Masters to honour Epati

This Friday will see the masters take to the Tupapa grounds for a memorial game in honour of Tonumaivao Navy Epati who was a founding member of the Rugby League Masters movement and vice president of the Cook Islands Rugby League.

All masters are being asked to come along to the Tupapa Park on Friday where a gold coin collection which will be presented, along with a memorial plaque to the family of Navy Epati.

Epati has been a very active in the development of rugby league in the Cook Islands as a player and eventually with the management and administration role. He played for the Tupapa Panthers and remained a staunch supporter of the Panthers. Epati also had a strong link to the infamous Nikao-Avatiu Mongoose club from years of living in Nikao. The Cook Islands League Masters is preparing for the International Masters tournament in Christchurch this coming October and would like to have a good hit out before they go on tour.

The event kicks off at 5pm with the touring national team taking on ‘everyone else’. Everyone is also welcomed to the League Masters HQ in Takuvaine after the game for the usual debriefing session.

Epati will sadly be missed by all who knew him as player and a very good mate who was witty and full of life

Last Friday’s Rugby League Masters game in Ngatangiia presented an opportunity for the national touring team to work on their communications, in particular their set pieces and defensive line.

DMD (during my day) days tend to focus on speed and fitness, whereby the team of today focused on working smarter and not harder.

The coaching staff devised a ‘slow and steady’ approach and to concentrate on playing the basics and doing the simple things right, only then can they go forth into another gear.

No individual player stood out for the touring side, as together, they formed a formidable unit, and are credited with an outstanding display of entertaining football and respect from opposition and supporters.

All credit must go to the opponents, as they never stopped testing the touring side’s defence as they continuously pressured the inside lanes with Papa Moe from Ngatangiia and Papa Iona from Tupapa ‘gapping it’ at every opportunity.

The masters thank Ngatangiia Club, in particular Willie and Mii Kauvai, for a splendid hosting and an enjoyable evening out.