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Raro 7s Days 1 & 2 Final Results

The Raro 7s was held on December 4&5. The Following results include the final placings per category and Best & Fairest Players (Mens, Womens & U17s).

U17 MENS Finals: BEARS 12  –  0  PANTHERS

Panthers – Raro 7s U17 Runners-up

A refreshing addition to the 2020 Raro 7s competition with lots of exciting matches as the kids grew with the occasion.

The Bears winning the finals 12 – nil against the Panthers. Best players for Panthers were Aaron Simpson, John Noovao and Francis Terepo.

The Bears tries were scored by; utility backs Albert Edwards and Troy Matutu together with a Jireh Vunibaka conversion.    

U17 Tournament Best & Fairest Player: Vilimoni Kama (Bears).

WOMENS Final: AVATIU 15  –  10  ATIU

Avatiu – Winners of the Womens Raro 7s Final

With 5 teams in this division and Round-Robin play ensured lots of good competition as all teams fought for placings.

In the earlier Round-Robin match played between these 2 teams, Avatiu won 17 – 5 Atiu.

The Womens Final was another arm wrestle with the more experienced Avatiu team able to hold-out a strong Atiu finish.  

ATIU – Women’s Raro 7s Runners-up

Best players for Atiu were: Maeva Carr, Charlee McLean, Teretia Teinaki and Demzel Rongokea.

Best players for Avatiu were: Mele Poaru, Nicol Tiaore and Paulina Ponga-Pierre

Avatiu’ Paulina Ponga—Pierre was named tournament Best & Fairest Player.

AVATIU: 15   Tries: Shar Atai, Nicol Tiaore & Paulina Ponga-Pierre

ATIU: 10         Tries: Teretia Teinaki & Tamira Metuangaro

MENS Final: PANTHERS 12 –  0  PUKAPUKA

Mens Raro 7s Winners

A very relieved Panthers team welcomed the full-time hooter in an intense Mens Finals played between these two champion teams – both teams lucky to survive their earlier very close Quarter Final or Semi Finals matches.

It was a more disciplined and desperate Panthers outfit that won out in the end.

Pukapuka Men’s 7s Finalists

The Pukapukan trio of; Tua Ravula, Lai Rogorogoivalu and Kelepi Komaisavou, tried hard but they were unable to build pressure nor crack the resolute Panthers defensive wall organized by the Panthers ex-CI 7s players Thomas Toa and Conrad Piri.

The Panthers led at the halftime break by 5 – 0.

The Panthers pointscorers were – tryscorers: Jovilisi Naqitawa & Samisoni Ratokabula with a conversion kicked by Savenaca Buresova Jnr.

Mens Best & Fairest Player of the Tournament was awarded to Peniasi Dakuwaqa (Panthers).

Paulina Ponga Pierre – Women’s Best and Fairest Player of the Tournament Award

CIRU Message of Appreciation:

During this time of uncertainty thank you Lord for blessing us with 2 beautiful days of sunshine, thank you for our unifying our community, thank you to all the; teams (players, coaches, management & your sponsors), volunteers, our tournament sponsors, referees, medics, admin, ballboys, security, broadcast team, audience, Aunty Jess the guru coordinator and the voice of Uncle George George for guiding us through our 31st RARO 7s tournament.

Opening Ceremony hosted by George George.