Mauke one dayer a smash

Cook Islands Cricket came one step closer to its goal of establishing a cricket programme on each inhabited island on Thursday with a one-day tournament for Mauke women.

The establishment of sports can only be achieved with the hard work of cricket-mad volunteers like Teata Ateriano, who on Thursday ran a successful tournament.

The final was a tough fought competition with the Crusaders batters putting on a superb effort to post a total of 66 runs. The Blues came painfully close but missed out on a win in a nail-biter of a match by just 3 runs.

The top batswomen of the day was awarded to Temaui Tura and the top bowlers awards went to Tekura Tura and Tere Moetaua.

The most improved player was awarded to 10-year-old rising star Florentyna George who displayed skills beyond her years and showed why she is a future ANZ junior cricketer to watch.

Tournament top players were awarded to Beninah Kairae, Nooroa Vaine Keu and Pokotea Guinea.

Mauke Cricket Associations Ateriano said he was excited about the development of the game and players on Mauke.

The cricket skills of the women on Mauke are developing really quickly and they are naturals to the game. Cricket being selected at the Manea Games and our womens team putting on great performances has also helped raise the profile of womens cricket and inspired many youngsters on the island.

Ateriano also recognised the efforts of the officials of the day who assisted in ensuring its success including Bene Matapo, Tangata Ateriano, Tamaiva Mateariki and David Ngaoire.