Avatiu Eels and Lady Bears were crowned the new champions of the annual Raro 7s tournament held at the National Stadium in Nikao on Saturday.

In the men’s final, the unbeaten Avatiu Eels thumped the 2021 champions Tupapa Panthers 17-0.

Eels’ tries were scored by youngsters – halfback Maeva Robati, winger Tamaiva Mateariki and utility back Ioane Moore.

The Panthers also fielded a mix of experienced and young players – the likes of Tevii Ngametua and Francis Terepo.

In the women’s competition, the Lady Bears were crowned the new champions after beating last year’s winner Lady Panthers 17-0.

The Bears tries were scored by forward Maya Mokoroa, outside backs Nicole Tiaore and Ngamata Moekaa.

The Panthers tried hard especially through youngsters Mahana Sijp and Jemima Katoa but couldn’t cross the whitewash.

In the Under-18 competition, Bears defeated Panthers 31–7 to claim the U18 title.

The U18 Bears proved too strong with tries scored by halfback Nia Remuera (two tries), centre Henry Mataio, and their wingers Adam Terepo and Julio Tauu.

Panthers standout utility back Abu Kamana scored a converted try. 

Cook Islands Rugby Union’s Ben Koteka said all the teams received prizes that were kindly donated by sponsors Vodafone Cook Islands and Te Aponga Uira (TAU).

The Most Valuable Players (MVP) per division were – U18 Men’s – Nia Remuera Jr (Bears), Women’s – Nicole Tiaore (Bears) and Men’s – Maeva Robati (Avatiu). 

“Thank you again to TAU and Vodafone for rewarding great play and behaviour on the field with a trophy, gifts and vouchers.

“During these testing times thank you to all our teams, players and coaches – a special mention going out to the Aitutaki contingent who contributed three teams – brilliant support from Aitutaki.”

Results

M Panthers 5 Avatiu 31, M Yalovata A 12 Aitutaki 14, U18 Panthers 10 Bears 27, W Panthers 22 Aitutaki 0, M Aitutaki 0 Panthers 41, M Avatiu 47 Yalovata B 10, U18 Bears 24 Aitutaki 0, W Panthers 0 Bears 24, M Yalovata B      12 Aitutaki 24, M Panthers 0 Yalovata A 14. W        Bears 24 Aitutaki 0, M Yalovata A 52 Yalovata B 7, M Aitutaki 7 Avatiu    42, U18 Aitutaki 5 Panthers 5, M Avatiu 26 Yalovata A 12, M Yalovata B 0 Panthers 53, U18 Bears 31 Panthers 7, W Bears 17 Panthers 0, M Avatiu 17 Panthers 0.