Newcomers Raukawa Kukis from New Zealand made an impressive start on day one of the Cook Islands Rugby League Nines in Paradise tournament yesterday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

The side made up of NZ-based Cook Islanders cruised through the women’s division undefeated.

Raukawa Kukis defeated domestic 13s champions Lady Bears 15-0 before overcoming reigning Nines champions Lady Panthers 24-4. In their final match of day one, the side defeated Lady Bulldogs 31-12 to emerge as the hot favourites in the division.

In the men’s competition, defending champions Avatiu Nikao Eels finished day one undefeated beating Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles 11-8 and Titikaveka Bulldogs 27-6.

Tupapa Panthers also finished day one unbeaten with 26-14 win over the Bulldogs before overcoming Arorangi Bears 25-14.

The annual tournament ends this evening with the finals.

Results

U18 Panthers 14-14 Sea Eagles, Women Lady Bears 0-15 Raukawa Kukis, Women Lady Bulldogs 7-17 Lady Eels, Men Eels 11-8 Sea Eagles, Men Bulldogs 14-26 Panthers, Women Lady Panthers 4-24 Raukawa Kukis, Women Lady Bears 23-12 Lady Bulldogs, Men Bears 14-14 Sea Eagles, Men Eels 27-6 Bulldogs, Women Lady Panthers 0-25 Lady Eels, Women Raukawa Kukis 31-12 Lady Bulldogs, Men Bears 14-25 Panthers, Men Sea Eagles 21-19 Bulldogs.

Fixtures

Today: 1.00pm Women Lady Panthers-Lady Bears, 1.25pm Women Lady Eels-Raukawa Kukis, 1.50pm Men Bears-Eels, 2.15pm Men Panthers-Sea Eagles, 2.40pm U18 Panthers-Sea Eagles, 3.05pm Women Lady Panthers-Lady Bulldogs, 3.30pm Women Lady Eels-Lady Bears, 3.55pm Men Bears-Bulldogs, 4.20pm Men Panthers-Eels, 4.45pm U18 Panthers-Sea Eagles, Presentation (U18 Finals), 5.10pm Women 3rd Ranked-4th Ranked Presentation (3rd & 4th Final), 5.40pm Men 3rd Ranked-4th Ranked Presentation (3rd & 4th Final), 6.10pm Women 1st Ranked-2nd Ranked Presentation (1st & 2nd Final), 6.40pm Men 1st Ranked-2nd Ranked Presentation (1st & 2nd Finals).