Archrivals Ivirua and Tamarua to clash

Last Friday saw some great cricketing action on Mangaia as the men’s competition went into semi final mode, with plenty of supporters turning out to enjoy some boomtown action.

Game 1 saw Oneroa 2 take on the boys from Ivirua who were yet to win a game so far this season. Sent into bat first, Ivirua were looking to consolidate a good score to defend.

And they reached 139 with some great batting from Kimiora Rere, who scored 69 runs including 3 big sixes and 10 boundaries.

Set 140 for the win, Oneroa 2 team’s run chase was hampered by some excellent bowling from Rere, who provided a man of the match performance, taking 5 wickets in the game to have Oneroa 2 all out for just 28 runs.

The second match saw the in-form Tamarua do battle with Oneroa 1.

Fielding first, Oneroa 1 team member Composer Rikini bowled with good line and length to take 4 wickets and reduce Tamarua’s score to 79, with danger man Tahungaputa Tinirau top scoring for Tamarua with 40 runs.

In reply, Oneroa 1 batsmen were in all sorts of trouble with some great bowling from the Tamarua bowling attack, which had them all out for 38 runs and taking another great win.

So this Wednesday sees the finale of the Mangaia men’s cricket competition played between archrivals Ivirua and Tamarua.

Ivirua will be hoping to build from their good win last week and need another strong batting performance to upset the Tamarua men’s rhythm.

With village pride on the line, this game will definitely produce some fireworks to see who will take out top honours for the competition.

Cricketing co-ordinator Taoi Nooroa encourages friends and family to come down and support their teams and to make some noise when they go boomtown.