The Avatiu premier men were stunned by Tupapa Maraerenga over the weekend going down four goals to one in Matavera. Tupapa came out strong aiming to put the game out of reach in the first half, scoring four goals before Avatiu recuperated themselves and managed to one back before the half time whistle blew. The second half got underway with a much better structured Avatiu side hitting the pitch. Avatiu maintained a stronger defense in the second half to keep the oppositions scores from escalating however they sacrificed attacking power for defensive structure. Avatiu’s lone goal was a stunning half way attempt by Victor Elikana while Tupapa’s goals were impressive goals scored by Sunai Joseph (3) and one own goal by Avatiu.
The Avatiu senior women’s defense was much stronger than their men’s team’s however, as they were able to hold off a dominant Tupapa team until the dying minutes of the game. Avatiu was on the defensive for most of the match and were constantly under attack by Tupapa but their defense held strong and kept the attacks from turning into goals. That is, until the last 5 minutes of the game when their guard slipped and Tupapa slotted one in to win the game.
Meanwhile at the CIFA complex in Matavera, the Matavera-Ngatangiia and Titikaveka men were evenly matched and fought out in a game that ended in a draw. Matavera’s Chris Whitiker had a great start to the match putting his side in front in the 3rdminute when he scored from a penalty. As the half went on he scored another to go 2-nil up just before the break putting Titikaveka under some pressure. The third placed side however maintained their cool and came out stronger in the second half to grab two goals through the boots of Turumaki Tamangaro and Akiona Tairi to levels the scores before the end of the match.
On Friday at the Nikao field, Puaikura nearly took down top of the table Nikao Sokattak. Puaikura kicked things off quite early scoring within the first ten minutes the match through Pekay Edwards and maintained that lead until the second half. Nikao held majority possession of the ball and were in Puaikura territory for most of the match, the only thing left to do was to break through a strong Puaikura defense. With many shots at goal going wide and frustration seemingly growing in players, substitute, Tahiri Elikana stepped up to attempt a long shot free-kick that would level the scores, bring confidence back to his side and bring his team back into match. Shortly after Nikao’s Toru Mateariki would slot a goal in from a corner to win the game for his side.
The women’s matchup between Nikao Sokattak and Puaikura was another evenly fought match this round when the Two sides drew in Nikao. Both sides had an even share of possession and territory and took multiple shots at goal however the match remained scoreless and ended a nil-all draw. A draw however is not what either side needed as a win was help them in their own respective ways.
FULL RESULTS FROM ROUND 9:
Nikao Sokattak – Puaikura FC
Premier Men 2-1
Senior Women 0-0
U-17 Men 4-5
U14 Boys 0-8
U14 Girls 0-4
U11 Mixed 0-2
U9 Mixed 6-2
U7 Mixed 2-2
Avatiu FC – Tupapa Maraerenga FC
Premier Men 1-4
Senior Women 0-1
U-17 Men’s 2-6
U14 Boys 0-5
U14 Girls 0-0
U11 Mixed 3-1
U9 Mixed 3-0
U7 Mixed 1-2
Matavera-Ngatangiia – Titikaveka FC
Premier Men 2-2
Senior women 0-5
U14 Boys 0-6
U-14 Girls 3-0
U11 Mixed 0-1
U9 Mixed 0-3
U7 Mixed 2-0
