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The 20th anniversary of the Cook Island International Sevens was capped by one of the closest finishes in recent times. Defending Men’s champions and heavy favourites for the events, Tauae Bulls, were stunned by Waimiha Rebels 21-22 in a pulsating finale to the two day event.

Both sides were made to work hard for their passage through to the finals on the opening day’s play. In Pool B the Rebels’ conversions made the difference in the 19-17 win over Tamo Tao Utd whilst the winners could only muster a 14-14 draw against NGA/Mat Flying.

The Bulls meanwhile, out scored Araura Enua 3 tries to 2 (22-14) before eventually seeing off the threat of Hastings Rugby 17-5 to top Pool A.

Hastings were a rejuvenated side the following day though coming up on top in their last eight clash with the College Rifles (22-7) with Avatiu/Nikao Rugby dispatching Tama Toa Utd (35-0) to book their Cup semi-final position.

The Rebels were taken the distance by Titikaveka Rehab (15-12) whilst the Bulls looked comfortable against GT Tabusoro in their 26-17 win.

The Bulls completed a double over Hastings in the first semi-final doing enough to win through 14-5 with the Rebels scraping through Avatiu/Nikao Rugby 17-12 to meet them in the final.

The quality of the Men’s event was obvious with so many close games throughout the weekend’s celebrations, with Sevens legend Eric Rush in attendance as one of the star guests.

In the Women’s Cup final it was Sharpen Up who got the better of T & M Crusher (27-17). This was a reverse from day 1 when T & M Crusher had dealt with the eventual winners pretty comfortably 17-5.

General Transport Tabusoro took the Men’s Plate and Ngatangiia/Matavera Flying Dragons took some consolation from the weekend by claiming the Bowl.

Cook Islands International 7s, Day 2 Results:

M Tauae Bulls 26 vs GT Tabusoro 17 Cup/Plate Quarter Finals
M Hasting Rugby Sports 22 vs Stair Case College Rifles 7 Cup/Plate Quarter Finals
M Waimiha Rebels 15 vs Titikaveka Rehab 12 Cup/Plate Quarter Finals
M Tama Toa United 0 vs Avatiu/Nikao Rugby 35 Cup/Plate Quarter Finals
M GT Tabusoro 29 vs Stair Case College Rifles 12 Semi-Final Plate
M Titikaveka Rehab 24 vs Tama Toa United 7 Semi-Final Plate
M Tauae Bulls 14 vs Hasting Rugby Sports 5 Cup Semi-Finals
M Waimiha Rebels 17 vs Avatiu/Nikao Rugby 12 Cup Semi-Finals

W T & M Crusher 17 vs Sharpen Up 27 Womens Finals
M Araura Enua 17 vs Nga/Mat Flying D 22 Bowl Finals
M GT Tabusoro 17 vs Titikaveka Rehab 14 Plate Finals
M Tauae Bulls 21 vs Waimiha Rebels 22 Cup Finals