The Cook Islands national squad to the Pacific Games made an impressive start on day one of the Raro International 7s tournament at the National Stadium in Nikao yesterday.

Manatoa, made up of Rarotonga-based national players, played three matches yesterday. In the opening match, the side drew with Avatiu Eels 19-all before beating defending champions Tupapa Panthers 22-15 and Titikaveka Bulls 17-10 to remain the only unbeaten men’s team in the tournament.

The Panthers made a solid start to their campaign smashing Titikaveka Bulldogs 35-0 before going down to Manatoa. In their final day one match, the side beat Avatiu Eels 17-10.

In the Under-16 men’s matches played yesterday, the visiting Natives from New Zealand impressed with both their teams winning their matches.

The tournament continues this afternoon starting at 3pm with the women’s match followed by the final rounds of the men’s competition before the finals.

Results

Mens Panthers 35 Titikaveka Bulldogs 0, Mens Avatiu Eels 19 Manatoa 19, U16 Natives 2 15 Avatiu 10, Natives 1 3 TKV Reds 0,

Mens Manatoa 22 Panthers 15, U16 Natives 1 46 Avatiu Eels 0, Mens Titikaveka Bulls 10 Manatoa 17, Mens Panthers 17 Avatiu Eels 10

Fixtures

3pm Womens Northland Natives-Burraneer Rays, 3.18pm Mens Manatoa-Titikaveka Bulldogs, 3.36pm U16 Natives 1-Natives 2; INTERVAL / Novelty Game: ANZ DA$H for CA$H [30 mins]; 4.20pm Womens Northland Natives-KEWAHS; 4.38pm U16 TKV Reds-Avatiu Eels; 4.56pm Mens Titikaveka Bulldogs-Avatiu Eels; INTERVAL / Novelty Game x1 [15 mins]; 5.30pm Womens KEWAHS-Burraneer Rays; 5.48pm Mens Titikaveka Bulls-Panthers; INTERVAL / Novelty Game [15 mins]; GRAND FINALS per Grade: 6.20pm U16 Round-Robin 1^st-Round-Robin 2^nd, 6.40pm Womens Round-Robin 1st -Round-Robin 2^nd, 7pm Mens Round-Robin 1^st-Round-Robin 2^nd.