Cooks secure Maoate Memorial

The spoils of victory were not the only reward for the Cook Islands’ parliamentary rugby team when they defeated their Kiwi opponents last month.

A new trophy in honour of the late Sir Terepai Maoate was donated by the family and created by the Avatiu Nikao Mongoose Rugby Club for contests between the two teams.

The former Cook Islands prime minister was an avid player and supporter of golden oldies rugby and played in two previous parliamentary rugby matches.

The new trophy, in the shape of a pate drum, will ensure the passion will continue to be honoured whenever the two sides play.

Securing the inaugural challenge for the Sir Terepai Maoate Memorial Trophy made victory even sweeter for the Cook Islands side, which prevailed 17-10 over the New Zealand parliamentarians in a high-quality showcase at the BCI Stadium.

It means the head-to-head encounters between the two teams now stands at 2-1 in favour of the hosts.

New Zealand High Commissioner and vocal supporter John Carter was on hand to witness proceedings as Queen’s Representative presented the trophy to the winning side at a private function at Ngatipa.

It will remain there to showcase the spirit and pride of that fantastic clash and future matches between the two sides.