Sports
Panthers, Eels claim wins
Monday 23 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in League
Tupapa Panthers overcame a jittery start to get their 2018 rugby union season going on a high with a win against former champions Takuvaine Reds in round one of the competition over the weekend. In The Bond Store match of the week held on Saturday at the Happy Valley Field, Panthers put on an improved performance in the second spell to walk away with a 30-18 win in the Senior A battle, which was played under slippery conditions. In the other Senior A clash, defending champions Avatiu Nikao Eels overcame Arorangi Cowboys 15-0 at The Swamp. Panthers were left backpedalling as the determined-looking hosts made a strong start to head into a 3-0 lead from an early Viiga Ruepena penalty. But the visitors replied immediately from the boot of Othneil Joseph to level the score at three-all before a brilliant chip and chase from Ruepena gave the Reds a 10-3 lead. Panthers were continuously penalised for infringements in the ruck area and Ruepena cashed in on this after successfully kicking his second penalty to extend the lead to 13-3. A Sam Mataora-converted try and penalty from Joseph saw the Panthers fight their way back into the match to level terms 13-all at the break. Panthers were a much better side in the second half. They started playing with a bit of rhythm and made some superb breaks to score two tries against the run of play to put themselves in the driving seat. Midfielder Jovilisi Naqitawa scored from the kickoff and shortly after a desperate Panthers clearance kick from their own red-zone fell in their favour as a fumble by the Reds defence allowed busy flanker Filipo Schmidt to sneak in for the team’s third try. Lanky Thomas Toa sealed the Panthers’ win with the team’s fourth try in the final quarter of the match but the Reds ensured that they had the final say with winger Joshua Koroi crossing the line for a consolation try. Reds were unlucky to lose 18-30, as they created plenty of opportunities but lacked the execution to turn those chances into much-needed points. “They (Reds) showed plenty of heart and were unlucky not to score on several occasions, including being held up over the tryline and also a player dropping the ball on the tryline after hitting into the side of the goalposts when diving over,” Cook Islands Rugby Union development manager Ben Koteka said. Standout players for the Reds were skilful utility back Ruepena, hooker Murare John and loose forward Tautua Solomona. For the Panthers, prop John Vano, loose forward Thomas Toa and left winger Rangi Piri put on an impressive performance. More photos from Saturday’s game on p14. Results: Tupapa Panthers: 30 - Tries: Sam Mataora, Jovilisi Naqitawa, Filipo Schmidt, Thomas Toa; Conv: Othneil Joseph (2); Pen: Othneil Joseph (2). Takuvaine Reds: 18 - Tries: Viiga Ruepena, Joshua Koroi; Conv: Viiga Ruepena; Pen: Viiga Ruepena (2). Avatiu Eels 15 v Arorangi Cowboys 0. (Avatiu Eels led 12-nil at halftime.)
Cooks U16 return home winless
Monday 23 July 2018 | Published in Football
Cook Islands ended their OFC U16 Championship Qualifier campaign without a win after going down to American Samoa 1-3 in the final match last week.
Golf club to host Sir Geoff memorial tournament
Saturday 21 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Other Sports
The Rarotonga Golf Club will today host the Sir Geoffrey Arama Henry Memorial tournament at the Nikao golf course.
Referees needed for 2018 football calendar
Saturday 21 July 2018 | Published in Football
The Cook Islands Football Association supports the continuous professional development of all active match officials by recruiting more referees.
Five clubs in rugby union comp
Saturday 21 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
Five teams will compete in the premier division of the Rarotonga club rugby competition, which kicks off with the opening round today.
Rarotonga X Country wraps up
Friday 20 July 2018 | Written by Jaimie Keay | Published in Other Sports
The winner’s medals were handed out at the final race of this year’s Rarotonga X Country series on Wednesday.
Junior tennis off to Fiji
Friday 20 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Other Sports
The Cook Islands junior tennis team will leave the country for Fiji today to compete in the Pacific Oceania Junior Tennis Championships.
Club rugby season kicks off
Thursday 19 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
The Rarotonga club rugby season starts this weekend with the opening round of competition.
India grant for CI sailors
Thursday 19 July 2018 | Published in Other Sports
After receiving funds from the Indian government, Sailing Cook Islands believe they have already seen positive results.
Kukis go down in football friendlies
Thursday 19 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Football
The Cook Islands development women’s team lost both of their friendly matches played last week in Tahiti.
Cooks draw second match in OFC U16s
Wednesday 18 July 2018 | Written by Jaimie Keay | Published in Football
Cook Islands are still in the hunt for a win in the OFC U16 Championship Qualifier held in Tonga.
Final X Country race today
Wednesday 18 July 2018 | Written by Jaimie Keay | Published in Other Sports
The final race of this year’s Rarotonga X Country series sets off later this afternoon.
Golfing feat of a lifetime
Wednesday 18 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Other Sports
William Howard brims with confidence as he recalls his historic feat that saw him set a new Rarotonga Golf Club record of 12 under par 70 (58 gross) recently.
Tereora, Nukutere win badminton tournament
Tuesday 17 July 2018 | Published in Other Sports
It was an exciting two days of badminton at the National Auditorium as college students from eight schools around Rarotonga took part in the 4th Annual College Badminton Tournament held from July 4-5.
Tumatangi proud to lead Cooks
Tuesday 17 July 2018 | Published in Football
Leading the Cook Islands U16 team onto the pitch at the Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Tonga during the OFC U16 Championship Qualifier has been an honour for Tumatangi Tumatangi.
Town win preseason premier clash
Monday 16 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
Town won the premier grade match in the preseason Rarotonga Club 15s competition over the weekend.
Cooks U16 go down to Samoa
Monday 16 July 2018 | Published in Football
Cook Islands lost its OFC U-16 Championship Qualifier match against Samoa in Tonga over the weekend.
Aitutaki Oe Vaka off to Tahiti
Saturday 14 July 2018 | Published in Paddling
The Aitutaki Oe Vaka Club will be representing the Cook Islands at this year’s 18th IVF World Oe Vaka Sprints in Tahiti, starting tomorrow and running through to July 27.
Rising Stars set to start
Friday 13 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Netball
The 2018 Rising Stars Netball Championship will be officially opened this afternoon before the first round of matches tomorrow.
Rugby season kicking off
Friday 13 July 2018 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Rugby Union
The Cook Islands Rugby Union (CIRU) will kick off its domestic competition with a hit-out session tomorrow at Arorangi Field.
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