The fifth round of competition was exciting and full of surprises

The 2024 Rarotonga football season was held last weekend with exciting matches at all levels.

Avatiu FC hosted Titikaveka FC in a much-anticipated Super Men’s clash at Aretere Park. Both teams were determined to get a good result in the first round, having each won just one of their previous four games.

Led by captain James Nande, Avatiu showed off their attacking prowess with a dominant 4-1 win.

Joseph Crocombe scored early in the game for Awatiu, followed by a goal from Andrew Tiner. Titikaweka scored a goal from Tangi Akawa, but Awatiu remained in control. Robert Savage extended the lead, and Chris Pita sealed the victory, capping off a great performance for the team.

Despite their best efforts, Titikaveka was unable to break through the tight Awatiu defence. Bill Tangapiri and Teriki Piri created chances but lacked the forward edge to attack in the final moments.

In other Men’s Super League action, Matavella Ngatangia defeated Puekula 2-1 in a closely fought encounter.

Under the final pressure from Puaikula, Matavilla defended very tightly and finally won the valuable three points.

Tupapa Maralunga won a resounding 5-0 against Nikau Sokatake on Friday. The performance cemented Tupapa’s place as one of the season’s top contenders, while Nikau face a crucial period of reflection as they look to bounce back.

In the senior women’s category, Awatiu continued their unbeaten run with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Titikaveka. Awatiu’s defence, anchored by Tara Mitchell and Palu Ngaroi, once again performed well to stifle Titikaveka’s main attackers.

Titikaveka’s midfield duo, sisters Edwina Matenga-Piri and Grace Matenga, worked tirelessly to orchestrate play and create chances, often finding striker Hannah Siwo. However, despite Siwo’s best efforts, they were unable to capitalise on their chances.

On the other side, midfielders Ngamaanga Taripo and Rima Browne controlled the game for Avatiu, putting the team in the driver’s seat. Titikaveka’s defense, led by Penina Katuke and Merran Munro, held its ground for much of the match, but Avatiu’s relentless pressure eventually broke through the lines.

In other senior women’s action, Puaikula’s senior women’s team bounced back with a 3-1 win over Matavilla Ngatangia. The win helped Puaikula keep up with their rivals in their bid to move up the rankings.

The senior women’s team coached by Tupapa Maraerenga also performed well, defeating Nikao Sokattak easily 4-0.

With the first round of matches now over, all teams will regroup, analyse their performances and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming intense season.

result

U6 Mixed – Avatiu 3 Puaikura 2, Tupapa Maraerenga 0 Titikaveka 0, Nikoo Sokattak vs Tupapa Maraerenga – Senior Boys 0-5, Senior Girls 0-4, U18 Boys 1-6, U15 Boys 0-9, U15 Girls 0-0, U12 Mixed 2-0, U10 Mixed 0-9, U8 Mixed 0-16,

Awatiu vs Titikaweka – Super Men 4-1, Senior Women 1-0, U18 Men 3-0, U15 Men 1-0, U15 Women 0-1, U12 Mixed 2-0, U10 Mixed 1-4, U8 Mixed 3-4, Matavera-Ngatangiia vs Puaikura – Super Men 2-1, Senior Women 1-3, U18 Men 11-1, U15 Men 1-0, U15 Women 0-1, U12 Mixed 7-0, U10 Mixed 6-0, U8 Mixed 2-4.