Arorangi Redbacks and Muri are through to the Rarotonga Cricket Club finals after recording wins in the top place playoffs last weekend.

In the men’s playoff, second placed Turangi hosted the unbeaten and top placed Arorangi Redbacks at Turangi Oval on Saturday.

Turangi, who went down to the Redbacks in the final match of the preliminary round on October 23, batted first, facing a group of sharp bowlers and fielders.

After losing wickets at regular intervals, they were bowled all out for 90 runs in the 14^th over.

Former national cricketer Mamanu Emile was the pick of the bowlers for the Redbacks after collecting five wickets from four overs and conceding only 10 runs. Tuakana Tuakana collected two wickets while Rahul Patil, Tomasi Vanuarua and Gabe Raymond managed a wicket each.

In reply, the Redbacks made a solid start to their chase with their openers Glenn Hori Miller and Shane Munokoa, who scored 26 and 22 runs, respectively.

The Redbacks managed to reach the total in the 7^th over with loss of six wickets to win the match by four wickets. Turangi youngsters Mapu Maoate and Vane Jr grabbed a hattrick of wickets each.

Defending champions Turangi still has chance to make it into the finals. The side will take on Tupapa K-11 Muia Boys who defeated Nikao in the other men’s playoff match last week.

The Muia Boys batted first and with some strong batting from opener Ray Roumanu (21), Maru Mataora (51), Osolai Akai (21) and Davis Teinaki (37), the visitors scored respectable 155 runs. In reply, Nikao were all out for 100 runs, handing the Muia Boys a 55-run win.

In the women’s top two playoff, Turangi hosted Muri at Turangi Oval. The hosts batted first and despite the best efforts from their openers Ina and Josephine, who scored 33 and 46 runs, respectively, the side managed 133 runs.

In reply, a brilliant Muri surpassed the total with loss of two wickets, grabbing an eight wicket win and place in next week’s final. Muri’s Phillica Maruariki and Margie scored 32 and 42 runs, respectively.

Turangi will play defending champions Matavera in the semi-final tomorrow after Matavera beat Tupapa by six wickets last weekend.