The Cook Island Sports Academy led by former Kiwi International, NRL, and Super League star Kevin Iro made up of players from both the mainland (Rarotonga) and also Aitutaki, a smaller outer Island, are here in New Zealand touring and providing their players opportunity and exposure. Saturday, they arrived in the country and had their first match of the tour that afternoon vs Tangaroa College First XV, winning convincingly.

This coming Saturday, they play the St Kents First XV in what has become an annual fixture for the two sides.

Having ended our season on somewhat of a low note (losing in the semi-final to Southern Cross - eventual runners-up in the comp), and many of the boys' club seasons finished apart from our Richmond Rovers players who have made the final in their grade, the players were keen to get back out on the paddock and show off their talents.

Three trainings later, here we are ready to face an international touring side. The team were missing some of their "go to" players Emmett Watch, Ma'afu Likiliki (1st XV duty) Fereti Lualua, Conor Ma'u and Redmyn Taulu but were bolstered by a duo of rugby union converts (for this match anyway) Jesse Waetford Wilson and Sam Sturges and also the experience of our seasoned players. Both had strong games around the ruck and defended well.

HALF TIME SCORE : 10 - 8

Stand in captain, Adam Henry (current NZ Warriors Development Player) led the side. His experience and talents came to the forefront the longer the match went on.

On several occasions he was able to combine with his outside backs to cause havoc out on the left hand side. Gifting John Nicodemus (NZ Junior Ironblack) two tries, although one was disallowed.

The Cooks went into the break two points up, 10 - 8. MAGS fought back to regain the lead with block-busting runs from Jordane Peteru, who was also strong on defence.

Two quick tries and our only successful conversion and we had the lead and the game in our grasp. As fate would have it the Cooks were awarded a penalty right in front to even the score. With the game hanging in the balance both teams threw everything into the remaining five minutes. MAGS came desperately close to sealing victory with another Adam Henry, John Nicodemus break down the left-hand side, all to be undone with the try line insight by the final pass going to ground.

The match ended in a draw. For us the next best result.

The coaching staff would like to acknowledge all the players that fronted up and carried themselves with pride and distinction. Also a special mention must be made to both Mr Api and Ms Horne for organising the after-match function. Thanks also to the Premier Girls Basketball team who lent a helping hand.

Try scorers : TJ Kelly, James Finlayson, John Nicodemus, Kodye Rihari
Conversions: Melino Tuitupou.

FINAL SCORE : 18  - 18

















































Photos below courtesy of Brian Murphy