Tokouso successfully defended the Cook Islands Rugby Union Tri-Nation Series after beating Cook Islands Residents 22-10 in the final match on Saturday at Aretere Park in Avatiu.

The Cook Islands Tri-Nation Series came to an exciting conclusion with a dramatic playoff between the Cook Islands Residents and the Samoan/Tongan Tokouso.

Both teams were determined to secure the 2024 championship, and the match proved to be a hard-fought battle right from the start.

In the first half, both teams showed their strength on the field. The Cook Islands Residents, led by the experienced Li Ponini, played a solid game, pushing forward with strong leadership. On the other side, Tokouso’s Lua Tua guided his team with a strong defensive approach, keeping the game tight. The Residents fought hard, and their solid opposition kept the Tokouso attacks at bay.

By halftime, the scoreboard was close, with the Cook Islands Residents leading 10-9. It was a tense and competitive first half, with both teams trading points and neither giving an inch. The narrow lead at halftime reflected just how evenly matched the two sides were, and the second half promised even more intensity.

As the second half began, the defending champions wasted no time in turning the game around. Tokouso managed to block a kick from the Residents and quickly countered with an early try. The conversion followed, putting Tokouso into the lead. The sudden turnaround shifted the momentum in favour of Tokouso, and they looked determined to maintain their lead.

The Residents fought back, launching several attacks in an attempt to regain control of the match. However, the Tokouso defence held strong, repelling every effort made by the Cook Islands side.

Despite their best attempts, the Residents couldn’t break through the Tokouso defensive line, as they were met with fierce opposition at every turn.

Both teams showed incredible determination and skill, but in the end, it was Tokouso who lifted the trophy with a final score of 22-10.

Tokouso coach Okesene Moananu said: “I’m really happy with how the team played. The boys were patient and took their chances really well. The local residents played well and they were hard to crack, but our boys responded well to the pressure.”

The inaugural Cook Islands Women’s Series was a titanic battle with the Town team scoring a try right on fulltime to midfielder Sia Alicia – but unfortunately, they were unable to convert this try that resulted in a 5 – all draw.

Both the Town and Country won a match each heading into Saturday’s clash.

The Country team led at halftime with a try to their strong running number 8 Samantha Lockington.

Although this third match ended in a 5-all draw (Match 1: Town won 12 – 10 and Match 2: Country 14 – 10), the overall 2024 winner was the Country team who were crowned inaugural 2024 Champions based on the points-differential.

Results

Tokouso: 22 (Try: Pereti Ioane; Conv: Viiga Ruepena; Pen: V Ruepena [4],  Pot: V Ruepena) CI Residents: 10 (Tries: Albert Etuete & Henry Mataio)