Spectators were at the edge of their seats during the thrilling match between the Nikao and Titikaveka premier men held at the CIFA Complex last Saturday.
Nikao Sokattak’s Julius David opened the match with a spectacular long shot that caught the Titikaveka goal keeper off guard to give his side an early lead. Nikao retained possession for most of the first half and created many more opportunities but weren’t able to stay ahead. Equalizing towards the end of the half was Titikaveka’s Christopher Tangatakino blasted the ball into the top right corner. Shortly after, Brian Akava seized an opportunity given to him in front of the goal to put Titikaveka ahead and Nikao on the back foot.
As the second half got underway, the crowd was at the edge of their seats as both teams would continuously find opportunities to score that didn’t go their way. Nikao responded and leveled the scores again through the boots of Mark Leito to 2-2. The match ended in well fought out draw.
In the senior women’s division both clubs battled out for their first win of the season which went in favour of Titikaveka. Titikaveka outpaced Nikao in the midfield and on the attack, to go on and score four goals that would win them the game 4-0.
The match held between the Tupapa Maraerenga and Matavera-Ngatangiia premier men just a day earlier was an intense physical match that kept the crowd on their feet. Matavera’s strong defensive block prevented many opportunities for their opponents to score, only letting one slip past to end the match 1-0 to Tupapa.
Thursday’s Match between the Tupapa and Matavera Senior women was a display of strength for Tupapa who outplayed Matavera and defeated the young team 13-0.
Due to the rain affecting the field conditions this week, all matches between Avatiu and Puaikura at the Avatiu field have been postponed until further notice as well as all U17 Mens games.
Round 2 results:
Nikao Sokattak v Titikaveka
U7’s 3-0
U9’s 4-1
U11’s 2-4
U14 Girls 2-0
U14 Boys 0-9
Senior Women 0-4
Premier Men 2-2
Tupapa Maraerenga v Matavera-Ngatangiia
U7’s 3-3
U9’s 8-0
U11’s 1-3
U14 Girls 0-0
U14 Boys 8-0
Senior Women 13-0
Premier Men 1-0
Avatiu v Puaikura
U7’s 2-2
U9’s 0-1
U11’s 4-0
