The Cook Islands Touch Association’s open competition final fixtures are complete, with GAT ready to defend their men’s title.

Nukz Power and Bounty Hunters will face off in the women’s final, while Team Warriors booked their spot in the men’s final. All these teams secured their spots during the semifinals held at the National Stadium in Nikao on Monday.

The other men’s semifinal between GAT and Nukz Power was postponed to Wednesday due to a family bereavement.

GAT have been leading the men’s category since the start of the competition, and this week’s game against Nukz Power was expected to be one of the best games played this season.

Touch president Julieanne (Julz) Westrupp said Team GAT, who finished on top in the men’s category, played the fourth placed Nukz Power.

Westrupp said both teams meant business as they played with numbers. 

“Great play was had by GAT being led by Puna Hiro and the return of Oscar Wichman who was away for a football tournament,” she said. “But Vernon Horn and Tuffy Tuakana made them work.”

Westrupp said Wednesday’s battle was probably one of the best games played to date this season.

GAT won 6-2.

Westrupp said the finals will be played on Easter Monday, and prize giving will be held right after the last game.

“The Cook Islands Touch Association would like to thank Vodafone Cook Islands again for supporting touch rugby for 2024.”

Meanwhile, in the Mixed Competition on Wednesday, CISNOC, which seemed to have been struggling with numbers, featured in the Double Banger (played two matches).

Westrupp said their first match was against top-seeded Outlaws, who looked sharp in their new singlets.

Outlaws won by playing well and utilising their female players effectively.

On field two, current second placed team Nukz Power took on third placed KAPS.

Westrupp said KAPS started the game with only five players for most of the first half but surprisingly led for most of the time. However, Nukz Power scored a try to win the game 8-7.

The match between JAWs and 007 was a tough one. JAWs were leading at halftime, but Andy Kapi led by example and pushed his team to victory with the final score being 8-5 to 007.

In their second match, CISNOC played a social “Huffin & Puffin”, which was more about fun and laughter.

“Both teams had a heap of fun and were able to score tries and have a laugh. This game ended up being won by CISNOC.”

Fixtures

Monday – 5pm- Field 1: Nikz vs FBI; Field 2: Nukz Power vs KAPs, 5.30pm- Field 1: Nukz Power vs Bounty Hunters, 6pm- Field 1: GAT vs Warriors