Soccer supporters filled CIFAs grandstands on Friday, for the Tower Insurance Premier mens final decider match between Nikao Sokattak and Tupapa Maraerenga, waiting to see who will be taking home the Round Cup Trophy.
It was clear from the second the whistle blew that Tupapa were hungry for the win, but Nikao weren’t going to let them win today. The first half had both sides hassling each other for the ball with consistent steals and hard defending on both ends, Nikao’s forwards Julius David and Toru Mateariki made it a challenge for Tupapa’s Dave Milanovic and John Noovao to keep them away from the goal, as these two were set on getting that winning shot.
Ending the second half with nil all, both stared down the back of the net as they weren’t going to end this final round encounter with no goals scored. Tupapa’s Maru Tearaitoa had clear view of the goal and a chance at gaining a point, when standing face to face with Nikaos intimidating keeper, a quick reaction sent the ball flying over the goal, and the game continued as anyone’s take. As time flew by and no score to the board, Nikao knew they needed to keep their defense sharp and take as many shots at the goal as possible, if they were going to claim this glorious victory. Fortunately, a play that wasn’t executed well the first time gained Nikao their mark on the board the second attempt, blasted a long ball from the half way line Nikao’s Huah Henry weaved his way through Tupapa’s backline launching Nikao’s winning goal, claiming the champions title and their victory against Tupapa 1 goal to none.
At CIFA Complex on Saturday, Puaikura and Matavera left the field with a 2 all draw, While Avatiu have yet to play their match against Titikaveka.
Tupapa Maraerenga women’s came out victorious in their match against Nikao Sokattak on Thursday, in the Islander women division. Gaining their first goal in the first half and second 20 minutes before the end of the match, a shot taken on the left side of the field by Claudean Robati slipped straight through the goalies finger tips, marking their first goal. Nikao’s Poko Tangata and Harriet Tuara were hard at work trying to prevent any black and white from getting near their goal, but with a free kick just outside of Nikao’s goal, Tupapa’s Elizabeth Harmon and Kuramaeva Tare used this chance to take another shot at goal, slipping her way through Nikao’s back Captain Elizabeth Harmon found a gap and did not hesitate to take a shot at goal landing another point and ending their game at 2-0.
While playing at CIFA, Puaikura won their game against Matavera 1 nil, while Avatiu and Titikaveka are still awaiting their game day.
