The Cook Islands netball team returned home with a bronze medal from the Mirxes Nations Cup competition in Singapore, and their eyes are now set on retaining their gold medal at the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands next month.

Netball Cook Islands secretary and co-coach Tekura Moekaa said the focus of the Nations Cup was preparation for the Pacific Games 2023, assessing performance against other teams, and managing international logistics.

The national side played Singapore, Singapore A, Canada (twice), Papua New Guinea, and Sri Lanka at the Nations Cup. Cook Islands beat Canada 49-48 in the nail-biting third place playoff, winning a bronze medal.

“I believe we achieved this plan,” Moekaa said.

Another focus was to get all 12 players on the court to experience playing at an international level and build towards the Pacific Games 2023.

“I believe we achieved this plan. A win was always a bonus. So the podium finish was rewarding especially for the sacrifices and hard work behind the scenes both players, management and Netball Cook Islands have made,” Moekaa said.

It was the team’s first outing since April last year, and with the team of five debutants (two at 16 years old, one at 27 years old) who gained their international cap at the Singapore tournament, and the focus of development and rebuilding netball was a good learning experience by all, she said.

“And on reflection I hope that the players and management can see to drive more success both regionally and internationally,” Moekaa said.

The team consisted of 12 local-based players and one player from New Zealand, supported by a local-based management team of three.

Looking back at the Singapore tournament, Moekaa said tough matches were encountered against Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Papua New Guinea, known for their short and fast game style.

“The team acknowledges the need to address gaps and areas for improvement after facing these challenges,” she said.

Standout performances came from dynamic defence duo Norma Pepe and Nicol Tiaore, who played all six games for a total of 60 minutes each.

Shooters Alanna Smith and young talent Maya Piakura made a significant impact in the circle with their composed and confident shooting.

“Rachel Tuaputa’s last-minute intercept, followed by Maya’s successful shot, secured a podium finish for the team against Canada coached by Jill Macintosh,” Moekaa said.

“The Cook Islands team experienced fluctuations in performance across different parts of the court, requiring better cohesion and planning. Back to the drawing board as we pivot towards Pacific Games 2023.”

Moekaa thanked Netball Cook Islands, Elizabeth Munro, Rima Moekaa, Autiare Luke and Tupa Tupa for their monetary donations that assisted the team in Singapore. Joy Bates for providing stats and technical input, Natalia Short and Jason Lindsay for their support and assistance and families and community for their love and support.

“It was overwhelming being met by our families on return to Rarotonga. The spirit of netball in the Cook Islands is still well and alive,” Moekaa said. “Thank the Mixed Teams that provided game time during our preparation - this allowed us to work on rotational changes.”

She added it was a huge learning experience for her also.

“It’s interesting being on the other side of the court. I only played touch rugby as an athlete for the Cook Islands so I have a fair bit of experience of what it is like to be an athlete and a manager/coach on the domestic level,” Moekaa said.

“It’s no different so I’m able to draw from that experience. I also had support from wide management team Tupa Tupa, Autiare Luke, Mii Maui and Rima Moekaa.”