It will be do or die in the Rarotonga Cricket Club competition today as teams battle for their spot in next week’s finals.

Defending champions Turangi (men) and Matavera (women) will be facing tough challenges in the semifinals this afternoon.

Turangi men’s will host Tupapa K-11 Muia Boys at Turangi Oval at 3pm and 12.30pm Matavera will take on Turangi in the women’s semis at the same venue.

After their first loss in the tournament to arch rival Muri last week, Turangi women’s side is expected to bounce back from the defeat with a clear goal of winning the semifinal against Matavera.

The team will be led by their skipper Ina Willie and will be supported by the club’s experience players such as Josie Maoate, to guide this young team to the final.

Cook Islands Cricket chief executive Davis Teinaki said: “They will use the loss (to Muri) as a motivational factor to play well and hard to win (today’s) game.”

However Matavera, the champions last year, is standing in their way.

With the likes of Tina Mato, Bene Matapo, Toko Pana and Apii Tangata, Matavera will do their best to ensure they qualify for next week’s final against Muri.

An intense battle is expected in the men’s semi-final between Turangi and Tupapa K-11.

Two losses in a row against a formidable opponent such as Arorangi – the only unbeaten side in the tournament – should be enough to motivate Turangi to bounce back this weekend.

The team will rely heavily on the experience of Vane Tangimetua, Richard Piakura, Tutu Tangimetua and Mapu Maoate to usher their troop against the resurgent Tupapa K-11 Muia Boys.

Tupapa K-11 played really well last week defeating Nikao in the playoff. The Ray Roumanu led side must maintain their composure and execute their plan well if they want to beat Turangi.

The winner of this match will play Arorangi in the final.

Fixtures

Top four: Women – Turangi vs Matavera, Venue: Turangi Oval, Umpires: Terry William & Hori Miller. Men – Turangi vs Tupapa K-11 Muia Boys, Venue: Turangi Oval, Umpires: Terry William & Hori Miller.

Bottom four final: Women – Arorangi vs Nikao, Venue: Raemaru Park, Umpires: Jnr Ruarau & Haimona Browne. Men – TKV vs Muri, Venue: Victoria Park, Umpire: James Thompson