Defending champions GAT and Nukz Power remain unbeaten after round one Cook Islands Touch Association open men’s and women’s competition.

In Monday’s women’s open competition at the National Stadium in Nikao, Nukz Power faced Nikz, featuring the talented 14-year-old Margaret Ioane on the wing.

Despite her young age, she displayed both wit and composure against the strong Nukz Power team.

Nukz Power also introduced several younger players this season: Akirata, Mahanarei Short, and Tauariki Nia. Although new to the game, they are learning quickly and adapting well.

In the battle on Monday, the middles dominated the game for Nukz Power, scoring effectively both through the middle and on the wings.

Netball star Nicol Tiaore showcased her skills with a brilliant step-back move past stalwart Julz Westrupp to score the first try for Nikz.

The Poaru sisters were dominant in the middle, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Nukz Power’s strong performance.

The final score was 10-2 to the ladies from Mitiaro (Nukz Power).

Commenting on the round one matches, Cook Islands Touch president Westrupp highlighted Bounty’s dominant performance led by Mereana Atatoa. Atatoa featured clinically in the middle, setting up plays effectively and maintaining a 100 per cent scoring rate at the line.

On Monday, Bounty achieved the highest women’s score/tries in the first round with 11 tries against FBI.

Westrupp noted that FBI is still finding its rhythm, with five promising young players under 16 in their line-up. They include Anilia Marsters, Leila Akaruru, Castella Moeka’a, NanaNgaroi, and Nikao school goer Tarita Raumea.

FBI managed to sneak in a try, thanks to the experience of Keziah, Hinnah, Lilian, and Rima Moeka’a.

Bounty won the match 11-1.

In the men’s category, GAT faced KAPs in a match featuring exciting plays. Young player Tana Raina impressed on the wing for KAPs.

“They say defence wins games but, in some instances, having a strong skill in defence makes you a great player as well,” Westrupp said.

GAT won the match 7-4.

Westrupp highlighted Nukz Power as a team that is improving steadily, not only in their plays but also in their confidence and determination.

Although they only have one recent Pacific Games representative, Tuffy Ngametua, who was absent due to representing his village and country in football, they put up a strong performance against the more experienced Warriors team led by Vou Williams and Geoff Halston.

Westrupp praised Halston’s charisma and attacking prowess, noting that “one inch is all he needs to leave you stuck in the mud”.

“Two young guns from the Nukz Power team playing for the first time are young Teurukura Tutai and Aiga Samania,” she said.

“It will be interesting to see will these upcoming stars play in their age group of 14s in the Cook Island Games or will they play open men. Both teams played well.” 

Warriors won the match 6-2.

Meanwhile Westrupp announced that after the 5.30pm games on Mondays, all Touch men and women are invited to stay for additional training in support of the World Cup representatives Vou Williams, Mere Atatoa Carr, and Mahana Sjip, who will be competing in the United Kingdom in July. This training is coordinated by Cook Islands Touch executive Rima Browne.

The weekly mixed competition games will be played today. A new team, Huffin & Puffin led by Gary Cribb, has joined the mixed competition.

Each week, mixed teams will play two games, one at 5pm and another at 6pm.

Fixtures

Today (mixed comp) – 5pm Field 1 007 vs JAWs, Field 2 KAPs vs Nukz power; 5.30pm Field 1 Outlaws vs CISNOC; 6pm Field 1 JAWs vs Huffin & Puffin, Field 2 Double banger - JAWs