The eleventh round of the Rarotonga Football Season concluded on Saturday, leaving fans and football enthusiasts buzzing with excitement.

The passion for the sport was on full display as talented teams from various age groups faced off in intense, action-packed matches throughout the week.

It was an action-packed day for football lovers as Nikao Sokattak FC and Avatiu FC took over CIFA complex on Saturday.

The game of the week was undoubtedly the premier men's match. Ten minutes into the game, fans were already at the edge of their seats as Owenne Matapo scored a remarkable goal for Nikao Sokattak. The electrifying moment set the tone for what would be a nail-biting contest between the two teams.

As the first half unfolded, Nikao seemed to have doubled their lead but the goal was ruled offside.

The second half picked momentum with Matapo scoring another impressive goal for Nikao Sokattak. Nikao’s Tuakana Mataiti extended his team’s lead to 3-0 in the 31^st minute before getting his brace in the 42^nd minute to seal Nikao’s 4-0 win.

In the other matches between the two clubs, the Nikao Sokattak FC U8 secured a close 3-2 win. In the U10, both sides demonstrated impressive determination and teamwork on the field as the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

It was an edge-of-your-seat battle in the U12 grade and solid defense from Avatiu FC held their opponents scoreless, with a single goal enough to claim a hard-fought victory at 1-0. In the U15 Boys division, Avatiu FC came out strong to claim an emphatic 5-1 victory by showcasing their offensive prowess and dominating the field. The Under 15 Girls’ game followed shortly afterwards, with both teams vying for supremacy. However, it was Nikao Sokattak FC who emerged victorious with a clean sheet as they netted three goals against Avatiu FC, winning 3-0.

In the U18 match, Avatiu FC who took control of this particular contest, earned both points and bragging rights after a hard-fought 4-2 win. The Senior Women's match showcased yet another dominating performance from Avatiu FC. With a stunning offensive display, the team fulfilled their fans’ hopes by overpowering Nikao Sokattak FC with a final score of 7-1.

Other matches throughout the week saw hype as teams took the fields, prepared to give their best. The Under 6 division saw two riveting matches unfold at the hands of eager young players. Puaikura FC faced Titikaveka FC in one match, with a stunning 11-nil result in favour of Titikaveka FC. Meanwhile, Tupapa Maraerenga FC challenged Nikao Sokattak FC, battling it out for an impressive final scoreline – 6-1 in favour of Nikao Sokattak FC.

Puaikura FC and Titikaveka FC went head-to-head in multiple divisions. From the nail-biting Under 8 match that ended in a near draw (2-3), to the underdog victory by Puaikura FC’s U12 team (1-0), each showdown indisputably demonstrated incredible talent.

The U15 Boys and Girls teams also showcased pure football finesse in their respective matches. While the U15 Boys racked up a 0-4 victory for Titikaveka FC, Puaikura FC’s U15 Girls clenched a tight win with their 1-0 success.

Puaikura FC’s U18 Men narrowly grabbed a win at 1-0 while their Senior Women counterparts made their presence known by dominating their match with an incredible scoreline of 7-0.

In the Premier Men's division, a closely contested match between Puaikura FC and Titikaveka FC concluded with a 1-1 draw.

In the under 8 category, Tupapa Maraerenga FC emerged victorious over Matavera-Ngatangiia FC with a close 2-1 scoreline, while the latter displayed their skills with a dominant 3-1 win in the under 10 division. The under 12 encounter was intense, resulting in a narrow 1-0 victory for Tupapa Maraerenga FC.

The under 15 boys’ match ended in a thrilling stalemate, as both teams showcased their defensive prowess in a goalless draw. Similarly, the under 15 girls’ match provided an equally exciting display of talent, resulting in a well-earned 1-1 draw.

In the U18 men, Tupapa Maraerenga FC displayed their superiority with a convincing 3-0 win, showcasing their skills and teamwork. The senior women’s match was a thrilling battle, resulting in an intense 2-2 draw, highlighting the competitive nature of the encounter.

The premier men’s match between Tupapa Maraerenga FC and Matavera-Ngatangiia FC provided an exciting conclusion to the round. Tupapa Maraerenga FC dominated the game, securing a comprehensive 5-0 victory.

• CIFA Media