Puaikura have a tough challenge heading into the fifth round as they take on Titikaveka in the midweek match up this week Thursday and Friday.
The first few rounds have been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for the Puaikura men’s team with one win, one draw and one loss to date. The side will be looking to win their match with Titikaveka on Friday at 5pm, to increase their chances of heading back up the ladder, as they currently sit in fourth.
Puaikura like many clubs have had a good three weeks to prepare for this coming match and men’s coach Spoon Masters explained their preparation over the break saying it was a good chance to attend to all the injuries “The break would have been great for us to work on team plays however it ended up being more of a rest period. This was a chance to manage all the injuries that the players developed during the previous matches. Despite this, I believe we will be ready for the game come Friday” Masters enthusiastically said.
Meanwhile Titikaveka’s men are yet to be stopped after climbing to the top of the ladder in the first time in years. The side has taken many clubs by surprise in the early stages of the season coming away with three wins and one draw. A win on Friday could help extend their two-goal difference lead in the competition.
Puaikura’s senior women will be needing a win on Thursday to get their season back on track after a loss and a draw in their last two games. Puaikura will go up against Titikaveka on Thursday at 5pm and will also be looking to climb up the ladder through a win.
As for Titikaveka’s senior women, their season has had a bit of a slow start with one loss, a draw and two wins. Though they currently sit in second place, they have a lot of work to do to take the top spot off Tupapa Maraerenga. Taking down Puaikura today will keep them within striking distance of that top spot.
Titikaveka Women’s and Men’s head coach, Theresa Tatuava stated that break was tough on the two teams she coaches and said it didn’t stop her sides from training hard.
“We have not made any changes to our men’s team. At the end of the day it would depend on each individual how determined and hungry they are to make a difference this year and be history makers. They have shown to be a different side this year which is impressive and I’m very proud of them, full credit to them for this attitude of sportsmanship” she said.
On the other hand, coaching the women’s is more of a challenge she explains “The women’s have been a challenge and will continue to be a challenge. We have a team made up of a few netballers who are also preparing for an international tournament so training has been based around the basics and doing them right.”
Also playing on Thursday at 4pm will be the U14 Boys and on Friday at 4pm will be the U14 Girls.
FIXTURES:
Thursday 19thSeptember, 2019 at the Raemaru Park, Arorangi
4.00pm Under 14 Boys Puaikura FC vs Titikaveka FC
Ref: Robert SavageAssist: Lai Gukisuva, Junior Savage
5.00pm Senior Women Puaikura FC vs Titikaveka FC
Ref: Lai Gukisuva Assist: Robert Savage, Junior Savage
Friday 20thSeptember, 2019 at the Raemaru Park, Arorangi
4.00pm Under 14 Girls Puaikura FC vs Titikaveka FC
Ref: Tahiri Elikana Assist:Teretia Teinaki, Maara Kaukura
5.00pm Premier Men Puaikura FC vs Titikaveka FC
Ref: Maara Kaukura Assist:Tahiri Elikana, Teretia Teinaki
