The Cook Islands Touch Association (CITA) Business House Touch Competition has returned, promising an exciting eight-week season featuring 12 energetic teams.

The action kicked off on Monday with round one, featuring some teams making a comeback from last year’s competition and others making their debut.

In Pool A, teams Air Raro, TMS, MFEMinators, JMUT, Soul Time and Shadow Keepers will go head-to-head in pursuit of victory. Pool B features teams KAPS, AIRNZ, BSP Underdogs, Vikingz New Gen, Fibre Optics and A Team, all eager to make their mark on the competition.

The competition aims to enhance teamwork, promote fitness and overall wellbeing, and elevate workplace culture, all while fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition.

Cook Islands Touch vice president, Puna Hiro, highlighted that touch is a sport for everyone to enjoy and was delighted to see a strong crowd at the National Stadium, eagerly watching the action unfold.

Field 1 saw thrilling contests between debut teams Shadow Keepers and MFEMinators, with Cook Islands rugby veteran Bruce Goldsworthy and Apii Vakai leading Shadow Keepers to their first victory.

On Field 2, debut team A Team (Akirata Dance Troupe) showcased their versatility, proving they are just as skilled on the field as they are in drumming and cultural dance. They marked their first appearance in the competition by scoring impressive tries.

CITA expresses its gratitude to the officials for their time, effort and patience in ensuring the games ran smoothly.

Catch more touch action on the 7 every Mondays at the National Stadium from 5pm onwards.

• CITA

Results

Field 1: Air Raro 4 vs TMS 5, MFEMinators 3 vs 4 Shadow Keepers, JMUT 3 vs 6 Soul Time. Field 2: Fibre Optics 5 vs 9 A Team, KAPS 6 vs 4 BSP Underdogs, Vikingz New Gen 4 vs 2 AIRNZ

Round 2 Draw for Monday 17 February 12: Field 1: 5pm – A Team vs AIRNZ, 5.22pm – Fibre Optics vs BSP Underdogs, 5.44pm – Vikingz New Gen; Field 2:

5pm – TMS vs Soul Time, 5.22pm – Shadow Keepers vs Air Raro, 5.44pm – MFEMinators vs JMUT.