The round seven Rarotonga Football Round Cup competition saw some exciting clashes across all age groups and senior divisions.

In the Premier Men’s Round Cup competition on Saturday, Avatiu secured a 2-1 victory over Puaikura at the CIFA Complex in a match that showcased intense competition from start to finish.

Both teams battled fiercely for possession, with the midfield turning into a key battleground as each side sought to control the tempo.

Avatiu drew first blood in the 30^th minute when right winger Ariki Tou pounced on a well-placed long ball from centre-back James Nand. A misjudged clearance from Puaikura’s defence allowed the ball to fall perfectly into Tou’s path, and he made no mistake, firing it past the keeper to give Avatiu a 1-0 lead.

Puaikura’s midfield duo, Nathan Tisam and JJ Karika, worked tirelessly to regain control for their side, breaking up Avatiu’s play and initiating quick transitions forward. Tisam, in particular, was a standout performer for Puaikura, displaying composure and vision as he tried to link up with the forwards and orchestrate attacks.

However, Avatiu’s midfield core, consisting of Chris Pita, Joseph Crocombe, and Tione Nand, remained resilient and composed. They kept possession well and frustrated Puaikura by cutting off passes and slowing down their momentum.

In the 60th minute, Avatiu capitalised on another defensive lapse from Puaikura. Andrew Teena intercepted a weak back pass intended for Puaikura’s goalkeeper, quickly rounding him and slotting the ball into the empty net to double Avatiu’s advantage.

Despite trailing 2-0, Puaikura refused to back down and continued to search for a way back into the game. Their persistence paid off in the 80^th minute when Paul-Luiz Van Eijk delivered a perfectly weighted through ball from the right flank, allowing Nathan Tisam to make a well-timed run into the box and finish with precision, narrowing the score to 2-1.

In the final 10 minutes, Puaikura threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Avatiu’s ability to stay composed under pressure allowed them to see out the game and secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

At Victoria Park, Tupapa Maraerenga narrowly defeated Titikaveka 1-0 in a tightly contested Premier Men’s match. The game was marked by robust defensive performances from both sides, making it difficult to score.

Tupapa Maraerenga’s wide forwards, Kima Webb and Michael Nicholas, were instrumental in their attacking strategy. Their ability to spread Titikaveka’s defence and create space was crucial throughout the match. Despite their efforts to break down the opposition, the game remained scoreless until late in the second half.

The decisive moment came in the 80^th minute when striker Campbell Best converted a well-placed pass from left-back Marcus Gibbens into the match-winning goal.

Titikaveka’s Edward Matenga and Ioane Moore were standout performers, with Matenga delivering strong defensive play and Moore contributing creatively in the midfield. Despite a late surge from Titikaveka, with forwards Tangi Akava and Pierce Iripa pushing for an equaliser, Tupapa’s defence, anchored by a solid goalkeeper performance, held firm to secure the 1-0 victory.

In Friday’s Premier Men’s clash at Takitumu School, Matavera-Ngatangiia and Nikao Sokattak played to an engaging 2-2 draw.

Nikao Sokattak started strong, applying pressure with their quick, dynamic attacking play. Their efforts were rewarded with goals from Rangi Moore and Navin Reddy, who both showcased their finishing skills.

Matavera-Ngatangiia responded with resilience and determination. They controlled large portions of the game with a structured midfield and effective passing. Mark Leito and Nooti Peau were instrumental in their team’s comeback, with Leito scoring from a penalty and Peau finishing a well-constructed attacking move.

In the Senior Women’s competition,Avatiu edged out Puaikura with a narrow 1-0 win. The match’s only goal came in the 20th minute when Ina Tuaine found space outside the 18-yard box and sent a lofted shot over the Puaikura goalkeeper, putting Avatiu in the lead.

From there, Avatiu’s midfield, anchored by Rima Browne and Terrisa Piri, played a crucial role in maintaining control of the game. Avatiu’s defence, led by the experienced pairing of Tara Mitchell and Paeru Ngaroi, worked diligently to keep Puaikura at bay. Their disciplined organisation and well-timed tackles prevented Puaikura from getting any clear chances in front of goal.

Puaikura, however, didn’t give up easily. Midfielders Esther Potoru and Esther David were instrumental in trying to dictate the pace of the game, switching play and looking to unlock Avatiu’s defence. They kept the ball moving well in midfield, creating opportunities, but Avatiu’s backline and goalkeeper remained solid, clearing out any danger that came their way.

As the second half progressed, Puaikura increased the pressure, particularly through their strikers, Victoria Fatiaki and Poko Tuariki, who looked to exploit gaps in Avatiu’s defence. However, Avatiu’s defensive resilience remained strong, with Mitchell and Ngaroi breaking up play effectively and preventing Puaikura from finding that elusive equaliser.

In other Senior Women’s matches, Tupapa Maraerenga secured a 1-0 victory over Titikaveka. Defensive stalwarts Kayleena Kermode and Tia Strickland effectively controlled the backline, while midfielder Abrihana Enoka dominated the centre of the pitch, winning crucial one-on-one duels and denying Titikaveka any meaningful attacking opportunities.

The decisive moment came in the first half when Mii Piri-Savage scored the winning goal, lofting a long ball over the goalkeeper after a well-executed combination play on the right side.

Titikaveka’s relentless midfield duo, sisters Edwina Matenga-Piri and Grace Matenga, along with centre-back Penina Katuke, tirelessly sought opportunities to level the score.

Despite their persistent efforts and several promising attacks, they were unable to find the back of the net. It was a hard-fought match by both teams, showcasing determination and skill, but ultimately Tupapa Maraerenga held on to secure the narrow victory.

In Thursday’s Senior Women’s match, Matavera-Ngatangiia secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Nikao Sokattak. The game was closely contested in the first half, with Matavera-Ngatangiia holding a slim 1-0 lead at the break, thanks to an early goal from Samantha Lockington.

The second half saw Matavera-Ngatangiia take control of the game. Manine Lynch scored to extend the lead, followed by Elizabeth and Tearoa Rouru adding further goals.

• CIFA Media

Results

U6 Mix Division – Avatiu 5 vs Tupapa Maraerenga 3, Puaikura 3 vs Titikaveka 5. Avatiu vs Puaikura – Premier Men: 2-1, Senior Women: 1-0, U18 Men: 19-0, U15 Boys: 6-0, U15 Girls: 1-0, U12 Mix: 10-0, U10 Mix: 2-5, U8 Mix: 4-3; Tupapa Maraerenga vs Titikaveka – Premier Men: 1-0, Senior Women: 1-0, U18 Men: 3-1, U15 Boys: 0-5, U15 Girls: 3-1, U12 Mix: 5-0, U10 Mix: 3-7, U8 Mix: 2-2; Matavera-Ngatangiia vs Nikao Sokattak – Premier Men: 2-2, Senior Women: 4-0, U18 Men: 5-1, U15 Boys: 0-5, U10 Mix: 8-0, U8 Mix: 9-0.