Handball side hold their own

The Cook Islands boys’ handball team at the Youth Olympics in Singapore might have finished last in the six-team competition – but they are the talk of the town.

Earlier in the week the local team took on hosts Singapore in what was reported as a nail-biting match that went down to the wire.

It was almost goal for goal but the local team were unable to match Singapore’s defensive line up in the last half an hour of the game letting Singapore slip through to win 27-20.

Cook Islands goals came via Peter Kermode (4), Aurand Tou and Gerald Piho (4), Volunteer Tokorangi, Tapi Mataora (6), Neilsen Kamana, Mana Ngaau and Te Koyo Tai Nimeti.

The team then faced Singapore again this time they went down 18-23 but the local side showed no sign of disappointment and instead they ripped into a haka.

“We knew we wouldn’t win any matches, and it was all about the experience for us,” said the teams top goal scorer Tapi Mataora who, with his teammates, learnt to play the sport just three months ago after being plucked from the national rugby squad.

Meanwhile, lack of wind has been making sailing hard work for national sailors Teau McKenzie and Aquila Tatira.

The pair is due to race in their final races this week.

Team Cook Islands can be contacted on the following email address: smarsters@cisnoc.org.ck