The Cook Islands Touch Association ended their 2023 weekly competition with the mixed finals on Wednesday at the National Stadium in Nikao.

The finals started with the third-place playoff between the Young Mighty Arrows and J Squad.

Mighty Arrows being led by Oscar Wichman and Nia Remuera managed to lead the game in the first half but Viiga Reupena of J Squad was adamant not to finish fourth and managed to lead his team to victory.

The third-place playoff set the platform for the main final between 007 and Team Outlaws.

Outlaws led the season during the round games and looked to be the favourites and the 2022 champions were convinced they were taking the trophy again.

Some great play was witnessed from father and son Andy and Aidan Kapi for 007. Team Outlaws had the likes of Puna Hiro, Maiti Samson and Vou Williams.

By half time it was 3-all and anyone’s game.

Young John Noovao got the lone touchdown in the second spell to give 007 a 4-3 win in a closely fought final.

The individual awards presented after the finals went to – for U18s Mixed MVP male and female being Oscar Wichman and Mahana Sjip, respectively, and taking out the senior Mixed MVP award was Viiga Reupena.

Cook Islands Touch president Julz Westrupp would like to thank Vodafone Cook Islands and Bank of the Cook Islands for their continuous support. 

“Huge thanks to the referees and those that put in teams this season,” Westrupp said.

“For those trailing out for Pacific Games, train hard, work hard and commit to training if you want to be selected. Good things come to those that work for it.”