Titikaveka Titans take title

In their first year in The Computer Man men’s cricket competition in over seven years, the Titikaveka Titans have taken bottom six winner’s glory.

Batting first, Titikaveka scored 187 runs against Tupapa which proved too strong for Tupapa as they only managed 57 in reply.

The Titans club has had a remarkable year, due, in large part to Sabu Matapo and Glen Miller. The team boasts a good blend of experience with youth coming through the ranks which bodes well for the Titans future success.

Captain Glen ‘Hori’ Miller explained that the driving force behind the team has been the community and corporate support the team has received.

“Early on, right from pre-season training, everyone in the village was really positive and supportive,” Miller said.

“Since cricket has taken off in the past year the village was really excited about cricket again and wanted to be part of that excitement. So we are happy that we have represented the village well and are grateful for their support, our corporate support from Budget and to the Computer Man for partnering with Cook Islands Cricket.”

On the other side of the rock, ANZ Avatiu-Nikao had their work cut out for them as wickets proved hard to come by against Takuvaine in Nikao.

Despite losing an early wicket, young Takuvaine star Bene and seasoned player Chief put on a good solid partnership.

Once Bene was dismissed the momentum of the match swung back in favour of Avatiu Nikao, ending Takuvaine’s total at 93 runs.

ANZ Avatiu-Nikao’s run chase started well as Hamish Weir pushed the ball around, happy to collect valuable ones and twos.

Heading into the drinks break Avatiu were four down and only needing 16 runs for victory it appeared the result was a foregone conclusion.

That was until the return from drinks breaks when Aroiva Akama took two wickets in two balls putting Takuvaine right back in the match.

The next eight over’s proved intense as Takuvaine’s bowlers bowled with precision, however it was a concentrated effort from batters Brent Litherland and Mark that managed to see the Avatiu team home.

Avana All Stars are another of the clubs that has made a recent return to cricket.

Lead by Matt Beasley the All Stars bowled first against Tupapa 2.

Pae Kirikava Junior bowled well (5 wickets for 32 runs) to restrict Tupapa to 129.

The All Stars made light work of the run chase as Beasley 32 with help from older brother John Beasley (15 not out) lead the team to victory with six wickets in hand.