The Cook Islands Touch Association weekly mixed division competition got off to an exciting start on Wednesday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

This year’s competition boasts two new teams, adding more energy to the mix.

Team JAWs led by veteran Billy “Bush” Tuaivi and team CISNOC led by Keziah Lewis and Hugh Henry have increased the number of competing teams to six.  

First up was Outlaws taking on team KAPs.

The experience and flair from Oscar Wichman, brothers Maiva and Toru Mateariki and Puna Hiro of Outlaws was too strong for team KAPs led by Viiga Reupena and Vou Williams. Team KAPS lost 2-11. 

Monica Wichman, showing skills on the wing, was one of the standout players.

The second game of the day was between Nukz Power and team JAWs. 

Nukz Power led by Vernon Horn and Tuffy Ngametua displayed some impressive tries from both men. 

“Billy” Bush was able to set up two tries for his team but it wasn’t enough as the JAWS went down 2-6 to Nukz Power.

The last game of the day was between defending champions 007 and newcomers CISNOC.

Led by father and son, Andy and Adyn Kapi, 007 reminded the crowd why they are the champions after thrashing CISNOC 12-2. 

Despite the odds, CISNOC did not give up and was able to score a couple of tries and had a heap of fun.

The round one of the open men’s and women’s competition was held on Monday. There are four men’s and four women’s teams competing.

The open grade will play three round robin games, followed by playoffs with 1st vs. 4th and 2nd vs. 3rd. The mixed grade will play two rounds before playoffs with the same format.

Cook Islands Touch president Julienne (Julz) Westrupp said: “Week one of a 12 has been had and it sure looks like both days will be exciting to watch.”

“Reminder, we are calling all players 45 years and over to come down to the stadium on Mondays to play a game at 6pm. This will be good for all those players wanting to play in this year’s Cook Islands Games. Island leaders, please gather your 45s to come and take advantage of this.”

Results

Mixed grade: Outlaws 11 KAPs 2, Nukz Power 6 JAWs 2, 007 12 CISNOC 2