The star-studded Manihiki won the Constitution Touch Competition held on Saturday at The Swamp in Avatiu.

Mitiaro, Atiu and Rarotonga were the other teams competing after Aitutaki pulled out of the competition at the last minute.

After the round robin competition Manihiki finished on top followed by Mitiaro, Atiu and Rarotonga respectively. Manihiki played Rarotonga and Mitiaro took on Atiu in the knockout playoffs.

In the final, Manihiki defeated Atiu to claim the $500 cash prize.

Cook Islands Touch Association president Julz Westrupp said the players that stood out from team Manihiki were Puna Hiro, Julius, Oscar and Chris Bishop. 

“Atiu had a pool of young guns, Tuffy, John, James, but being led by Vou Williams and they were short from the first game so took advantage of playing two females, young Tashi Kopu and Missy McQuarie. Both girls displayed skill when needed and caught a lot of money ball tries as well as killing the shutdowns to stop tries from being scored against them.”

Westrupp was pleased to see how well the men played, adding the “Cook Islands Games looks to be very tough in this division”.

She would like to thank Clive Nicholas and the Avatiu club house for the venue and all those that helped volunteer on the day.

Westrupp also encouraged the island teams to continue training.

“If you need a training venue for touch ring Joryna Pokura at CISNOC to book a day/time for your island. CITA will be covering the cost for this.”

Westrupp also thanked Vodafone and BCI for their continuous support.