Cook Islands Touch 2024 Mixed Competition will hold its final round of preliminary games today at the National Stadium in Nikao before heading into the playoffs.

Touch president Julieanne (Julz) Westrupp says that with seven teams in the competition, they decided to have the final match feature only the top four teams. 

She added that while the top four are already identified, to ensure fairness and equal playing time for all teams, they’ll still play the last round of games.

The top four teams heading into the playoffs are Outlaws, Nukz Power, KAPs and 007.

Westrupp said the playoffs will feature the top placed side taking on the fourth placed team and the second placed battling the third placed side. The winners will battle for the top prize while the losers will compete in the third-place playoff match.

The playoffs will be held next week on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, last Wednesday, the first game was between the current top seed Outlaws and second placed Nukz Power.

The Outlaws won 8-5. 

The match of the day was between 007 and KAPs. 

Westrupp said both teams have experienced senior players and speedy eager youngsters.  

“KAPs came out firing and scored first and held onto their lead into halftime with a 2-nil score. However, steadily Andy Kapi led 007 clawed their way back into the game to an exciting 2-all score. 

“But uncharacteristic errors from 007 saw KAPs rally with Stuart Toleafoa and Caleb Chase picking their plays to take KAPs into the lead and win convincingly 4 tries to 2. 

“KAPS will need to tidy up some basics to be sure to book themselves a berth in the playoffs.”

Westrupp said the final game of the night was a friendly but competitive match between teams Jaws and CISNOC.

“Both teams worked hard to find gaps to score in a tit for tat manner. Team Jaws playing really well as a unit.   

“Despite the full-time score of 4 all, it was Team Jaws that walked away with the competition points having won by default against a depleted CISNOC.

Fixtures today: 5pm Field 1- Nukz vs Huffin; 5.30pm Jaws vs Outlaws; 6pm Huffin vs CISNOC