Round nine of the 2024 Rarotonga Round Cup was packed with excitement as teams across all divisions left everything on the field, delivering thrilling moments and some unexpected results.

Fans were treated to intense battles, showcasing the competitiveness and passion of this year's competition.

At Victoria Park, Tupapa Maraerenga faced off against Avatiu in a fiercely competitive Premier Men’s match.

Tupapa controlled much of the early possession, creating several promising opportunities. It was Tuffy Tuakana that opened the scoring for Tupapa Maraerenga in the 20th minute with the assist of Paavo Mustonen.

Tupapa maintained their composure and pressed forward. Their persistence paid off when young talent Kima Webb, showing remarkable control, dribbled past two defenders before coolly slotting the ball into the net.

The second half ramped up the intensity as Avatiu sought to turn the tide. Avatiu held possession of the ball dominating through Tupapa’s backline giving them various opportunities to score but was not able to get through the hands of goalkeeper Mana Pierre. Avatiu’s captain James Nand showed strong commitment as a left-wing striker setting up potential opportunities for his team.

But it was Tupapa that got the goal when the oldest of the Webb brothers Tahitoa Webb extended the lead for the side. Minutes after that, a perfectly timed through ball from Grover Harmon found Marcus Gibbens, who skilfully outpaced the defence and took a shot that was blocked by Avatiu’s goalkeeper. However, the ball fell in the path of Reiya Shibuya, who made no mistake in putting it at the back of the net. Tahitoa Webb scored once again in the 70th minute and Grover Harmon sealed the 6-0 win for Tupapa.

Meanwhile, at the CIFA Complex on Friday, Nikao Sokattak took on Puaikura FC in what proved to be a tightly contested Premier Men’s match.

Nikao opened the scoring in the first half, with Winton Kiria finding the back of

the net after a well-worked team play.

Puaikura, eager to keep their fans happy, responded with determination as Joseph Tuaputa equalised for the side.

The Nikao team came hungry to win as they showed outstanding performance by scoring another three goals in the first half. Puaikura’s Daniel Taokia and Tamatoa Tuariki narrowed the deficit to 4-3, but Nikao had the final say with a decisive goal from Narneet Chand, securing a 5-3 victory.

Over at the Teimurimotia Park on Saturday, Titikaveka FC got off to a brilliant start against Matavera with young talented player Temarii Jubilee scoring in the fifth minute. Matavera equalised and the match ended in a 1-all draw.

In the Senior Women’s division, Tupapa Maraerenga and Avatiu battled in an intense match. Both teams found it hard to penetrate through each other’s defence in the opening spell.

Tupapa, however, gradually found their rhythm and put Avatiu under consistent pressure for much of the second half. The persistence paid off when Tupapa was awarded a penalty. Elizabeth Harmon stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Tupapa Maraerenga claimed the win, beating table toppers Avatiu 1-0.

In the other women’s match, Titikaveka cruised to a 1-0 victory over Matavera- Ngatangiia. After an intense first half, Titikaveka’s goal came in the second spell from Edwina Piri.

On Friday, Puaikura Senior Women’s team thumped Nikao Sokattak 10-0.

• CIFA Media

Results

U6 Mix Division: Puaikura 7-1 Tupapa Maraerenga, Titikaveka 3-1 Avatiu; Titikaveka vs Matavera Ngatangiia – Premier Men: 1-1, Senior Women: 1-0, U18 Men: 6-2, U15 Boys: 2-0, U15 Girls: 6-0, U12 Mix: 3-1, U10 Mix: 1-4, U8 Mix: 6-2; Nikao Sokattak vs Puaikura – Premier Men: 5-3, Senior Women: 0-10, U18 Men: 7-0, U15 Boys: 9-0, U15 Girls: 1-1, U10 Mix: 1-3, U8 Mix: 0-14;

Tupapa Maraerenga vs Avatiu – Premier Men: 6-0, Senior Women: 1-0, U18 Men: 1-3, U15 Boys: 1-8, U15 Girls: 3-0, U12 Mix: 2-1, U10 Mix: 8-1, U8 Mix: 1-6.