Avatiu Nikao Eels and Lady Bears are through to the Cook Islands Rugby League Rarotonga 13s competition finals after hard fought wins in the semifinals on Saturday.

In a thrilling turn of events, the competition knockouts played over two weekends proved to be the defining moments of the season.

The semifinals held on Saturday at the National Stadium in Nikao had the fans on the edge of their seats, particularly during the women’s clash where the outstanding defending champions, the Lady Bears, secured a surprising victory, propelling them into the grand finale.

Facing off against the formidable Lady Bulldogs, the Lady Bears entered the match with determination and hunger.

Despite previous defeats at the hands of the Bulldogs, this time was different. The Bears left no stone unturned as they charged through the Bulldogs’ defences, securing enough points to secure their spot in the finals.

It was a surprising outcome, leaving Bulldogs fans silenced in awe of the Lady Bears’ performance. With a full-time score of 16-10, the Lady Bears walked away from the match with confidence, knowing they had secured their place in the final against the Lady Panthers.

The premier men’s battle was equally intense as the Eels demonstrated composure and discipline under the guidance of coach Clive Nicholas against defending champions Arorangi Bears.

The Bears put up a formidable fight, keeping the scoreline close throughout the match. However, despite numerous opportunities to level the scores, fatigue and pressure proved to be significant challenges for the Bears.

Ultimately, the Eels emerged victorious, securing their place in the grand final with a 30-14 full time score in their favour while the Bears bowed out of the season with a commendable third-place finish.

Nicholas emphasised the importance of discipline and focus in achieving success. “Maintaining discipline and focus throughout the season has been crucial for our team,” he said. “It’s been a challenging journey, but our players have shown immense dedication and determination. We must continue to prioritise these qualities as we prepare for the grand finale.”

Reflecting on the season, CIRL expressed gratitude to the reigning champions for their journey in 2024.

As the focus now shifts to the grand finale, anticipation builds as Tupapa Panthers prepares to take on the Eels in the men’s division, while the Lady Bears gear up to face the Lady Panthers in the women’s grade.

As the excitement builds and anticipation mounts, only time will tell who will emerge the champions of the 2024 season.