Sports News

Young sailors bounce back in Auckland
Smith called to Crusaders squad
PNG hosting rights under threat
Touch rugby action at Tepuka
Big hits in domestic league openers
Badminton on again tonight
Wins over USA and Japan ‘massive’
1 short of a ton
Fans flock to league season openers
New league season starts today
Cooks struggle to find form
‘Come and try’ badminton tonight
Cook Islands squad loses first game
It’s D-day for cricketers
Masters show the way
Piri a knockout in Bairnsdale, Australia
9 masters compete in Ocean champs
DIY multisport events
Time to shine at Welly Sevens
Touch season short and sharp

Local sailor heads out to the Sail Auckland race course under a heavy rain cloud. 12020601

Cook Islands sailors are bouncing back from disappointing performances at the New Zealand Laser Nationals in Wellington earlier in the year with some fantastic racing at the Sail Auckland regatta.

National sailors Taua Elisa, Helema Williams and Aquila Tatira raced in the laser nationals in Wellington however substandard boats and gear saw the sailors retire early from the races.

Due to the equipment failure, the local sailors were eager to secure better vessels in Auckland for the regatta.

Helema Williams says that the team didn’t have a good experience at the regatta.

“Wellington was a bit too cold for us – but despite the cold weather and bad conditions of the boats we still had a good time with our families, other sailors and the hosts who billeted us,” says Williams.

“We are hungry to get better placings in the Sail Auckland regatta – we can’t wait. Bring it on!”

Taua, Williams and Tatira rigged up on February 1 for the Auckland Anniversary Day regatta – a three-race event.

The trio really enjoyed a frisky and demanding weather exercise and all did well with placings in the top bunch.

With Williams’ injured eye from Wellington fully healed, four good boats secured and the arrival of final team member Teau McKenzie – Team Cook Islands was eager to hit the water.

For the Sail Auckland regatta, a total of 15 classes are competing with the biggest fleet being the Laser Class.

The Regatta is an ISAF Grade 1 event with a high quality international contingent racing in the event as part of their build up for the London Olympics.

Team Cook Islands report that conditions in the lead up practice days had been kindly with clear or lightly overcast conditions and 18 to 21 knot winds.

After much anticipation, Sail Auckland 2012 began day one in near perfect conditions for 237 sailors in the Olympic, Paralympic and other invited classes.

The laser standard fleet (men open) has 29 starters – Taua Elisa Henry scored 20, 26, 22 for the day, finishing in 20th place.

The Laser Radial Fleet has 33 starters, and breaks into sub titles for women, masters and youth male and female.

Helema Williams finished day one in 14th place overall and fourth in the women’s radial fleet.

Aquila Tatira, in his first year of competing in the Laser Radial class finished with 18, 26, 20 and 22nd overall.

He holds 10th place in the Laser Radial youth male category.

Teau McKenzie is one of only three Laser Radial youth female competitors and she finished in 27, 29, 29 in the overall fleet in 30th place and third in her class.

Elisa found the going hard in the Standard Laser Fleet starting well on two of three races but losing out in the bigger shifts of the afternoon.

Williams also found the going hard with big losses to the shifting wind from initial good places.

Tatira suffered the same fate with very good places mid fleet being aced by the shifts but he is showing great promise in the Laser Radial and with more and varied competition will learn to identify and sail the shifts.

Sailing Cook Islands’ Anne Tierney says that Tatira’s work downwind is improving in competitiveness with every race.

McKenzie has sailed a very gutsy regatta to date in the Radial Class.

“I give her top marks for sticking to the races and gathering in a few sailors,” reports Tierney.

“I have been on a rescue boat for the regatta and although we only had two sailors unable to complete yesterday – today we had to rescue three sailors who were exhausted and couldn’t continue racing! I guess that’s a cumulative effect after two days.”

Racing continues for the local sailors in Auckland.

• Matariki Wilson / SCI

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Helema Williams is all concentration as she prepares her boat for racing at the Sail Auckland regatta. 12020603

 

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Teau McKenzie shares a laugh with New Zealand Olympic board sailor Barbra Kendall before racing in the Sail Auckland regatta. 12020602

 

Cook Islands’ FrancIs Smith has been called up to join the Crusaders Knights again for the 2012 season. 10120504

Cook Islander Francis Smith has headed back to New Zealand to rejoin the Crusaders’ developmental squad in Canterbury.

Smith will again play with the Crusaders Knights – the team affiliated with the Super Rugby side – backing up his efforts last year on the pitch while trying to move up to the senior squad.

The 25-year-old hooker received the call-up this week and was given barely three days to get himself ready for the trip down south.

Smith said he glad to have been selected to join the Crusaders Knights again, even if it was with short notice.

The selection means he is back in with a chance to join the Crusaders in a Super 15 match.

Last year he spent some of the pre-season with the senior squad and was called up to sit on the team’s bench as an injury substitute should he be needed.

This year Smith is hoping he may get some game time with the team in the main Super Rugby season.

Smith was renovating a house here in Rarotonga when he received the phone call telling him to get back down to New Zealand to rejoin the Crusaders Knights.

On the weekend, he lined up for the Arorangi Bears in the Cook Islands domestic rugby league competition. And while he won’t necessarily miss carrying out the work needed on his house, Smith said he would miss his mates from Arorangi.

“It’s good to be back (with the Crusaders Kinghts) but I am going to miss the boys here,” he said.

Now Smith is aiming to get some game time with the Crusaders Knights and hopefully catch the attention of selectors from their umbrella club.

• Eric Parnis

A lack of urgency by lead organisations of the Papua New Guinea Pacific Games Association (PGA), the PNG Sports Federation and Olympic Committee and the PNG Sports Foundation, could see PNG missing out on hosting the Pacific Games in 2015.

PNG now faces the ignominy of having its hosting rights stripped from it two-and-a-half years after winning its bid to host the 2015 Pacific Games at a Pacific Games Council meeting in Rarotonga held in September 2009.

Pacific Games Council charter binds PNG to a number of deadlines that it has now missed.

Within six months of winning its bid, the Pacific Games Association of PNG had failed to draw up legislation which would establish two important committees – the 2015 Pacific Games Authority Board and the 2015 Games Organising Committee.

Having now toured the country, visiting chairman of the Pacific Games Council Vidya Lakhan and his executive officer Andrew Minogue said they were worried that PNG would not be ready in time for the games.

Speaking at a press conference in Port Moresby, the pair said their biggest concern was that PNG has done virtually nothing on the ground in the two years since winning the bid.

As a result the PGC believes facilities will most probably not be ready in time for the games.

Lakhan urged the 2015 Pacific Games stakeholders including government to resolve their differences in making appointments on various committees.

• Eric Parnis

Tiri Toa of Ngatangiia-Matavera put plenty of grunt behind his delivery. 12020536

As promised there was loads of action at the BCI Stadium on Friday night where a decent crowd enjoyed big hitting cricket under lights for the first two games of the 2012 Turtles Domestic League.

Rarotonga turned on glorious cricket playing weather early in the afternoon when Te-Au-O-Tonga took the field for their first of two games against a determined Ngatangiia-Matavera side.

Ngatangiia-Matavera put on an aggressive bowling display but with bat in hand Te-Au-O-Tonga’s big hitter Toala Teinaki replied with big sixes and cheeky boundary shots.

Every big hit was met with a roar from the thrilled crowd – especially when the ball was sent into the stadium and banks of the sports ground.

Teinaki smashed his way to an impressive 97 runs with fellow Te-Au-O-Tonga batsman Melody Melota chipping in with 44 runs.

Ngatangiia-Matavera bowler Iro Maroroa took four wickets for 29 off his four overs.

Te-Au-O-Tonga scored 191 for Ngatangiia-Matavera to chase but runs were difficult to come by for the Eastern Studs.

The team, in Vegas Gold uniform, could only manage 120 in reply with Alan Syme and Vane Tangimetua the only two batters to make a start with 22 and 21 runs respectively.

Toara Teinaki proved to be a dab hand with the ball picking up three wickets for 32 while Hamish Weir collected two wickets for 10 runs off two overs.

With their first win in the bag, a confident Te-Au-O-Tonga side sent their second opponents and defending D-league champions Puaikura-Titikaveka in to bat first as rain drizzled on the park.

Puaikura-Titikaveka started slowly and after 10 overs had only managed to score 30 runs with six wickets down.

Enter Corey Fisher who with loads of confidence smashed his way to a credible 36 with fellow batsman Pa Zekaria also doing the damage with the bat to score 31.

Due to the late showers in the evening the game was reduced to 18 overs in each innings with Puaikura-Titikaveka posting a total of 113 runs.

At the pitch Te-Au-O-Tonga battled through the tough conditions and only managed to post 82 runs in reply with Puaikura-Titikaveka bowlers Chauncey Flay taking three wickets for 13 runs off four overs and Leli Tivakanoa taking three wickets for five runs in two overs.

The defending champions were stoked to bag the second match of the night and will be first up this Friday against Ngatangiia-Matavera who will be smarting from their first up loss in the D-league tournament.

Ngatangiia-Matavera will play the double header this Friday and will face Te-Au-O-Tonga in the second match of the night.

More big hits are in store again this Friday and once again the sports loving public is invited to get along to the BCI Stadium for a fantastic night of socialising and big hitting cricket.

• Matariki Wilson

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Te-Au-O-Tonga star ‘the tank’ Toala Teinaki eyes up the ball before sending it out of the park against Ngatangiia-Matavera. 12020540

 

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Te-Au-O-Tonga star Toala Teinaki in action against Ngatangiia-Matavera. 12020537

 

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Ngatangiia-Matavera bowler Alan Syme in action against Te-Au-O-Tonga. 12020526

 

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A Ngatangiia-Matavera bowler finally bowls out ‘the tank’ Toala Teinaki who scored an impressive 97 runs for Te-Au-O-Tonga. 12020527

 

Rosa Henry was one of around 60 people who enjoyed a great night of badminton on Friday night at the Princess Anne Hall at Tereora College. 12020541

Badminton is for people of all ages, body types and fitness levels. 12020547

A young man keeps his eye on the shuttlecock with back up from his young partner. 12020544

Due to the successful re-introduction of badminton on Friday night, another night of fun badminton has been organised for tonight at the Princess Anne Hall at Tereora College starting at 6pm.

More than 60 people turned out to the Princess Anne Hall over the course of Friday night to give badminton a go.

Judging by the pools of sweat running down their faces and the roars of laughter, it was a fantastic and successful re-introduction of the sport back into the local community.

It was an action packed evening with four badminton courts set up inside the hall following a rotation system to give everyone a go.

The reason behind the ‘have a go night’ on Friday and tonight’s second night of badminton is to identify those interested and begin discussions on how to get badminton up and running again.

If there is interest, those who take up the responsibility of running the sport can begin the registration process of the sport, including drawing up a constitution, selection of volunteers and office bearers.

Hugh Graham, who bought badminton equipment while in China recently in order to revive the sport in the islands, says that discussions have already been held with a couple of clubs in Auckland as well as Oceania Badminton who are eager to come on badminton holidays.

Graham adds that an invitation has already been extended to the Cook Islands to send teams to the 2012 Li Ling June Bevan Carnival in April, hosted by the Southern Tasmanian Badminton Association.

The event is also the Australasian Under 17 Championships.

Grab your indoor court shoes and head to the Princess Anne Hall tonight for a fun evening of badminton that promises to get the body moving and laughter going.

• Matariki Wilson

Jamie Makara of the Cook Islands tackles Cornal Hendricks of South Africa. Photo ZIMBIO 12020610

Cook Islands sevens player Jerome Vogel tackles Mat Turner of England on day one of the Wellington Sevens. Photo ZIMBIO 12020609

For a country lacking in resources and high performance programmes – the Cook Islands sevens team’s win against cash rich USA and Japan is seen as a massive achievement.

The Cooks ended up as runner ups in the shield finals of the tournament missing out on the trophy to Scotland who snuck in with a last minute try to win the match 19-17.

Cook Islands Rugby Union chief executive officer Ben Koteka says that what’s needed to lift the Cooks game at the international level are cash, high performance programmes and more importantly the expertise to deliver such performance programmes.

He adds that due to the country’s population size – it is unlikely that the union will receive any major cash injection from the International Rugby Board.

As well as beating two cash rich nations – 26-22 against USA and 17-10 against Japan – Koteka says the team, which included eight debutant players, now has the depth and experience which will see a more balanced Cook Islands team in the future.

The Cooks now look ahead to October when the next round of qualifier games for the Wellington Sevens will be staged and Koteka says that ideally a 12 month high performance programme is what’s needed to keep Cook Islands players at the top of their game rather than the three-month build up that the team goes through before the Wellington Sevens.

While there’s no sign of large amounts of cash landing in the local union’s lap, Koteka says that a number of local athletes and officials are well on their way to achieving qualifications in delivering high performance programmes which will only mean good things for local athletes across all codes.

• Matariki Wilson

Exciting and closely fought volleyball matches featured in round two of the Turtles Business House volleyball tournament last week.

Newcomers to the tournament, Southpac, played a terrific game against team Playing Up going point for point with their more experienced opponents.

Despite their best efforts – Southpac couldn’t contain Playing Up who went on to win the game 74-69.

Team BCI notched up their second win of the tournament keeping the high flying Fiji Me team at bay to win 75-63.

It was a battle of the islands affair when team Pukapuka and Mangaia faced off in what was an evenly matched game.

The game started off with both sides going tit-for-tat on points but Mangaia showed more determination to win their first game 81-67.

In other games on the night – the Ponies rode home to a 78-64 win against the Robbos while the Rebels were one short of a ton against Turtles to take the match 99-65.

The Aremango Sharks came close to registering their first win but they couldn’t keep their Wales opponents in check and the Wales ran away with the win 86-71.

Team Ruks notched up a good score against Smack Em to win 96-55 but Smack Em walked away with the spot prize of the night thanks to Turtles.

TKV2 proved to be a handful for Wes Side as the Takuvaine crew took out the match 86-68.

Dixon Tribe were merciless against TKV1 winning the game 86-63. Round three games will be staged tomorrow night at the Telecom Sports Arena with three games running at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.

• Matariki Wilson

Avatiu Eels creative director Bobby Hansen fends off an Arorangi Bears defender before popping the ball to Trends Poila to score the final try of the game at the Swamp. 12020502

Rarotonga fans flocked to league grounds to enjoy a fantastic start to the rugby league season with the three games played at the weekend providing plenty of on the field action.

At the Titikaveka field – the Bulldogs mauled the visiting Warriors side 46-6.

The points didn’t comes easy for the Bulldogs though with the Warriors holding their own and often threatening the Bulldogs line.

However the classy Bulldogs finally found their form and after the first try the floodgates opened and the Doggies were unstoppable.

At Victoria Park in Tupapa, the Sea Eagles got off to a flying start against the Panthers with a comfortable 24-12 towards the last quarter of the match.

The young Sea Eagles side looked very sharp and certainly looked the better side and doing the basics right.

Just when everyone thought it was in the bag for the Sea Eagles, some poor decisions allowed the Panthers to get back in the game eventually clawing their way back with two fantastic tries to end the game in 24-all tie.

Across at the Swamp an expected tough game was played between defending champions and hosts the Avatiu Eels and the Arorangi Bears.

However, the game was riddled with basic errors which saw the Eels dip out in the 22m zone on numerous try scoring opportunities which is not expected at Premier grade level but understandable for the first game of the season.

With tight defence from both ends and equal missed opportunities the first half was a scoreless chapter.

After a tough team talk at the half time break – the Eels returned to the field fired up and it was the hulking Eels forward Lui Nicholas that broke through the Bears defence line to dot down for the hosts.

The try boosted the Eels confidence which then lead to a second try scored by the hardworking Ben Maaka.

To prove his first try wasn’t a fluke – Lui Nicholas crossed the line again for his second try to extend the Eels lead to 18-0.

Not to be outdone – the Bears finally gave their large and vocal crowd on the banks of the swamp something to cheer about when one of the side’s young stars bashed his way through the Eels to score in the corner.

While the Bears looked sharper and consistent on the field they couldn’t capitalise on the hard work of their yardage gaining front rowers.

The sides young bloods were also impressive and on a number of occasions found the Eels lacking in defence.

However it was the confident Eels that had the last say with the teams creative director Bobby Hansen finding his stride late in the game with a beautiful break down the side.

As he dragged Bears defenders along he popped the ball to the speedy Trends Poila who sprinted the last few hundred meters to score the last try of the game and giving the Eels a 22-4 victory over the Bears.

Both sides fielded a well balanced team made up of young guns and experienced head.

While it was the Eels celebrating at the end of the game, the Bears displayed fantastic discipline and combine that with their talented young players and big forwards – you can bet they wont be letting their future opponents slip through like the Eels.

The Eels also blooded in young players on the day who held their own and with more game time under their belts will be instrumental in the team defending their 2011 title.

One of the talking points across all the games was the continuous bickering by players at the referee rather than playing the game which many see as a game spoiling issue.

Full results across the remaining grades and more photos will be published in tomorrow’s edition of CINews.

• Matariki Wilson

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Geoff Taripo of the Bears team gets ready to charge the Eels. 12020510

 

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Andrew Purua of the Bears was one of the standout players during the Bears and Eels clash at the swamp on Saturday. 12020518

 

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Clive Nicholas spreads the ball out wide during the Avatiu Eels clash against the Arorangi Bears in their first match of the 2012 season at the Swamp. 12020503

 

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An Avatiu reserve grade player dots down against the Arorangi Bears on Saturday. Full results from across all grades will be published apopo. 12020501

 

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Young Bears Andrew Purua needed two Eels defenders to ground him. 12020516

 

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A young Bear shows exceptional footwork to evade an attempted tackle by an Eels defender. 12020509

 

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Spoon Marsters was on form again at the weekend for the Arorangi Bears. 12020517

 

Pene Trego and the Ngatangiia-Matavera Flying Dragons will head to Tupapa to take on the Panthers today in the first round of the 2012 rugby league season. 3 120203123

The Tupapa Panthers will host neighbours the Ngatangiia-Matavera Flying Dragons today at Victoria Park. 4 120203124

The Titikaveka Bulldogs and Takuvaine Warriors under 16 and reserve grade kicked off the 2012 rugby league season yesterday in Titikaveka and today is the first full day of games of the new season.

All six clubs on Rarotonga and the Aitutaki Sharks are revved up and ready to hit the field with the Sharks taking the first bye this week.

This year’s league competition will include the under 13, under 16 and under 19 age grades as well as the premier reserve and premier grades.

The Arorangi Bears will want to get their 2012 campaign off to a cracker start and after the club’s recent state of origin pre-season warm up – they are sure to hit the ground running at the Swamp in Avatiu when they face hosts and defending champions the Avatiu Eels.

Games at the Swamp kick off at 12pm with the under 13 grade and the main premier match kicks off at 4.15pm.

At Titikaveka today – the Doggies will take on the Warriors in the under 19 and premier grade.

The under 19 match will start at 1pm followed by the premier grade game at 2.30pm.

Back in Tupapa the Panthers sharpen their claws to meet the Ngatangiia-Matavera Flying Dragons.

Games at Victoria Park will start at 11am with the under 13 grade and the main match will kick off at 4.15pm.

To raise funds for their campaign this year – the Flying Dragons are hosting a ‘start of the season’ social night at the club rooms at Nukupure Park and all supporters are encouraged to dress in maroon and take advantage of the bar specials.

In fact, most club rooms will be open at the grounds where games will be played to cool down supporters watching the hot action on the field.

- Matariki Wilson

Today’s draw and referee

appointment:

Panthers vs Sea Eagles at Victoria Park Tupapa – 11.00am-Under 13, Ref-M.Raina assisted by club officials, 12pm-Under 16, Ref-J.Murray assisted by club officials, 1.15pm-Under 19, Ref-P.Ngaroi assisted by S.Teiotu/J.Murray, 2.45pm-Reserves, Ref-T.Benioni assisted by P.Mitchell/M.Raina, 4.15pm-Premiers, Ref-S.Teiotu assisted by P.Mitchell/P.Ngaroi, Sub Official-T.Benioni/J.Brown.

Eels vs Bears at the Swamp in Avatiu – 12pm-Under 13, Ref-P.Mitchell assisted by club officials, 1.00pm-Under 16, Ref-P.Mitchell assisted by B.Bishop/T.Tuakana, 2.00pm-Under 19, Ref-B,Bishop assisted by T.Manea/J.Hosking, 3.30pm-Reserves, Ref-T.Tuakana assisted by J.Hosking/B.Bishop, 5.00pm-Premiers, Ref-T.Manea assisted by A.Emile/T.Tuakana, sub official-J.Murray.

Bulldogs vs Warriors at the Titikaveka Stadium – 1.00pm-Under 19, Ref-T.Manuel assisted by J.Whitta/A.Emile, 2.30pm –Premiers, Ref-A.Emile assisted by J.Whitta/T.Manuel, sub official-club managers

Cook Islands sevens veteran Koiatu Koiatu breaks through the English defence and looks for support during the Cooks first game on day one of the Hertz Sevens in Wellington. 1 Photo Getty Image 120203121

The Cook Islands sevens team struggled to find form at the Hertz Sevens in Wellington, losing two of their three matches on day one at tournament.

After their 27-12 loss to England in their first match – the Cooks were slaughtered by South Africa 43-0 in their second match on day one.

Their third and last match against America saw a more determined squad take to the field to battle with their equally matched USA opponents.

The Cooks were thrilled to take the hard fought win against USA with tries scored by veteran sevens star Koiatu Koiatu, sole Rarotonga based player and international sevens debutant Kairan Mahia, Jamie Makara and Jerome Vogel.

On day two of the tournament in Wellington – the Cooks faced Argentina in what was an error riddled and sloppy match by both sides.

Even commentators of the match said that handling errors were a disappointing feature of day two of the tournament with one saying players across the board looked like they had hangovers from a night of partying in Wellington.

Damp conditions and a slippery ball didn’t help the Cook Islands cause in the bowl quarter final match where the local side spent most of the first half in their own 22m zone.

Argentina lead 7-0 at the halftime break and back in the second spell the Cooks lifted the tempo of their game and looked to score the first try of the half but handling errors again quashed any hopes of the team crossing the line.

Argentina weren’t having the greatest game either but they exploited the Cooks’ weak defence to dot down four times and convincingly win the match 28-0, sending the Cook Islands to the shield semi final against Japan with that match played at 5.30 last night.

Making top 8 was the Cook Islands aim at the sevens but after suffering heavy losses on both days one and two – the Cooks’ only hope was to beat Japan in the shield semi final and progress to the final.

• Matariki Wilson

Pene Trego and the Ngatangiia-Matavera Flying Dragons will head to Tupapa to take on the Panthers today in the first round of the 2012 rugby league season. 3 120203123

The Tupapa Panthers will host neighbours the Ngatangiia-Matavera Flying Dragons today at Victoria Park. 4 120203124

The Titikaveka Bulldogs and Takuvaine Warriors under 16 and reserve grade kicked off the 2012 rugby league season yesterday in Titikaveka and today is the first full day of games of the new season.

All six clubs on Rarotonga and the Aitutaki Sharks are revved up and ready to hit the field with the Sharks taking the first bye this week.

This year’s league competition will include the under 13, under 16 and under 19 age grades as well as the premier reserve and premier grades.

The Arorangi Bears will want to get their 2012 campaign off to a cracker start and after the club’s recent state of origin pre-season warm up – they are sure to hit the ground running at the Swamp in Avatiu when they face hosts and defending champions the Avatiu Eels.

Games at the Swamp kick off at 12pm with the under 13 grade and the main premier match kicks off at 4.15pm.

At Titikaveka today – the Doggies will take on the Warriors in the under 19 and premier grade.

The under 19 match will start at 1pm followed by the premier grade game at 2.30pm.

Back in Tupapa the Panthers sharpen their claws to meet the Ngatangiia-Matavera Flying Dragons.

Games at Victoria Park will start at 11am with the under 13 grade and the main match will kick off at 4.15pm.

To raise funds for their campaign this year – the Flying Dragons are hosting a ‘start of the season’ social night at the club rooms at Nukupure Park and all supporters are encouraged to dress in maroon and take advantage of the bar specials.

In fact, most club rooms will be open at the grounds where games will be played to cool down supporters watching the hot action on the field.

- Matariki Wilson

Today’s draw and referee appointment:

Panthers vs Sea Eagles at Victoria Park Tupapa – 11.00am-Under 13, Ref-M.Raina assisted by club officials, 12pm-Under 16, Ref-J.Murray assisted by club officials, 1.15pm-Under 19, Ref-P.Ngaroi assisted by S.Teiotu/J.Murray, 2.45pm-Reserves, Ref-T.Benioni assisted by P.Mitchell/M.Raina, 4.15pm-Premiers, Ref-S.Teiotu assisted by P.Mitchell/P.Ngaroi, Sub Official-T.Benioni/J.Brown.

Eels vs Bears at the Swamp in Avatiu – 12pm-Under 13, Ref-P.Mitchell assisted by club officials, 1.00pm-Under 16, Ref-P.Mitchell assisted by B.Bishop/T.Tuakana, 2.00pm-Under 19, Ref-B,Bishop assisted by T.Manea/J.Hosking, 3.30pm-Reserves, Ref-T.Tuakana assisted by J.Hosking/B.Bishop, 5.00pm-Premiers, Ref-T.Manea assisted by A.Emile/T.Tuakana, sub official-J.Murray.

Bulldogs vs Warriors at the Titikaveka Stadium – 1.00pm-Under 19, Ref-T.Manuel assisted by J.Whitta/A.Emile, 2.30pm –Premiers, Ref-A.Emile assisted by J.Whitta/T.Manuel, sub official-club managers

Cook Islands sevens veteran Koiatu Koiatu breaks through the English defence and looks for support during the Cooks first game on day one of the Hertz Sevens in Wellington. 1 Photo Getty Image 120203121

The Cook Islands sevens team struggled to find form at the Hertz Sevens in Wellington, losing two of their three matches on day one at tournament.

After their 27-12 loss to England in their first match – the Cooks were slaughtered by South Africa 43-0 in their second match on day one.

Their third and last match against America saw a more determined squad take to the field to battle with their equally matched USA opponents.

The Cooks were thrilled to take the hard fought win against USA with tries scored by veteran sevens star Koiatu Koiatu, sole Rarotonga based player and international sevens debutant Kairan Mahia, Jamie Makara and Jerome Vogel.

On day two of the tournament in Wellington – the Cooks faced Argentina in what was an error riddled and sloppy match by both sides.

Even commentators of the match said that handling errors were a disappointing feature of day two of the tournament with one saying players across the board looked like they had hangovers from a night of partying in Wellington.

Damp conditions and a slippery ball didn’t help the Cook Islands cause in the bowl quarter final match where the local side spent most of the first half in their own 22m zone.

Argentina lead 7-0 at the halftime break and back in the second spell the Cooks lifted the tempo of their game and looked to score the first try of the half but handling errors again quashed any hopes of the team crossing the line.

Argentina weren’t having the greatest game either but they exploited the Cooks’ weak defence to dot down four times and convincingly win the match 28-0, sending the Cook Islands to the shield semi final against Japan with that match played at 5.30 last night.

Making top 8 was the Cook Islands aim at the sevens but after suffering heavy losses on both days one and two – the Cooks’ only hope was to beat Japan in the shield semi final and progress to the final.

• Matariki Wilson

Air New Zealand Cook Islands manager David Bridge with Hugh Graham and badminton gear Graham bought in China. The excess weight fee was waived by Air New Zealand. Tonight the general public can put the badminton equipment to use at the Princess Anne Hall at Tereora College. 12020113

Tonight the Princess Anne Hall at Tereora College will stage the Cook Islands’ first badminton event in over 10 years with a ‘come and try’ evening from 5pm.

The general public is invited to give the sport a go and find out how much fun can be had with badminton.

Brothers Hugh and Robert Graham are behind the revival of the sport which they both remember as being part of the physical education curriculum at Tereora College when they were schoolboys back in the 80s.

On a recent trip to China, Hugh Graham purchased a number of badminton racquets and shuttlecocks. He has garnered the support of Oceania Badminton and is keen to see more people get involved.

He has also received fantastic support from Air New Zealand, which waived the excess weight fee to transport the gear to Rarotonga.

“Air New Zealand was very pleased, as part of our community involvement, to be able to assist both volleyball and badminton, especially in the revival of badminton in the Cook Islands,” says Air NZ Cook Islands manager David Bridge.

While Graham was told by the president of the national sports body Sir Geoffrey Henry that badminton is not a ‘priority sport’, Graham has received plenty of support from the general public which is keen to get the sport up and running in the Cooks.

Graham foresees forming a committee to push the sport along.

He will be donating most of the gear he bought in China to said committee and he will also take some gear to Mauke to introduce the sport to the island’s youth and community at large.

All people need to bring to Princess Anne Hall tonight is comfortable clothing, a water bottle and a gold coin donation to help with the venue hire and get the sport up and running.

• Matariki Wilson

Cook Islands sevens player Jamie Makara (right) tackles Isoa Damu of England in the Cooks first match at the Hertz Sevens in Wellington. All photos Getty Image 12020210

Thousands gathered in the main streets of Wellington to cheer on the rugby sevens squads including the Cook Islands. 12020202

Despite fielding talented young debutants at the Hertz Sevens in Wellington – the inexperienced Cook Islands sevens squad was stormed by England 27-12 in the Cooks first pool play match at the World Series tournament.

Within the first minute of the match, England asserted their dominance to dot down for the first try of the match.

Two minutes later England were over the chalk again for their second try with the third coming just before the half time hooter giving England a comfortable 17-0 lead heading into the second spell.

England exploited the Cooks’ weak defence and was more urgent at the breakdown recycling the ball quickly and efficiently.

Cooks head coach Ramsey Tomokino urged his young team to be quicker on both attack and defence.

“You’ve got to be a lot quicker boys,” he told his young charges.

In the first half – the Cooks only completed 9 passes to England’s 21 and missed 6 tackles compared to England who hadn’t missed a tackle.

Back in the second spell the Cook Islands defence held for three minutes before England broke through to score and extend their lead to 22-0.

Desperate play saw the Cook Islands scramble the ball out wide and with ball in hand – debutant Arthur Mui stormed his way to the try line swiping away a would be English tackle to dot down for his first international try to put the Cooks on the scoreboard 22-5.

The try only fired up the English players who regrouped and hit back with a try of their own to further extend their lead to 27-5.

In overtime the Cook Islands managed a scramble attack which resulted in a beautiful try by Sean Fletcher and converted by veteran Koiatu Koiatu ending the game 27-12 to England.

Sole Rarotonga based player Kairan Maihia had some shaky moments but as the game wore on the young Tupapa star seemed to find his feet.

The Cooks also faced South Africa and USA in pool play yesterday and will return to the field today for the second day of the Wellington tournament.

• Matariki Wilson

If the weather plays ball today and the rain stays away – big Tom Vea and his combined Titikaveka-Puaikura team will be out to defend their title tonight at the BCI Stadium. 12020208

Today is D-day – Domestic League cricket that is!

If the sun shines today, and fingers crossed it does, the first two matches of the 2012 Turtles Domestic League will go boomtown at the BCI Stadium in Nikao.

The Twenty-20 format promises to provide plenty of big-hitting and sly-bowling action and the community at large, especially those who have little understanding of the game, are encouraged to get along to the national stadium and find out what all the fuss is about and just hang out with mates and learn the game.

Village and outer island pride will also be on the line as three teams line up for D-league glory.

Defending champions Titikaveka-Puaikura, which this year will include a number of outer island cricketers, will go up against the combined Ngatangiia-Matavera team and the Vaka Te-Au-O-Tonga squad.

Tonight’s first game will see Vaka Te-Au-O-Tonga have the first double header taking on Ngatangiia-Matavera at 5.15pm and Puaikura-Titikaveka at 8.30.

Spectators will also have the chance to get in among the action with a number of games and competitions organised with awesome prizes up for grabs in the Bond Store senior ‘bowl off’ and Vaima junior ‘bowl off’ fun events.

In its third year, the D-league as it’s called has grown from an event played at the weekends to a Friday night double-header competition under lights – a first for cricket in the region.

The D-league competition is a step up from club cricket and was developed as a pathway for club cricketers to showcase their skills for possible selection into the national team by performing on a bigger stage.

If the weather doesn’t play ball and the rain persists, plan B is to postpone tonight’s games to next Thursday with the regular schedule continuing on Friday.

Cricket matches don’t tend to be played in rainy weather – this is to ensure the safety of players and spectators.

Rain can cause the bat and ball to come loose in the player’s hand and inadvertently cause injury to players and spectators.

So if the weather is too bad to play cricket tonight – Cook Islands cricket will go on air to announce if plan B will come into effect. But if the rain stays away – it will go boomtown at the BCI Stadium.

• Matariki Wilson

Cook Islands National player, 68-year-old Papa Pat showing that he still has the speed and the skills to score a runaway try at the Gold Coast League Masters 2011. 12020209

Cook Islands Rugby League will start the season with the League Masters today, kicking off this afternoon 4.30pm at the Avatiu Swamp.

While international rules classify masters players as 35 and over, the Cook Islands league masters rules limit masters players to 40 years and over.

The reason is that many players under 40 are still playing in the premiers or the premier reserve grade competition and the masters is for those that have retired from the game.

The premier season kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, February 4.

To protect the players from getting hurt or injured, players are required to wear the correct colour shorts for safety reasons.

The black shorts (40-plus) can be tackled but not vigorously.

The red shorts (50-plus) can’t be tackled but can be stopped by holding the player. Red shorts are not to be thrown onto the ground.

The gold shorts (60-plus) can’t be tackled or held and can be touched only.

The whole idea is for the old boys to get on the field and enjoy the game without the fear of getting smashed.

It’s all about displaying the moves and skills they once had. Any vigorous players will be sent off the field for a cooling off period or be sent right out.

League masters president Lucky Matapuku is encouraging all the old boys to head down to the Swamp for a run or to just come down and support the boys.

• Slow and steady

Cook Islands boxing legend Piri Puruto (front centre) has been working with the people at Eastcoast Boxing Club, passing on his in the ring knowledge and his country’s tradition, including dry coconut candle burning (pictured). Back: Mark Baylis, Lee Penfold, Paul Carroll, Steve Perkins, Nick George, Ryley Hall. Front: Darcy Wells, Piri Puruto and Blake Wells. 12013017

This article and photo are reprinted courtesy of the Bairnsdale Advertiser in Victoria, Australia. The article has not been edited, except for the headline, which said ‘Famed Cook Islands boxer passes on knowledge’.

He may be small in stature and as friendly as can be, but Cook Islands boxing legend Piri Puruto can pack a punch, and currently he is passing on his knowledge with the boxers at Eastcoast Boxing Club in the town of Bairnsdale, Australia.

Piri was the Cook Islands’ middleweight champion in 1959, 60, 61, 62 and 63 and claimed a South Pacific Games silver medal in Suva, Fiji, in 1963.

He is in Bairnsdale to see his son and his son’s family, while also giving guidance in the ring and about his heritage.

He is currently the patron for the Cook Islands boxing team and in 2008 was inducted into the sports hall of fame.

Piri is legendary for his boxing feats in his home country, but he is also somewhat of a celebrity.

He teaches traditional Cook Islands fire lighting ceremonies, using only things he can find on a coconut tree.

He also climbs massive coconut trees with nothing but his bare hands and shoeless feet in a traditional Atiu warrior outfit made from coconuts.

It is his living, he enjoys every minute of it and has become known as the self proclaimed Coconut King of Rarotonga, an island in the Cook Islands.

The coconut has played a big role in Piri’s life, and there is not much he cannot do with one.

“Before white man come the coconut gives us fire, gives us water, gives us meat, but first we have to get the coconut,” Piri said with a cheeky grin.

During his time with the Eastcoast Boxing Club, he wants to teach his country’s traditions and let the boxers know where he comes from and what is important to him in life.

He explained that the coconut fire lighting ceremonies reflect calmness and control, two essentials to boxing, but also that if you light half a dry coconut over night, it will burn as a candle for up to 12 hours, with the kicker being it can keep the mosquitoes away.

“It keeps the mozzies away if you do it right, but it is a good candle if you burn the right amount.

“You have to make sure it’s dry though I have had this one (pictured) drying for about 10 days.”

- Bairnsdale Advertiser

Terai Hill is one of nine Cook Islands masters athletes hoping to bag medals at the week-long Oceania Masters Athletics Champs in Tauranga starting at the weekend. 12020125

Nine Cook Islands masters athletes are on their way to New Zealand to bag medals at the Oceania Masters Athletics Championships in Tauranga.

The group is one of the smallest groups to represent the country but they are still expected to do well in their chosen track and field events.

Athlete David Lobb says that while he is expecting the group to do well – he doesn’t think the team’s medal haul will be as big as previous years due to the small group number.

In 2008, a team of nine Cook Islands athletes returned from the Oceania Champs held in Townsville Australia with 20 medals – the same number of medals Lobb is hoping the current team will bring home.

The Cooks’ biggest medal haul at the masters event was in 2010 when a group of 20 athletes returned from the event hosted by Tahiti with 60 medals.

This year’s team includes Lobb, Paul Allsworth, Ake Hosea-Winterflood, Terai Hill, Tamarua Herrmann, Jennie George, Steve Whitta, Geoff Stoddart and Bernadette Raffe.

Lobb says that each athlete will compete in up to six different events at the week-long champs that will run from February 5 to 12.

As well as competing and reporting back on the team’s progress – Lobb will also represent Athletics Cook Islands at the annual meeting of the masters athletics movement to confirm the Cook Islands as the host of the champs in 2015.

In 2014 – Bendingo, a city outside Melbourne, Australia, will host the masters champs.

Lobb says the local athletes are prepared for the champs starting this weekend after weeks of regular mini competitions at the BCI Stadium.

He says that recent gatherings of the local masters athletes have generated some impressive results which he hopes can be improved on during the masters champs in New Zealand.

• Matariki Wilson

Local triathletes will have to go it alone without the regular volunteers and officials for the next couple of weeks as the usual officials for weekly duathlon and triathlon events are in New Zealand competing at the Oceania Masters Athletics Champs.

This means that regular athletes will have to organise among themselves who will set up gear, start the races and time the events.

For the Thursday night duathlon that starts at the Motor Centre, the bike rack pipes will not be brought down however it is easy to just place your bike against the cars or on the grass.

The bike rack pipes and ‘caution triathlon’ signs are already at the Tikioki site and just need putting up and taking down again.

The road marks are still in place and everybody knows where the 4km bike and 1km run turnarounds are .

Regular triathlete and volunteer Jennie George, who is in the team of nine masters athletes heading to New Zealand, is encouraging regular triathletes to take charge of starting races and timing and those keen to take charge of the cone distance markers can collect these from Len Edwards’ home on hospital hill.

To help athletes plan for the absence of the regular volunteers – here are the dates, events and distances of each event to be marked in your calendars.

Dates to remember – Thursday February 2- duathlon (2/8/1) or (2/16/2), Saturday February 4 – triathlon (200/8/2) or (400/16/4), Thursday February 9 – duathlon (2/8/1) or (3/20/2), Saturday February 11 – triathlon (200/8/2) with the enduro option of doing the course 3 times, Thursday February 16 – duathlon (2/8/1) or (3/20/2), Saturday February 18 – stroke and stride (200m swim / 2km run twice) or (400m swim / 4km run twice).

• Matariki Wilson

12020118

The Cook Islands will run out at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington today in the knowledge that this is their one and only chance to shine in the HSBC Sevens World Series. The Cook Islands secured their place at this year’s Hertz Sevens at the fourth edition of the Oceania Sevens in October last year, a tournament which saw non-core teams qualify for tournaments in the 2011 and 2012 series.

Tonga will participate in both Wellington this weekend and Hong Kong in March by virtue of making the semi-finals while the Cook Islands, who came fifth, return to the New Zealand capital for the 12th time.

“In terms of development we are blooding eight new players on the IRB circuit,” said head coach Ramsey Tomokino.

“We had qualifiers in October in Samoa and it has just got tougher for us to qualify. Tonga got the first spot and are able to go to Hong Kong, but we are fortunate to have been able to get one of the two spots here.

“It is great to be here, and we just hope we can do our nation proud and do the tournament justice because it is a great tournament and for us it is also great to be involved in the circuit.”

With eight new players in their squad, the Cook Islands will certainly gain invaluable experience from playing in front of a packed stadium and against the likes of England for a second year in a row, something Tomokino hopes will help his side as they move closer to Rugby World Cup Sevens qualifying.

“For our young guys, it is hugely important that they stick at it.

“They are enthusiastic, and with the likes of Koiatu Koiatu who has said he won’t retire until someone can replace him, if we can stick together and take our strongest side possible to build towards May we can have a good crack at getting to the RWC and even Hong Kong next year.

“I am confident we can knock off Tonga, we have done it before, and we should be able to take care of Papua New Guinea and Niue if we stick to what we know.

“Who wouldn’t want to play sevens? Who wouldn’t want to be in Wellington? But if sevens was easy, everyone would be doing it, and in reality it requires a lot of heart. I have said it before but it is like an extreme sport.” The Cook Islands face a tough task at the Westpac Stadium, lining up against the third and fourth placed sides in the current standings, South Africa and England, as well as next week’s hosts USA.

But Tomokino’s side are not strangers to upsets, as they demonstrated at the 2008 New Zealand Sevens, beating England 21-17 and coming close last year, suffering a 21-17 defeat to Ben Ryan’s side in the pool stages.

“We have a tough pool, there is never any easy one anymore,” added Tomokino.

“We came close to England last year and we would like to think we will be competitive again this year. We have been doing our homework, but we are under no illusion that England and South Africa are quality sides, we just have to bring our flair.

“We have given our players license to do their thing, I want us to be competitive, and as you know anything can happen.”

The IRB Wellington Sevens will be screened live on CITV today starting at 2pm.

Today, day one of the tournament, the Cook Islands will play England at 2.22pm, South Africa at 4.56pm and USA at 7.52pm (all CI time).

Any messages of support can be sent to CI team manager Brent Matchett on email match@gablespeightsalehouse.co.nz or tune in to the local television and cheer them on.

• MW / HSBC Sevens

A short and sharp touch rugby competition has been organised for this season and will be limited to the first six paid-up teams in the open women and men’s divisions.

Touch Rugby Association executives have agreed to run a short season based on six teams per division starting on Monday, February 6, at the Nikao field.

“From previous experience it has been determined that a short sharp season which does not overlap too far into other codes is what our players are wanting,” says association president Clem Fortes.

A mixed competition will also be run again this season and this will be played on Wednesday afternoons starting on February 8 at the Nikao field.

The mixed competition will be expanded to possibly include up to 10 teams but again this will be dependent on team numbers.

The touch association is also keen to see Rarotonga secondary schools field mixed teams in the competition to encourage positive social behaviour and of course fitness which all leads to improved learning.

Fortes says that with the possible increased numbers in the mixed competition there was a possibility of ‘double header’ matches on some weeks so that the end of season grand finals for both the mixed and open competition will run on the same day making for an intensive and exciting wrap up to the season.

Details such as registration costs are still to be finalised but Fortes says they understand the need to keep the sports affordable for all.

Teams can contact Moari Allsworth on 58732 or Ronnie Siulepa 22576/ 79602 to register your team and interest for the 2012 touch rugby season.

• Matariki Wilson