After losing two Conan’s Cup matches to holders Country, Town wants to end the three match women’s rugby league series on a high tomorrow at Aretere Park in Avatiu.

The Country side retained the Conan’s Cup after beating Town 28-22 in the second match at Nukupure Park in Ngatangiia on Saturday. In game one played at Victoria Park in Tupapa, Country, made up of players from Lady Bears and Lady Bulldogs teams, defeated Town, comprising Lady Panthers and Lady Eels players, 24-20.

Town’s Kiana Tua-Sword: “Going into game three we are hungry for a win.”

“Our focus is to complete our sets, stick to our game plan and most importantly enjoy the game. It’s been a tough few weeks trying to get numbers to our trainings and game days, however we’ve expressed to the girls to leave it all out on the field on Saturday, and if that results in a win even better.

“It’s been good to play with both the Lady Panthers and Lady Eels players combining to make the Town team, a lot of young talent coming up. Looking forward to seeing the support for our last game for this Town vs Country series.”

Speaking about game two, Tua-Sword said they started really well “we were on a good roll and our game plan was working”.

“We unfortunately let the ball slip and Country capitalised on our errors, we couldn’t keep that same momentum we had in the first half going into the second half and you just can’t take the pedal off the gas against a team like Country.”

Country’s Stephanie Nooroa said the girls were thrilled to retain the Conan’s Cup.

“We had worked hard for this win, from our trainings to the game. They definitely weren’t easy wins, and every game is never easy, so pushing through to fight to the end and come out successfully was definitely a great achievement,” Nooroa said.

“When it comes to women’s rugby league this year, no game is ever going to be easy, our women’s teams for this year keep everyone on their toes. We knew our Town side sisters were coming in hard so we never underestimated them and always expected a hard fight.

“For us it was definitely the push that each player had given to each other, we all told each other how much we wanted to win this game, not just for ourselves but for our management team, for our families and friends, for our supporters and especially for our sisters who couldn’t play due to being injured and having to sit out. Our support towards each other made us hungrier to fight back I guess.”

Nooroa said in game three they would be focussing on finishing their set plays and bringing in their younger players for development.

“Even though we have supposedly already won the Cup, we are still willing to come out there and give a good game and not only showcase our side’s potential but showcasing women’s rugby league in the Cook Islands. Our island has a lot potential players, so we look forward to showing everyone how far and good women’s rugby league has developed on our little island.”

Nooroa thanked their management team, supporters, families and friends for backing them up from day one.

“Thank you also to our organising committee for this tournament as we are able to develop and showcase women’s rugby league and always saving the best for last, thank you to my girls for this team and especially to our sisters from the Townside.”

The Country versus Town match will serve as the curtain raiser to the inaugural Tri Nations Series finale between Cook Islands Residents and Tokouso Samoa/Tonga Residents.