Puaikura Football Club and Matavera-Ngatangiia showcased intense competition drawing 1-1 in the premier men's football Round Cup competition at Raemaru Park on Saturday.

At this round 10 competition, Matavera drew first blood in the 37th second right after kick off when midfielder Alphy Ngire pounced on a well-placed through ball to George Ellis who put the ball at the back of the net.

A misjudged clearance from Puaikura’s defense allowed the ball to fall perfectly into Willis’s path, and he made no mistake, firing it past the keeper to give Matavera a 1-0 lead.

Puaikura’s persistence paid off in the 12th minute in the second half when JJ Karika delivered the ball from the centre, allowing Oscar Wichman to make a well-timed run into the box and finish with precision, narrowing the score to 1-1.

In the final 10 minutes, both teams threw everything forward with quick counterattacks and a flurry of crosses from the wings tested both team’s defense. Matavera’s backline, bolstered by coach Ronnie Sakai and goalkeeper Kenneth Rota, held firm.

In the senior womens teams of Puaikura and Matavera-Ngatangiia clashed in an exhilarating showdown where Maeva Carr scored Matavera’s first goal, assisted by Talei.

Puaikura pushed hard for a late goal, but Matavera’s composure at the back and interventions from goalkeeper Kimberly ensured they held on to their 1-0 lead.

Puaikura increased the pressure through their strikers, Victoria Fatiaki and Poko Tuariki, who looked to exploit gaps in Matavera’s defense. In the 25th minute, Poko Tuariki found the opportunity to score creating an equaliser on the scoreboard.

Matavera-Ngatangiia managed to secure another thrilling goal assisted with a long ball by Manine Lynch to Maeva Carr ending with a final score of 1-2.

At Victoria Park, Tupapa Maraerenga Premier Mens defeated Nikao Sokattak 3-0.

In the 20^th minute after kick-off, striker Marcus Gibbens found the ball at the back of the net, putting Tupapa in the lead and 10 minutes before half-time, Tupapa was given a penalty by the referee due to a reckless tackle caused by Nikao.

Paavo Mustonen added another point to the scoreboard for Tupapa. Nikao Sokattak ramped up the intensity as they regained the lead throughout the second half. The match ended 3-0 victory for Tupapa.

In the Senior Women’s Tupapa Maraerenga’s team dominated Nikao Sokattak with a 11-0 victory.

Last Friday, at the CIFA Complex Avatiu FC took on Titikaveka FC In the Premier Men’s match. Avatiu secured a 3-1 victory over Titikaveka. In the Senior Women’s match between Titikaveka and Avatiu, the final score was 1-0 to Titikaveka. CIFA