Tupapa Maraerenga took the lead in the Vans premier men’s championship after taking down Nikao Sokattak in last week’s feature match at Victoria Park on Saturday.
Nikao opened the scoresheets early in the opening minutes of the match when Alphy Ngire slotted one by the keeper after a corner kick lead to a scramble in the box giving his side an early lead. Untroubled by the pressure Tupapa came back and equalized in the 21stminute through the boots of Avi Enoka before a second goal was slotted in for Tupapa, four minutes later, by Mii Joseph. With the second half underway, Tupapa stepped up the pressure in the midfield forcing mistakes by Nikao. After a few unsuccessful attempts, another opportunity arose for Tupapa’s Mii Joseph who took a chance and didn’t miss, taking the final score the 3-1.
The Tupapa and Nikao senior women also had an exceptional match, which went in favour of Tupapa. The first half was an evenly matched contest which saw chance after chance slide by of which none found the net. It wasn’t until the second half a goal was scored where an outstanding long shot by Kayleena Kermode from outside the box flew past the keeper and into the net to put Tupapa up 1-0 and end the game a victory for Tupapa.
Also being played on Saturday was another exciting match up at the CIFA complex between Puaikura and Titikaveka, a game which Puaikura climbed to third place on the ladder after coming out victorious against Titikaveka four goals to two. Puaikura’s goals were scored by Paul Poila, Tamaiva Mateariki, Joseph Tuaputa and Campbell Best while Titikaveka’s goals were scored by Turumaki Tamangaro (2).
The Puaikura senior women, on the other hand, have dropped to third on the ladder after being defeated by Titikaveka 4-1. Titikaveka’s goals were scored by Hinnah Tatuava, Penina Katuke (2) and Paulina Pierre.
Today the Avatiu and Nikao Sokattak U17 men will kick off the round 11 matches when they play at 4:45 pm. The Avatiu U17’s snatched their first points on the table last week when they defeated Matavera 2-1 and will aim to bag another win today against Nikao in hopes of climbing up the ladder. Nikao however, will aim to secure three points to remain within striking distance of the top of the U17 men’s ladder.
FULL RESULTS FROM ROUND 10:
Tupapa Maraerenga – FC Nikao Sokattak
Premier Men 3-1
Senior Women 1-0
U-17 Men 0-2
U14 Boys 5-0
U14 Girls 1-1
U11 Mixed 0-2
U9 Mixed 1-1
U7 Mixed 2-0
Matavera-Ngatangiia – Avatiu FC
Premier Men 2-2
Senior Women 0-4
U-17 Men’s 1-2
U14 Boys 0-8
U14 Girls 0-1
U11 Mixed 0-1
U9 Mixed 0-6
U7 Mixed 0-2
Puaikura FC – Titikaveka FC
Premier Men 4-2
Senior women 1-4
U14 Boys 5-0
U-14 Girls 4-0
U11 Mixed 0-0
U9 Mixed 2-0
U7 Mixed 2-0
FIXTURES:
Tuesday 29thOctober 2019
U17 MEN
4.45 pm CIFA Field 2: Avatiu FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC
Ref: John Pareanga Assist: Tehainnah Tatuava, Tahiri Elikana
