The Cook Islands Touch Association mixed category competition on Wednesday was fast, full of dives and drop balls for some teams as defending champions 007 emerged as strong contenders to retain their title.

Touch president Julieanne (Julz) Westrupp said it was double banger at last week’s competition with Team KAPs taking on CISNOC and 007 at the National Stadium in Nikao.

Westrupp said KAPs introduced a new player, Stuart Toleafoa, who represented Samoa in the recent Pacific Games. 

She said Toleafoa, who will be commencing employment with Air Raro, showed great play and worked well with Vou Williams in the middle.

However, CISNOC’s Jason Linday warned them not to underestimate as they managed three tries to stay in the game. But KAPs managed to power on with a 11-3 win.

In other matches, Outlaws took on JAWs with a high spirit of fun and laughter. 

Westrupp said JAWs seemed to be short with players and struggled after the first half as fatigue kicked in.

Outlaws won the match 11-1.

The new mixed team that joined the competition over a week ago came “huffing and puffing” against Nukz Power. Team Huffin led by Gary Cribb managed a try through Julz Westrupp herself who was spotted sleeping on defence but the Nukz Power team came out victors 13-1.

Last game of the day was between defending champs 007 and KAPs. 

Westrupp said it was a really good game to watch, refereed by Teokotai “Billy Bush” Tuaivi and Chris Mana who both controlled the game well. 

“Andy Kapi did not play due to injury but his son Adyn Kapi led the team well as this game went down to the wire.”

The final score was 3-all. 

“007 is definitely looking to take out the season again,” Westrupp added.

Meanwhile, she said this year they will be rewarding the top try scorer for the open category (both male/female) and the mixed category (male/female).

Oscar Wichman with 11 tries and Mahana Sjip with nine tries are leading the race in the open category. In the mixed category, Wichman again leads with 11 tries alongside Nicole Tiaore with eight tries. 

Fixtures

Today – 5pm: Field 1 FBI vs Nikz, Field 2 Nukz power vs Bounty; 6pm

Field 1 KAPs vs Nukz Power, Field 2 GAT vs Warriors; 6pm Field 1 Masters Gold can vs Green can, Field 2 World Cup prep.