Puaikura Outmatched by Tupapa
Spectators were at the edge of their seats during the thrilling match between the Puaikura and Tupapa Maraerenga premier men held at Raemaru Park last Saturday.
Puaikura’s Albert Taru opened the match with a spectacular shot that caught the Tupapa goal keeper off guard to give his side an early lead. Puaikura 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 Tupapa’s Paavo Mustonen who blasted the ball into the top right corner.
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. Shortly after, Dave Milanovic seized an opportunity given to him in front of the goal to put Tupapa ahead and Puaikura on the back foot. Anthony Samuela put the final boot in for the Tupapa team putting the scores at 3-1 to Tupapa. Puaikura responded in an attempt to level the scores through the boots of Conroy Tiputoa to bring the scores to 3-2. The Puaikura team put up a good fight but could not match Tupapa’s lead and the match ended in Tupapa’s favour.
In the senior women’s division both clubs battled out which went in favour of Puaikura . Puaikura outpaced Tupapa in the midfield and on the attack, to go on and score the single goal that would win them the game.
The match held between the Nikao Sokattak and Matavera-Ngatangiia premier men just a day earlier was an intense physical match that kept the crowd on their feet. Matavera’s surgical attack strategy and strong defensive block prevented many opportunities for their opponents to score, only letting one slip past to end the match 2-1 to Matavera.
Thursday’s Match between the Nikao and Matavera Senior women was a display of strength for Nikao who outplayed Matavera and defeated the young team 3-2 Nikao’s first win of the season thus far.
Round 5 Results
Nikao Sokattak FC vs Matavera Ngatangiia FC
U7: 5 – 1
U9: 3 – 0
U12: 2 – 1
U14 Boys: 0 – 1
U15 Girls: 0 – 3
U17 Men: 3 – 0
Senior Women: 3 – 2
Premier Men: 1 – 2
Puaikura FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC
U7: 0 – 7
U9: 1 – 3
U12: 0 – 2
U14 Boys: 0 – 1
U15 Girls: 0 – 0
U17 Men: 2 – 5
Senior Women: 1 – 0
Premier Men: 2 – 3
Avatiu FC vs Titikaveka FC
U7: 1 – 0
U9: 3 – 2
U12: 0 – 3
U14 Boys: 6 – 0
U15 Girls: 1 – 0
U17 Men: 1 – 4
Senior Women: 0 – 2
Premier Men: 2 – 4
