Saturday saw a sizzling start to the ninth edition of the BSP Netball in Paradise tournament – both on and off the courts!

The return of international teams, although smaller in numbers after the two-year pandemic forced break, is a key indicator of the popularity of both the sport of netball and the Cook Islands as a holiday destination.

It’s the major fundraiser for Netball Cook Islands who are grateful for the return of overseas teams.

Two hundred players making up 17 teams are taking part in the five-day tournament including 11 teams from New Zealand, one team from Australia and six local teams. The tournament continues today (Monday) at the Ngatangiia/Matavera Netball Club courts in Muri.

Many of the visiting teams have also brought families and friends to support the event.

A warrior turou welcome signalled the start of the 2022 BSP Netball in Paradise proudly sponsored by Bank South Pacific.

Bank country manager David Street was on hand to declare the event open thanking teams for their support of the event and sport of netball while enjoying the Cook Islands hospitality.

On the courts the netball action was as hot as the sweltering day on Rarotonga – and hydration was a key message for the day where the ice water station was welcomed by all.

Muri lagoon just being a few steps away was also a blessing for all and local businesses are surely enjoying the extra trade.

Despite the heat, netters played up to three games each and treated spectators to some awesome netball across the three netball categories.

In the 13 and under division, it’s a battle between the two local rising netball teams in the Cook Islands Games gold medal winning Rarotonga team and an equally talented combined Arorangi and Tupapa team dubbed Aro-Papa.

Sole visiting U13 team, the Fruit Salads, put up a brave fight in the heat with two young boys in the side showing great talent for the game and impressing spectators.

Ten teams are vying for top honours in the Social Women’s category where despite its name generates plenty of competition on court.

Team ‘Just Kruizin Matatahi’ are the team to watch in this division with three solid wins on day one.

Also registering three wins from three games is the social women’s Smash team out of Australia.

The local legends in the Lipstick squad dug deep to register two wins from three and are still in contention along with the Porirua RSA Rebels.

Five teams are battling it out in the Open Mixed division – the most dynamic division with both male and female players making up teams and setting the scene for spectacular athleticism.

Played at another speed and level the open mixed games bring out the massive aerial leaps by the lofty lads combined with silky skills of seasoned female players making for brilliant live netball entertainment.

Team Smash from Australia is the team to beat winning both their match ups as did team Ahikaa out of Aotearoa.

Charlie’s Angels registered one loss and one win and recruited some rugby star power in Japan national rugby player and Cook Islander Ryan Nicholas and family.

Local teams 100% Wale and Aka Tokaz showed great touches and have talent spread across and will no doubt be reinforced over the coming days of the tournament and become a force to be reckoned with.

The BSP Netball in Paradise games continues today at the Ngatangiia/Matavera Netball Club courts in Muri starting at 11am and wrapping up with the finals and prize giving on Thursday evening.

Catch some great netball on your lunch break this week – admission is free and the netball entertainment guaranteed. 

• Live it, Love it, Play Netball!

Results

13U – Fruit Salad 7 vs Rarotonga 29, Fruit Salad 4 vs Aro-Papa 33, Aro-Papa 20 vs Rarotonga 17 

Social Women – Ed Gold Diggers 10 vs Porirua RSA Rebels 23, Hina 17 vs Ko Tahi Te Aroha 21, Smash 18 vs KBJ 15, Hina 7 vs Porirua RSA Rebels 25, Smash 23 vs Ko Tahi Te Aroaha 11, Smash 17 vs Porirua RSA Rebels 15, Just Kruizin Matatahi 36 vs Ko Tahi Aroha 13, Broconuts 9 vs Lipstick Squash 18, Norths Netball 6 vs Just Kruizin Matatahi 31, ED Gold Diggers 12 vs Broconuts 23, Norths Netball 22 vs Lipstick Squad 17, KBJ 10 vs Just Kruizin Matatahi 38, ED Gold Diggers 11 vs Hina 21, Norths Netball 27 vs Broconuts 17, KBJ 14 vs Lipstick Squad 21.

Open Mixed – 100% Wale 18 vs Ahikaa 25, Aka Tokaz 17 vs Ahikaa 24, Charlies Angels 24 vs Aka Tokaz 16, Smash 22 vs Charlies Angels 17, 100%Wale 22 vs Smash 30.