Nikao Black Wolves and Turangi Young Guns won the men’s and women’s Rarotonga T20 Cookie Sadaraka Cup at Nikao Field and Turangi Oval on Saturday.

The Black Wolves and Turangi Young Guns defeated Arorangi and Muri Creeps by two wickets, respectively.

The men’s final was a close contest, with Nikao Black Wolves making a remarkable comeback to claim victory in the 19^th over.

Arorangi won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a score of 140 for 8.

Arorangi’S top order struggled to build partnerships – including openers Dan Simpson and Manu Emile who took a bit of time to score 36 and 21 runs respectively – but lower middle order batsman Jeroh’s late onslaught of 41 runs not out propelled them to a respectable score.

They lost Maty Beasley, who was in at three, for 0 followed by two others including Maka Maka who was out for golden duck.

Bowler Pita Ravarua of Nikao Black Wolves put on a brilliant form taking four wickets for 32 runs.

Nikao Black Wolves got off to a poor start, losing their top three batsmen for mere runs. However, Melody Melota (19 runs) and Tomoale Pana (26 runs) provided some stability.

Turangi Young Guns won the women’s title. Back Row L to R : Rupe Piakura, Ina Willie, Maya Piakura, Iva Piakura, Mona Amoa, Lena Taufahema, Kapiri Tiaiti, Margaret Tangimetua, Makiroa Mato Front Row L to R Amoa Amoa, Tutu Tangimetua, Angel Ioane, Evangelean Ioane, Margaret Ioane, Josephine Maoate, Celine Piakura, Mele Tuitupou, Kim Tare. SUPPLIED/23121210

It was Patiiamai Ataela who ultimately led his team to victory, scoring an unbeaten 49 to chase down the target in the final over. Arorangi’s Manu Emile was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets.

In the women’s final, Muri Creeps won the toss and sent Turangi Young Guns to bat at Turangi Oval.

With the help of 56 wides conceded by the Creeps, due to huge wind gusts at Turangi Oval, the Young Guns managed to set a respectable target of 210 runs for 8.

Opener Kimi Tare had a superb inning scoring a massive 94 runs not out. Tare, who lost her opening partner Evangeline Ioane for a duck, smashed four sixes and 16 fours.

Iva Piakura, who batted at number four, was the second best with the bat, scoring 26 runs.

Muri Creeps’ Mia Nga took three wickets, conceding 29 runs.

In reply, the Creeps, who received 37 runs through wides conceded by the Young Guns, fell short of the target after managing 156 runs for four in 20 overs.

Tina Mato (26), Phylica Maruariki (18), Mia Nga (35 not out) and skipper Daena Kataina (29) were the top scorers. However, after they lost their wickets, the Creeps’ middle order batswomen were unable to provide the thrust, falling short by 54 runs, and handing Turangi Young Guns a two-wicket win.

Cook Islands Cricket Association (CICA) President Grant Walker said: “We went into the new season with Tupapa Young Rookies – a third Tupapa cricket club – youth team with Davis Teinaki in charge. All 18 years under and were sponsored by Vili's Burger.”

There were eight other men’s teams featuring in the weekly competition.

“It has been a successful season, no rain to disrupt the games and new champions crowned.”

Looking at the venues this year, Walker said they had to host the games in two different venues.

“Last year both the men and women finals were held in Arorangi.

“This year due to the weather and the need to create a proper pitch, the women’s final was held in Turangi where the game started on time. Men’s final in Nikao. Both ended successfully with good crowd support.”

Walker acknowledged Sadaraka family for sponsoring the trophies.