Avatiu FC battled Puaikura FC in an exciting Senior Women’s match of the week for round 12 over the weekend.

This highly anticipated matchup on Saturday showcased a clash of the titans affair with Puaikura boasting their status as reigning champions from the Rarotonga Round Cup Championship, while Avatiu FC has astounded fans with their meteoric rise to the top of the league.

On Saturday, the Avatiu Field was an electrifying blend of nerves and energy when Avatiu hosted Puaikura on their home turf. The game began at 2.40pm with Puaikura immediately kicking off by asserting dominance in their opponent’s territory.

The first goal came in the 19^th minute from Puaikura’s Victoria Fatiaki, who managed to capitalise on a spilled ball by the opposing goalkeeper. The slip-up resulted from a well-placed shot taken by Abrihana McBirney-Enoka, granting Puaikura an early lead in the match.

Fatiaki demonstrated her outstanding skills once more, weaving around opponents and sending another ball flying straight into the net. With a 2-0 scoreline just before halftime, her impressive efforts appeared to have put in a comfortable position.

However, as the second half commenced, Avatiu refused to go down without a fight. The team displayed unwavering determination as they searched for their chance to get back into contention. That moment came in the 63^rd minute when Avatiu’s Katarina Piri caught sight of an opportunity and seized it, sending a shot sailing past Puaikura’s goalkeeper and securing her team’s first goal.

With merely eight minutes remaining on the clock, Piri continued to demonstrate her prowess by taking a corner kick that found its way into the net. Piri’s remarkable performance managed to bring the scoreline level at 2-2 in the final moments of the match.

The thrilling standoff between Avatiu FC and Puaikura FC proved to be a captivating event for football fans, drawing women from clubs around the island to witness firsthand this remarkable display of skill and sportsmanship. As spectators cheered on their favourite teams, this exhilarating showdown demonstrated that these top-ranked women’s clubs only continue to grow stronger and more competitive, leaving fans eager for their next encounter on the field.

• CIFA Media