The beautiful weather didn't stop anyone from wanting to play touch – in fact it was being welcomed with tries being scored left, right and centre at Saturday’s Ronnie Siulepa Touch ournament.

Ngatangiia field was the place to be - either playing, or watching some good, fast-paced touch rugby.

The tournament had two categories this year -  competitive and social. Eight teams gunned it out in the competitive category, while there were four teams in the social category. President Julz Westrupp said she was thrilled to see the talent and skill being displayed in all games. 

The competitive category had two pools where they both played a round robin format with the top two teams in both categories continuing in a crossover playoff, with the winners playing each other in the finals. 

The social category played round robin then 1st played 4th and 2nd played 3^rd, with the winners playing each other in finals as well.

Some tough though games were played but the top two teams that went through in the competitive category were Outlaws, who were led by Puna Hiro against One Love, helmed by Spoon Marsters. 

This game went to a drop-off and went down to a nail-biter which was taken out by Outlaws. In the other semi-final game, Nukz Power played the more experienced 007. 

 It was nice to watch young Genesis who is back home on holiday playing with 007, as he definitely showed he was his father’s son as he played just like him. Andy Kapi leading 007 showed experience and pace with the help of his son Andy. The trio definitely made an impact, beating Nukz Power by 2 tries.  

In the Social grade, team Royales played Rakkz City in the finals. Kevin Iro, playing with his wife and children, was winning at half time 2 – 1, but Rakkz City came back to even the score. Two minutes out, Royals decided they were going to go into a drop-off and scored another 2 tries to seal the win. Congratulations team Rosales.

The game between 007 and Outlaws would have to be the match of the day. The action was intense and the refs needed to be on point to allow flow at pace. Again, 007 seemed to be the more relaxed team. Last year 007 played in the finals but was pipped at full time, so they were desperate to win this year, which they did by full time. Congratulations 007.

MVP awards in the competitive category went to Genesis Piri and Nicole Tiaore. In the Social category Wairakau Greig too, displayed some great plays both on attack and defence.

Westrupp would like to thank Bank of the Cook Islands and Vodafone for their continuous support in 2022. She would also like to thank all the teams for being part of this Ronnie Siulepa Boxing Day tourney.

Thank you to the refs and volunteers who also gave up their time to assist and one last thank you to the exec team. And of course, grateful thanks to Kaka Ama of the Ngatangiia Sports Association for the use of the field and club rooms.  

Next up is Beach touch on Jan 9-11, then we will go into our normal season. We will use the season to build a trialling squad for Pacific games and get started with training.  We would like to see the Cook Islands in the top two for each of the men and women’s games, as well as mixed. We will be working to find a good management team to assist us in getting those results.

Have a blessed Christmas - and here's to a great 2023.

-Jules Westrupp