Three finalists have been confirmed for next week’s Cook Islands Touch Association Open Competition showdown.

Nukz Power and Bounty Hunters will be battling for the women’s title while Tea Warriors have booked their spot in the men’s final to be held on Monday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

The semifinals were played on Monday at the Stadium.

In the men’s semifinal, second placed Team Warriors took on third placed KAPs in an exciting battle.

Cook Islands Touch president Julieanne (Julz) Westrupp reported that KAPs only had seven players and struggled with the heat. However, their experienced players Vou Williams, Maeva Mateariki and Stewart Toleafoa were able to set plays in general play and on the 7-metre line. 

Westrupp said standout players from Team KAPs were young Logan Ahau and Paul Ngaroi along with Caleb Chase but the Warriors were too strong and won the game 9-5.

The Warriors will play the winner of today’s playoff between top placed GAT versus fourth placed Nukz Power. The two teams did not play on Monday due to a family funeral.

In the women’s semifinals, first placed team Nukz Power played FBI and Nikz battled Bounty Hunters.

The FBI was short on players and played with only five players. Hinnah Tatuava, Samantha Lockington and Paeru Ngaroi were able to score two tries against a mixture of experienced and young Nukz Power who scored 10 tries.

Nukz Power booked their spot in the final with an overwhelming 10-2 win.

Westrupp said it was a good win for the Nukz Power ladies.  

In the other semis, Nikz and Bounty Hunters, boasting experience, skills, and determination, played it out for the full 30 minutes. 

Westrupp said the halftime score was 3-all. 

But the Bounty Hunters were able to nut out the win by 7-5, also sealing a spot in the final.

The Bounty Hunters’ tries were scored by Kayleena Kermode, Esther David, Maueni Atariki, Mereana Carr, Tehina Tommy, and two tries to Steph Nooroa, while Mele Poaru scored a try and Nicol Tiaore and Teatarua Raina scored two tries each for Nikz.

Westrupp announced the open competition grand final will be played on Easter Monday, commencing at 5pm, followed immediately by the prize giving ceremony where MVP (most valuable player) awards will also be presented.

She also expressed her gratitude to the referees for their continuous support in officiating the games and extended a huge thank you to Vodafone Cook Islands for their ongoing sponsorship support.

Fixtures

Mixed Competition (Today): Double Banger – CISNOC. 5pm: Field 1- Outlaws vs CISNOC; Field 2- Nukz Power vs KAPs; 5.30pm: Field 1- 007 vs JAWs; 6pm: Field 1- CISNOC vs Huffin & Puffin, Field 2 - GAT vs Nukz Power (men's play offs).