Despite facing formidable opponents, Netball Cook Islands, the defending Pacific Games gold medallists, have demonstrated resilience in their pool matches this week in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

At the 2019 Pacific Games in Samoa, Cook Islands emerged as gold medallists, while Tonga clinched silver and Papua New Guinea secured bronze.

On Sunday, Cook Islands recorded a resounding 84-13 victory over Vanuatu in their opening match followed by 72-13 win over Niue. However, their winning streak was halted against Papua New Guinea, with PNG claiming the victory at 67-37.

Despite the loss against PNG, Tekura Moekaa, secretary of Netball Cook Islands, says they are still in the game and remain ready to work.

“Vanuatu and Niue are currently non-ranking teams however they still can medal. They played a similar game as us, we were able to capitalise on turnovers and unforced errors and shooters percentage above 80 per cent,” Moekaa said.

“We haven’t seen them on the circuit, so we stuck to our policies and structure. Rotational changes were made that saw all 12 players play each game.”

Moekaa also highlighted the remarkable achievement of veteran player Curly Taripo, who registered her 50^th International Cap during the match against PNG.

“She has been instrumental in this campaign and leading the shooting circle thus far.

“We had two games on Tuesday 28th November 2023, which is a tough ask, not even the Diamonds or Silver Ferns did it. Only in the Pacific! However, we remain resilient.”

The team concluded their pool play against Tonga, ranked eighth in the world, last night.

According to Pacific Games New, Tonga is determined to secure their first-ever gold medal, culminating an exceptional year that saw them make their debut at the Netball World Cup in South Africa, where they emerged victorious over Fiji and other established netball nations.

Nine countries are vying for the coveted title in this competition: Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Norfolk Island, PNG, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.