The Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers have successfully defended their Cook Island ‘League in Paradise’ Nines Men’s title after progressing through the 2022 tournament undefeated.
In a repeat of the 2021 tournament, the Panthers were unstoppable at BCI Stadium in Avarua, backing up their Day One performance with wins over the Avatiu Eels and Arorangi Bears before drawing the Eels in the competition Grand Final.
Much like the 2021 Final (which was also against the Eels), little separated the two teams, with the Panthers running out 23 – 19 victors.
In the Women’s tournament, the Titikaveka Bulldogs added the Nines Women’s trophy to their trophy cabinet, which also featured the 2021 Minor and Major Premierships.
The inaugural Under 18s tournament, the Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers claimed the title, winning the best of three series against the Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles 2 – 1.
RESULTS:
Under 18’s:
Friday:
Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers 16 – 6 Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles
Saturday:
Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers 25 – 17 Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles
Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers 7 – 8 Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles
Women’s:
Friday:
Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers 0 – 4 Arorangi Bears
Saturday:
Titikaveka Bulldogs 8 – 4 Arorangi Bears
Titikaveka Bulldogs 9 – 4 Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers
Preliminary Final : Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers 12 – 7 Arorangi Bears
Women’s Final : Titikaveka Bulldogs 18 – 4 Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers
Men’s:
Friday:
Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers 35 – 15 Arorangi Bears
Avatiu Eels 25 – 18 Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles
Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers 33 – 4 Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles
Avatiu Eels 21 – 19 Arorangi Bears
Saturday:
Arorangi Bears 8 – 15 Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles
Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers 29 – 8 Avatiu Eels
Semi Final One : Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers 21 – 13 Arorangi Bears
Semi Final Two : Avatiu Eels 22 – 7 Ngatangiia Matavera Sea Eagles
Men’s Final: Tupapa Maraerenga Panthers 23 – 19 Avatiu Eels
