Sharks bite back

The Sharks are returning to the island – the Aitutaki Sharks league team that is.

After cyclone Pat struck the island last Tuesday, there was talk that the only outer island team may have to pull out of the domestic league competition due to the level of damage on the island.

But the Sharks are biting back!

The team, coached by Ina Konito, will arrive before tomorrow afternoon to take on the Ngatangiia-Matavera Sea Eagles at the Ngatangiia sports grounds.

Cook Islands League Association president and director of Emergency Management Charles Carlson is asking all clubs on Rarotonga to help and support the Sharks when they come to Rarotonga.

“It has not been easy for these guys as some of them had their homes totally demolished,” says Carlson.

“Can I ask that the clubs help out – maybe pass the bucket around during the games and the money be donated to help the sharks out.”

Carlson says that the Sharks are really looking forward to their game.

A request has also been sent out to local league clubs asking that all future games against the Sharks be held on Aitutaki to give the players more time to recover from the cyclone and rebuild their homes.

If teams agree to this change in format, for a good cause, teams are asked kindly to take your own frozen foods so as not to put extra burden on the families in Aitutaki. Of course a master chef will be provided to cook your kai!

And league players who are tradesman are asked kindly if you are able to fly to Aitutaki earlier, a day’s volunteer work on the island would make a huge difference.

So get behind your brothers from Aitutaki and show your support.

Meanwhile the Avatiu Eels will take on the Titikaveka Bulldogs this afternoon in Titikaveka before the Sea Eagles and Sharks face off tomorrow.

Also on tomorrow is the clash between the Bears and Panthers to be played at Victoria Park.

- Matariki Wilson

Friday February 19 Eels vs Bulldogs at Titikaveka – 3.45pm-under13 grade, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by club official, 4.15pm-under16 grade, Ref-John Whitta assisted by Jeff Murray and Nga Takaiti, 5.15pm-premier grade, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by John Whitta and Jeff Murray.

Saturday February 20 Sea Eagles vs Aitutaki Sharks/Warriors in Ngatangiia – 1pm-under 16, Ref-Koa Kopu assisted by Bobby Hunter and Mann Short, 2pm-premier Aitutaki Sharks vs Eagles, Ref-Sean Willis assisted by Teokotai Tuaivi and Koa Kopu 3.30pm-reserves, Ref-Simiona Teiotu assisted by Teokotai Tuaivi and club officials 4.30pm-under19, Ref-Teokotai Tuaivi assisted by Simi Teiotu and Ratu Mato.

Saturday February 20 Panthers vs Bears at Tupapa – 1pm under13, Ref-Tere Strickland assisted by club official, 1.45pm-under 16, Ref-Bishop Bishop assisted by club official, 2.35pm-under 19, Ref-Taua Benioni assisted by Bishop Bishop and Jeff Murray, 3.30pm-reserves, Ref-Ngavavia Tou assisted by George Maggie and Nga Takaiti, 4.30pm-premiers, Ref-Tua Manea assisted by George Maggie and Nga Takaiti.