A new women’s champion will be crowned in the Rarotonga Cricket Club finals this weekend.

Defending champions Matavera bombed out of the competition after going down to Turangi in the semifinal last week.

After a hard-fought win, Turangi made it through to tomorrow’s final against Muri at Raemaru Park in Arorangi.

Turangi and Muri have met two times this season. In their first meeting dubbed the top of the table clash, Turangi finished on top.

Muri batted first in that match and scored 165 runs from their 20 overs. Margaret Simiona was top scorer with 52 runs. In reply, Turangi chased the Muri total in the 18 overs with Iva Piakura smashing top score of 65 runs.

Their second meeting this season was in the women’s top two playoffs at Turangi Oval a fortnight ago.

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. Muri’s Phillica Maruariki and Margie Simiona scored 32 and 42 runs, respectively.

The win earned Muri a direct entry into this weekend’s final.

Muri is making a comeback this year after a lapse of three years and coach Makiroa Mato said the side was thrilled with their achievements so far.

The team is looking forward to tomorrow’s final.

“At the beginning of the season I told the girls that your commitment to cricket is a win for me and a win on Saturday will be a bonus,” said Mato.

Mato featured for Turangi in the past three years when Muri took a break from the competition.

Turangi finished second best in the past three seasons and will be looking to break the winless drought this weekend.

Mato is hoping for the same but with the Muri side.

“Last year when I was playing for Turangi, we lost to Matavera in the final in the super over. I’m pleased to see this young Turangi team with development players making it into the finals once again,” she said.

“When I was playing for Muri before joining Turangi, Muri had a lot of experienced players but this year we have a mix of experienced and new players in the squad.”

Muri will be led by “an awesome skipper Daena Kataina who leads our team by example”, Mato said.

Kataina, now an all-rounder, originally played as wicket keeper before taking on bowling duties. She is also the team’s opener.

“She has been training really hard to be a bowler.”

Regardless of the result on Saturday, Mato says she’s pleased to see two Ngatangiia teams in the final.

“I’m super proud of both teams representing country and Ngatangiia in the final. It will be an amazing final and an amazing day for cricket.”

In the men’s final at 3pm, the unbeaten Arorangi Redbacks will host defending champions Turangi.

Fixture

Women’s Final – Turangi vs Muri. Venue: Raemaru Park, Time: 12pm the first ball to be bowled. Umpires: James Thompson, Leeroy Mangere.  3rd Umpire - Terry William