Netball Already in Paradise was declared a success after three days of intense competition at the National Sports Arena in Nikao.

The tournament which had 13 teams participating concluded on Saturday with Charlie’s Angels claiming the open mixed title. The side defeated M&M Flyers 26-24 in a closely contested final.

The open women’s title went to Shabooya who finished the three-day tournament unbeaten.

Tekura Moeka’a, the secretary of Netball Cook Islands, said they witnessed a great display of netball with 100 per cent local representation over the three days of competition.

“There was a perfect balance of both young and upcoming talent in both men and women’s netball, the likes of youngsters to name a few, Zak Tuaiti, Mario Robati, Esse (Estelle) Short, Jemima Katoa, Tutai Herman, Tia Marie Strickland, Nicole Tiaore, Toru Mateariki, Niroa Kamana, Maya Piakura which is promising for netball in the Cook Islands,” Moeka’a said.

“And experienced players again to name a few Curly Taripo, Natalia Short, Tupe Tamatoa, Elena Mataora who have been instrumental in ensuring that Cook Islands netball legacy continues.”

Moeka’a said they also saw a lot of newbies to the sport – “Netball Cook Islands welcome you with open arms and we hope that we’re able to provide programmes to support you over next few years.”

“Netball Cook Islands are always proud to provide a platform for all to play netball and excel in the sport.”

Moeka’a said there was a historical moment during the tournament – the participation of a father and his two daughters, Richard, Iva and Maya and mum Chrissy Piakura (as coach).

“It was a beautiful family affair. This epitomises netball in the Cook Islands, a combination and celebration of family and community support and player and administration commitment.”

Netball Cook Islands acknowledged the support and commitment of the Cook Islands netball community. Moeka’a said: “We say thank you to Aunty Kopu Anguna, Sebon Will, Mati Toru, Maeva Carr, Rachel Metuangaro and our clubs both here and in the Pa Enua, who have been working and supporting our local players.”

“Last but not least, thank you to Netball Cook Islands executive team who has been working hard behind the scenes for the sport, president Mii Maui, treasurer Mavis Teaurima, Teva Simiona and Sebon Will.

“Merry festive season, and see you next season in the New Year. Stay blessed in paradise.”

Teams

Charlies Angels, M&M Flyers, Toa Fusion, Team Jetts, Last Minute Who?, Aitutaki, Toaminators - East on Heat, Eastern Stars Mixed, Shabooya, Yeah the Girls, Individuals, Hot Shots, M&M.

Results

Knock Outs – M&M Flyers 37-17 Toaminators - East on Heat, Team Jetts 19-14 Last Minute Who?, Aitutaki 15-24   Toa Fusion, Eastern Stars Mixed 7-34 Charlie’s Angels. Semis (Top 4) – Charlie’s Angels 33-21 Toa Fusion, M&M Flyers  32-18 Team Jetts; Bottom 4 – Last Minute Who? 23-14 Toaminators – East on Heat, Aitutaki 26-8 Eastern Stars Mixed. Finals – 7th and 8th Playoff Toaminators – East on Heat 45-8 Eastern Stars Mixed, 5th and 6th Playoff Last Minute Who 26-16 Aitutaki, 3rd and 4th Playoff Toa Fusion 31-19 Team Jetts, 1st and 2nd Playoff Charlie’s Angels 26-24 M&M Flyers.