Nikao Sokattak took home the 2021 Knock Out Cup on Saturday after their glorious 3-0 win over Tupapa Maraerenga in the premier men’s division, taking home both the 2021 Round Cup champions title and the Knock Out Cup title after 12 long years.

Nikao Sokattak were pushed to their limits by Tupapa Maraerenga on Saturday, but held strong when hassled by any of the men in black and white. Tupapa Maraerenga held possession of the ball throughout most of the first half, players like Geofferey Strickland and Grover Harmon found themselves with multiple chances to score but were quickly denied by Nikao’s solid keeper Romeo Keu and his back four walls.

However towards the end of the opening half, Nikao’s Steven Willis got his chance at a goal, beating Tupapa stopper to give Sokattak 1-0 lead at the break.

Tupapa Maraerenga came back on field hunting for a goal but couldn’t seem to keep the ball in their control when trying to go past the Nikao’s solid back walls Maeva Mateariki and Nia Remuera who seemed unbeatable in the match.

Gaining metres into Tupapa’s territory, Nikao’s Hugh Henry found himself right in front of the box, lofting in a kick that went straight past Tupapa’s goalkeeper for 2-0.

Wanting to further their lead and tighten their grip on the title, speedy forward Toru Mateariki made his way down the line right past Tupapa’s defenders Teina Savage and Dave Milanovic, and with his left boot smashed the ball into the corner of the goal, cementing the 3-0 win.

In the senior women’s match between Tupapa Maraerenga and Puaikura, Tupapa’s Elizabeth Harmon opened up the game with a corner kick that flew into the net within the first five minutes of the game.

Puaikura’s Victoria Fatiaki and Esther Potoru had multiple opportunities but couldn’t seem to get themselves past Tupapa’s Nicole Kimiora and Claudean Robati.

Kuramaeva Tare extended Tupapa’s lead to 2-0 from Harmon’s free kick. Wanting another goal to her name in the second half, Tare took control of the ball getting through Puaikura’s backline Stephany Nooroa and Pekarau Mataio, then landing a left footer which curved its way into the goal, to seal their clean sweep with the Knock Out title after earlier claiming the Round Cup Championship.

The U18 men division, had their score at 1-all at full time which meant a shootout, that was then won by Tupapa Maraerenga who managed to pull through with a 5-4 victory against Nikao Sokattak. The U15 boys match played by Nikao Sokattak and Avatiu, ended at 2-0 to Nikao giving them the Knockout Cup and Round Cup trophy for 2021. In the U15 girls, Puaikura took on Avatiu and came out scoring two goals to none in Puaikura’s favour, taking home with them both titles for this year’s season.

• CIFA Media

Results

Under 6 Mix: Titikaveka FC vs Matavera FC: 5-3, Under 8 Mix: Avatiu FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 7-6, Under 10 Mix: Avatiu FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 5-4, Under 12 Mix: Avatiu FC vs Matavera FC: 4-1, Under 15 Boys: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Avatiu FC: 2-0, Under 15 Girls: Puaikura FC vs Avatiu FC: 2-0,  Under 18 Men: Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Nikao Sokattak 5-4, Senior Women:

Tupapa Maraerenga FC VS Puaikura FC: 3-0, Premier Men: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 3-0