Turangi, pictured after their win in 2023, will be defending the domestic T20 cricket title against Takuvaine today. TURANGI/25013106
Newcomers to the domestic cricket competition, Matavera, are relaxed and humbled to have reached the grand final of the 2024 Cookie Sadaraka Cup T20 series.
Matavera will face defending champions Nikao Black Wolves today at Nikao Field after upsetting Arorangi Redbacks in the semi-final match of the men’s competition last week.
Team’s representative Ben Vakatini says: “The team is pretty relaxed going into the final, and are proud of our efforts so far and making the finals on our first attempt as a new team this season.”
Vakatini says cricket is a funny game over here, “so we take nothing for granted and feel humble that we made the finals”.
“We have a lot of respect for our opponents Nikao Black Wolves, who are defending champions for a reason, they have worked their way up through the years to where they are now.
“We will have to put our best efforts out on the field if we are to win the final.”
Vakatini would like to thank their supporters who have supported them throughout the season.
“The small donations don’t go unnoticed, and to our major sponsors, without them this would not be possible. A special shout out to Tereinga Maoate and Takeu Teariki (Bucky) for making this possible.”
Nikao Black Wolves captain Teaute Ravarua said they would try their best to defend their title.
Ravarua said they played against Matavera in the round-robin rounds and that Matavera is a good side.
“We are at the same level; they are good and we will try and beat them.”
Ravarua called on Nikao supporters to turn up in numbers to support the team.
Nikao Black Wolves thumped Tupapa Young Rookies by nine wickets while Matavera overcame the previously unbeaten Arorangi Redbacks by six wickets in the semifinals.
In the women’s final, Takuvaine will face Turangi at midday today.
In the semifinals, Takuvaine defeated the previously unbeaten Arorangi Red Hotbabes by 45 runs, while Turangi enjoyed a comfortable eight-wicket victory over the Nikao Honey Wolves.
Turangi women’s representative Josephine Maoate says they will be defending the title they won in 2023 against TKV.
“This is the final cricket game for last year – 2024 with the experienced players Josie Maoate, Mona More, Kimi Tare, Evangelean Ioane with our young guns and future players for Turangi Club.”
Cook Islands Cricket president Grant Walker was impressed with the standard displayed at the domestic competition.
“I feel this competition has been another step in improving the sport. We continue to use the club competition as a baseline for our domestic T20 programme, and the exposure each season for new players is fantastic,” Walker said.
“I also think it is a good sign that not only do we have both champions returning, but that two new challengers have emerged in Matavera and TKV. I’m very happy to see both the continuity that Nikao and Turangi have shown and the excitement that the challengers will bring to the final.
Tomakanute Ritawa and Criag Murray will umpire both games, and Christine Porio will act as official scorer.
The matches will begin at noon with the women’s final, followed by the men’s showdown at 3pm.
“There will be portable bathrooms on site, so bring the family down for an incredible time!”
Fixture
Saturday: Nikao Field – 12-noon Turangi Women will play TKV; 3pm Nikao Black Wolves versus Matavera men.
