The Aitutaki Cricket Women’s “Golden Girls” team has once again claimed victory at the Cook Islands Games, successfully defending their champion title.

Aitutaki players were jubilant and excited having fought hard on the cricket ground yesterday in a thrilling final against Atiu, at the Turangi Oval.

Leanne Kiria-Browne, captain of the Aitutaki women, was overjoyed at their win.

“Honestly, I have no words,” said Kiria-Browne after the match. “I’m super, super excited and very proud of my girls for representing our island again.”

“We came here defending our gold medal from the previous Games so there was some pressure.

“It was a good fight out there; you know you never underestimate any team.”

The women have been putting everything on the line in their matches, going all out as they usually do, she said.

“And today (yesterday) we put whatever was left, on the line. To be honest we’re all a family, we went out there both teams and played our hearts out,” she said.

Cricket started on Monday this week with the first of 15 round robin games over three days, then two days of playoffs for the medals.

The Aitutaki women only had the opportunity to play together as a full team on Monday when the competition started.

Kiria-Browne said Aitutaki had experienced players who play in domestic clubs, “who know the game and the rules which was a good thing”.

Their team was made up of women from the Muri Creeps, Arorangi Red Hot Babes, Turangi Club and Aitutaki.

Kiria-Browne is passionate about cricket and has been playing the sport for the last 18 years.

On behalf of the team, she would like to acknowledge everyone for their support.

“Thank you to all our supporters back at home and around the globe, and our families,” said Kiria-Browne.

“Aitutaki Enua Te Ingoa O Te Enua, Punanga Ketaketa.”