Nikao Sokattak took home the 2021 Knock Out Cup on Saturday after their glorious 3 nil win against Tupapa Maraerenga in the Premier Men’s division, taking home both the 2021 Round Cup champions title and the Knock Out Cup title after 12 long years.
Nikao Sokattak were pushed to their limits by Tupapa Maraerenga on Saturday, but held strong when hassled by any of the men in black and white. Tupapa Maraerenga held possession of the ball throughout most of the first half, players like Geofferey Strickland and Grover Harmon found themselves with multiple chances to score but were quickly denied a shot from Nikao’s solid keeper Romeo Keu and his back four walls. Both sides frustrated at a nil all score, while the first half was coming to an end, Nikao’s Steven Willis got his chance at a goal when taking on Tupapa’s keeper, who couldn’t seem to keep the ball in his grasps, giving Willis a clear view of the goal, marking the end of the first half 1-0 to Nikao.
Tupapa Maraerenga came back on field hunting for a goal but couldn’t seem to keep the ball in their control when trying to pass Nikao’s solid back walls Maeva Mateariki and Nia Remuera who seem to be unbeatable. Gaining meters into Tupapa’s territory, Nikao’s Hugh Henry sat himself right in front of the box lofting in a kick that went straight pass the keeper. Wanting to further their lead and tighten their grip on a victory, speedy forward Toru Mateariki mae his way down the line right pass Tupapa’s defenders Teina Savage and Dave Milanovic, and with his left boot smashed the ball into the corner of the goal, finalizing their led and ending the match at 3 goals to none with both cups in their hands.
In the Senior Women’s match against Tupapa Maraerenga and Puaikura, Tupapa’s Elizabeth Harmon opened up the game with a corner kick that flew into the net within the first 5 minutes of the game. Puaikura’s Victoria Fatiaki and Esther Potoru had found themselves in front of the box many times but couldn’t seem to get anything pass Tupapa’s Nicole Kimiora and Claudean Robati. While tussling for the ball, Tupapa gained a free kick in front of the half way mark with Kuramaeva Tare sitting still in front of the box, Harmon distrubted a beautiful kick that went straight to Tare who used her head to slip the ball into the net, putting their half time score at 2-0. Wanting another goal to her name in the second half, Tare took control of the ball getting through Puaikura’s backs Stephany Nooroa and Pekarau Mataio, then landing a left footer which curved its way into the goal, seal their clean sweep 3 nil and Knock Out champions title.
The U18 Men division, had their score at 1 all at full time which meant a shootout, that was then won by Tupapa Maraerenga who managed to pull through with a 4-5 victory against Nikao Sokattak. The U15 Boys match played by Nikao Sokattak and Avatiu, ended at 2-0 to Nikao giving them the KO Cup and Round Cup trophy for 2021, as well as the U15 Girls, Puaikura took on Avatiu and came out scoring 2 goals to none in Puaikura’s favour, taking home with them both titles for this year’s season.
