Defending champions Tupapa Maraerenga will take on arch-rivals Nikao Sokattak in round five of the Tower Insurance men’s competition today at Nikao Field.

Both teams are unbeaten in the Rarotonga Football Club competition. The crucial match will determine who will take the lead in the Tower Insurance premiership. It will also give them both a perfect chance to stretch their lead and maintain a clear shot at the champions title.

Nikao’s youth players have made a massive impact, with strikers Julius David and Toru Mateariki packing in speed and skills to maintain their goal-scoring feats. The duo will be a threat to Tupapa defenders.

For the visitors, veterans Paavo Mustonen and Grover Harmon being their more experienced players have helped Tupapa make an impressive start to their title defence campaign.

In the Islander senior women’s division, both Nikao and Tupapa have had a rollercoaster first round but no one will make it easy for either sides to score today.

Also playing at Takitumu School grounds today will be Matavera FC and Puaikura, with the junior grades as the curtain raisers matches for the senior men’s and women’s matches.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

Nikao Field: 11.15am Under 15 Boys Nikao Sokattak FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Tahiri Elikana, Assist: Gideon Pouao, Eitiare Tangirere), 12.15pm Under 15 Girls Nikao Sokattak FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Poko Manuela, Assist: Ua Savage, Dallas Rongokea), 1.15pm Under 18 Men. Nikao Sokattak FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist: Ava Wyllie, Kataraina Piri), 2.40pm Senior Women. Nikao Sokattak FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Lai Gukisuva, Assist: Selina Maora, Gideon Pouao), 4.15pm Premier Men Nikao Sokattak FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist: Kataraina Piri, Ava Wyllie).

Takitumu School, Matavera: 12.40pm Under 15 Girls. Matavera FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Lai Gukisuva, Assist: Noovao Noovao, Anzac Tapaitau), 1.40pm Under 15 Boys Matavera FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Merian Noovao, Assist: Tailei Blake, Teupoko Tuariki), 2.40pm Senior Women. Matavera FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Tehainnah Tatuava, Assist: Merian Noovao, Theressa Kaukura), 4.15pm    Premier Men. Matavera FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: John Pareanga, Assist: Tehainnah Tatuava, Junior Savage).