Supporters hemmed in at CIFA complex on Saturday, for what was a thriller of a game between fan favourites Nikao Sokattak FC and the men in blue Titikaveka FC, for the Tower Insurance Premier Men’s division.
Gaining first touches on the ball Nikao Sokattak were quickly challenged by the Titikaveka side who were eager for possession. Denying all chances at their goal, Titikaveka’s backline used full force when attempting to counteract Nikao Sokattak’s speedy forwards. Many attempts to a goal were stopped at both ends with passes going to and from, which then gave Nikao a chance right infront of Titikaveka’s back four, Nikao Sokattaks Marc Leito found a crack in their back wall getting through a pass chased by Toru Mateariki who led the ball through to the back of the net. A few minutes before the end of the half hooter, scoring machine Julius David saw a chance at another score, weaving his way through Titikaveka’s backs closing the first half with 2-0 marked on the score board.
Punching through the second half, Titikaveka’s typical scorers Rua Oti and Nuku Mokoroa couldn’t make a dent in the Nikao’s shielding wall, while mid-fielder Akiona Tairi and Ben Dakahaoa couldn’t seem to get any touches on the ball while in Nikao’s grip. Finalizing the match with another point, Nikao’s Maiva Mateariki guided through their last winning goal of the match setting their score to 3 nil.
Playing their mid-week match on Friday, Tupapa Maraerenga added another 3 points to the points table winning 6 to 2 against Puaikura.
For the Islander women’s match, which ended in a 1 all draw between Titikaveka and Nikao Sokattak. Both sides clashed in both for and against challenging, with the score standing still at nil all Nikao were given a chance at goal with a penalty, kicked swiftly by mid-fielder Rima Browne, a ball which found it’s way to the corner of the goal getting them their first point. With scores remaining at 1-0 in Nikao’s favour Titikaveka youngster Penina Katuke found herself at the front of the Nikao’s keeper scoring their equalizer from a penalty kick which ended the match.
The ladies in black played rivals Puaikura in their match on Thursday, coming out with a 1 to none score in Tupapa’s favour.
