Golden oldies tribute match for Papa Pai

Golden oldies rugby players will honour the late Sir Terepai Maoate with a memorial game on Saturday kicking off at 3pm at the BCI Stadium.

Sir Terepai was considered by many the ‘father’ of golden oldies rugby as he served as president of the Cook Islands Golden Oldies Association for 25 years from 1985 to 2011.

He was an advocate for retired sportsmen and women to maintain their fitness and health through regular sports activity and exercise.

Sir Terepai himself was often seen in amongst the golden oldies rugby action on the field.

In 2007 when Sir Terepai was deputy prime minister – he donned his club colours and took to the field for the golden oldies mini tournament where visiting opponents were amazed to be rubbing shoulders with one of the nation’s leaders.

The golden oldies association and players would like to extend their deepest condolences to Lady Marito and the Maoate family for their loss.

All golden oldies players from across the island are encouraged to come and have a run in memory and in honour of Papa Pai.

The game will be the curtain raiser match to the Takuvaine and Ngatangiia A grade rugby match.

Meanwhile last week’s game saw gold shorts players Tom Wills and Papa Tere lead the Blue and Black teams respectively for the golden oldies rugby Ariki clash at Victoria Park on Friday.

Wills wasted no time in utilising his gold short advantage to suck in defenders before off loading to his classy backs for sprinter Ake Hosea-Winterflood to score a hat trick.

For the Blacks, gumboot Joe scored in the corner after a Tony Mac and Lux double cut move.

For not allowing a red short player to pass the ball, mower-man got penalised and the quick tap saw the pill spun wide for winger Tupa to score.

Helmet Puna scored in a similar fashion after referee Takaiti marched the Blacks 10 metres for back-chatting.

Wild West Biker T was a thorn in the defence for his quick bursts through the smallest of gaps.

Before retiring late in the second half, Papa Pat was rewarded with a hat trick for his support work around the ruck area.

Kiwi journalist and distance runner Steve was awarded ‘player of the day’ for his almost impregnable defence, despite playing his first game of rugby in 30 years.

Grab your boots and get along to the BCI this Saturday for the 3pm memorial golden oldies rugby match in honour of Sir Terepai Maoate.