The Cook Islands Women’s Rugby Union season kicked off with a thrilling match between the Arorangi Lady Bears and the Tupapa Lady Panthers at Raemaru Park in Arorangi on Saturday.

This 10-a-side game showcased the skill and determination of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

The match began with the Lady Panthers dominating possession for the first five minutes.

Despite their control, the first points came unexpectedly from the Lady Bears. A turnover led to a long-range try, with young talents Ani Marsters and Terai Heather demonstrating exceptional speed and teamwork. They offloaded the ball between themselves down the right edge, finally passing infield to Samantha Lockington. Lockington, with a 50-metre dash, outpaced the oncoming defenders to score, giving the Lady Bears a 5-0 lead.

The Lady Bears defended their line resolutely for the remainder of the first half, maintaining their narrow lead. The teamwork and defensive coordination were evident, particularly in how they thwarted the Lady Panthers’ repeated attempts to score.

The second half saw a shift in momentum. The Lady Panthers, under the leadership of captain Julz Westrupp, adjusted their strategy. Their new structure proved effective almost immediately, leading to their first try within three minutes, scored by the elusive Seta Batiratu.

The Lady Panthers continued to capitalise on their newfound rhythm, with Erica Tumutoa crossing the line for their second try soon after.

Captain Westrupp attributed their success to the team’s ability to adapt and play cohesively.

“We knew what areas concerned us in the first half and made a change of plan for the second half. The team adapted well, and both tries came from the entire team playing to structure, which opened up the spaces for our girls to score,” she said.

The final score of 10-5 in favour of the Lady Panthers highlighted the competitiveness and high skill level of both teams.

Both teams featured a mix of young and experienced players, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the game. The young talents, such as Ani Marsters and Terai Heather, were particularly impressive, showing great potential and resilience. Lockington’s spectacular 50m try was a standout moment, demonstrating her speed and composure under pressure. On the other side, Seta Batiratu and Erica Tumutoa’s tries showcased the Lady Panthers’ ability to exploit gaps and execute their game plan effectively.

Cook Islands Women’s Rugby Union president Harriet Tuara expressed her excitement about the season’s commencement.

“It is an absolute joy to see our women’s teams kick off their season with such a high level of competition and sportsmanship. The performance from both the Lady Bears and the Lady Panthers was exceptional. This match sets a positive tone for the rest of the season, and we look forward to more thrilling games and outstanding displays of talent.”