.

The next fastest time for someone who still resides on the island is held by Geoff Stoddart in a time of 1.53.28.

In the teams section, the record stands at 1.47.12, again achieved in 1990 with Brett Gibson, Richard Williams and Tim Martin making up the team.

So come on down and join in, or get those cheerleading voices in action for the big one as well.

CITAI would like to remind everyone that it has introduced a compulsory helmet rule and anyone entering a race must wear a helmet.

No helmet, no cycle.

And entries to the International Tri on May 7 will close this Friday April 15.

As we have electronic timing for our big event for the first time, entries cannot be accepted after April 15.

Please get your entry in to Len Edwards on poly@oyster.net.ck no later than Friday April 15 so you don’t miss out!  See you all on Saturday!

• CITAI

Liver transplant recipient Matthew Mokoroa is hoping to raise $5000 to get to the World Transplant Games in Sweden after winning three silver medals and a gold at the event on the Gold Coast in 2009. 11041111

All-round Cook Islands athlete Matthew Mokoroa has his heart set on going for gold again at the World Transplant Games.

The Grey Lynn resident picked up a gold medal for shot put at the 2009 games on the Gold Coast, along with silvers for long jump, table tennis and 10 pin bowling.

But Matthew, who underwent a liver transplant in 2005 at just nine years old after developing Wilson’s Disease, faces a difficult task to get to this year’s games which are in Gothenburg, Sweden.

His family has to raise $5000 for the airfare and accommodation costs for the competition in June, with another $5000 needed if his mum Annie Heather attends as well.

The family has been holding sausage sizzles and other events to fundraise, while relatives in Rarotonga are selling food platters to get more money together.

So far about $2000 has been raised. Heather says the most important thing is to get her son on the plane and worry about paying for herself later.

“That’s what I like about all the sport he does - it’s helping his health. He likes to compete and the challenge of it.”

Matthew will also compete in the 100-metre sprint, squash and swimming events if he makes it to Gothenburg.

Interacting with teenagers from other cultures such as the United States, India and Israel is another benefit of travelling to the games.

“You see different lifestyles and meet different people.

“It’s good to try out different things,” Matthew says.

He joins 15 other Kiwi athletes at the games, with a support crew that includes two physiotherapists.

When the 14-year-old isn’t training at Western Springs Park or Pt Erin Pool, he’s playing rugby league for Mt Albert where he hopes to compete professionally one day.

Visit www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/matthewmokoroa13 to donate.

• Auckland City Harbour News

The annual International Triathlon will be held on Saturday May 7 and athletes wanting to take up the challenge are reminded that the closing date for registrations is April 15.

No late entries will be accepted as changes have been made to improve running the event – namely an electronic timing system.

This new system will make time keeping much easier and more accurate.

At this stage – a total of 66 individual athletes have registered for the annual tri plus 21 local individual entrants and 13 teams.

The gruelling international triathlon course, to be based in Ngatangiia, includes a 1.5km swim in Muri lagoon, 41km cycle around the island including a loop of hospital hill and a final 10km run.

Interested athletes are asked to get your entries in quick and if anyone is interested in volunteering on the day – organisers would love to hear from you.

Email Len Edwards on poly@oyster.net.ck for more details and to register your interest as an athlete and volunteer.

• Matariki Wilson

Due to their court appearances this Thursday for aggravated assault – Arorangi Bears captain Augustine Heather and club president Pare Rongokea did not appear before the rugby league judicial panel yesterday.

Cook Islands Rugby League Association president Eddie Drollet informed Cook Islands News that it is believed the lawyer for the two men instructed them to not appear before the league judicial panel until after their case in the high court.

The pair will appear in court this Thursday and meanwhile they are both still suspended from playing rugby league until the league judicial panel hands down their final decision.

While they are still suspended, Drollet says it doesn’t mean that Rongokea and Heather can’t attend and watch league games.

• Matariki Wilson