Tupapa Maraerenga emerged on top in a fierce battle against Nikao Sokattak for the Round Cup trophy at CIFA Complex on Saturday.

The fight for the premiership title left CIFA ground shaking as these two teams were on each other’s necks in the first 45 minutes of the game, going back and forth trying to get the lead in the match.

The intensity grew in the second half after they finished the opening spell locked at nil-all. Tupapa Maraerenga forced their way through Nikao Sokattak, giving them no chances to score. They gained more ground and threatened Nikao’s goalkeeper Tahiri Elikana, who was kept busy between the sticks.

Gelling well with their youth, Tupapa’s Grover Harmon and youngster Shane Tuteru assisted their up and coming with many through balls from the midfield area giving them a lot of ground to work with.

Daniel Taokia continued his fairy tale run with yet another goal to put them ahead 1-0 within the first 15 minutes of their second half giving them the confidence booster they needed.

Nikao Sokattak’s Toru Mateariki and Nuku Mokoroa had many chances to level the score but couldn’t seem to get their execution right, with Tupapa’s Ronnie Sokai standing tall in defence. Nikao became frustrated on attacking ends, making it harder for them to even out the playing fields.

Tupapa Maraerenga seemed not content with their slender lead and they doubled their advantage through youngster Ngametua Tuakana to win 2-0, claiming the Round Cup trophy.

On Friday, Avatiu hosted Matavera and won 1-0, while Titikaveka thumped Puaikura 8-0.

In the Islander senior women’s division, Tupapa Maraerenga’s Ladies in Black gave no chances to Nikao Sokattak scoring their first goal within two minutes of the match. Tupapa won the match 3-0.

On Thursday, Avatiu’s golden girls fell to Matavera’s maroon ladies 1-0, while Round Cup winners Puaikura went down to Titikaveka on Saturday 0-2.

• CIFA Media

Results

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