AVATIU Eels have successfully defended their Rarotonga title with the slenderest of victories over Tupapa Panthers in a gripping final of the year’s first Nines tournament.
Clive Nicholas’ men edged out the Panthers 14-13 at the end of two days play at the National Stadium, where New Zealand visitors Raukawa Kukis lifted the women’s title with a 21-4 win over the Eels.
Raukawa, made up of women of Cook Islands heritage who raised money for months to fund their trip, went through the entire weekend undefeated.
The men’s champions also enjoyed a perfect record, defeating Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles 11-8 and Titikaveka Bulldogs 27-6 on day one and Arorangi Bears 25-14 plus Tupapa Panthers 18-4 on day two.
Tupapa Panthers took out the under 18s men division.
Players of the tournament were Maeva Robati (men), Jamie Tautari (women) and Juleo Tauu (under 18s),
The play-off for third in the men’s division was also a cliffhanger, Ngatangiia Matavera beating Titikaveka 19-18.
Image: Cook Islands Rugby League Facebook
