Rarotonga's first college competition a hit with students

The future of Cook Islands Cricket appears bright according to Lead Junior Coach Shane Thompson. Thompson and his passionate coaching staff of Mark Crawford, Ray Raumanu, Puna Dyer and Opura Emile have spent the past three weeks in local schools promoting cricket.

This past week nearly one hundred Year 7 to 10 students from Titikaveka College participated in five days of cricket coaching, learning the basics and some of the advanced skills involved in playing cricket. The week was then capped off with Cook Islands first to day High School Tournament in recent memory.

Coach Crawford said: "The ability of the students to learn the skills was quicker than we could had ever hoped for, they are naturally talented cricketers. Impressively they mastered batting, bowling and fielding in just two days."

Titikaveka College Principal Mrs. Piri graciously invited CICA to the school's prize-giving ceremony to award certificates to four outstanding sports girls and boys involved in the competition.

Junior Cricket Coach Opura Emile was on hand to pass out the awards which went to deserving recipients Dusty Anguna, Anastasia Marsters-Henry, Monica Kummings and Akiona Tairi who were rewarded with their positive attitude, ability and passion for the game. Emile (pictured centre) said that Akiona was excited about the next competition while Monica says she will be practicing her skills too.

CICA General Manager Alister Stevic has advised that the program will be taken to additional high schools next year with structured tournaments and competitions to be established to ensure students continue to enjoy the game that is sweeping the nation.