Final hit-out for 7s side

The first ever Cook Islands women’s rugby sevens squad departed our shores this morning for the Asia Pacific sevens tournament in Borneo, Malaysia.

On Saturday, the team had their final hit-out against an equally talented Rarotonga selection. The Rarotonga selection certainly put up a valiant fight and proved that the island has a large pool of talented women’s rugby players.

But the superior fitness and rugby skills of the Borneo squad was a standout feature of the team.

Returning player Mama Henry was certainly the standout player of the national squad although some exceptional skills were seen right across the squad including captains Julieanne Westrupp and Edith Nicholas.

Nicholas scored herself a pearler in the corner thanks to a well judged kick by Henry while Westrupp took charge and control of the team on the field.

The national squad, as expected, dominated the games with some big hits and run away tries impressing spectators at the game which was part of the club sevens finals on Saturday in Titikaveka.

The national squad won the match 29-0 and will now take on the best of the Pacific and Asia in Borneo when the tournament is run from October 29 to 31.