There were thrills and spills with a magical ocean view at the annual Boxing Day Touch tournament held on Monday, at a new venue this year – Nukupure Park in Muri.

Usually the annual Boxing Day Touch games are held at the Avatiu Field.

Coordinator of this year’s tournament Rima Browne said the decision to move the sport to Muri was to encourage more families to come along and enjoy the change of scenery at the beach.

Although only eight teams entered the competition, Browne said those who participated enjoyed the day and because of the fewer number of teams, everyone managed to have more playing time on the field.

“People who live in town had complained that Muri was too far for them to travel… however, those who did come along and joined in had a lot of fun. There were food stalls available, it was a fun filled day.”

The Boxing Day Touch title went to Stacked followed by 007 who finished second. Get A Touch (GAT) team managed third place while Can’t Touch This finished in fourth place. Sea Eagles (fifth placed), sixth placed Arai-Te-Tonga, Aroa Vege Land and Touch & Pass were the other teams competing.

Cook Islands Touch Association thanked all the teams and players for their participation. “Big ups to all the teams who came out, especially in the scorching hot sun. While we are always wanting to develop Touch, (Monday) was all about bringing family and friends together.”

“Meitaki to all our refs and bench officials for all your help and a big meitaki maata to Ngatangiia Sports Club for hosting us. Thank you to our event sponsors Bank of the Cook Islands and Vodafone Cook Islands. Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful day and may you continue to bless us all.”

The Boxing Day Touch tournament is also held to gain interest in the sport in lead up to the new season starting early next year.