Top drawers in the Islander Hotel senior women’s division, Puaikura and Tupapa Maraerenga will confront each other today in their mid-week match up at CIFA Complex while tomorrow, the Tower Insurance premier men will battle it out at 5pm.

After claiming the women’s Round Cup title, the ladies from Tupapa will be hoping to end the 2021 season on a high with more wins in the next coming weeks. Their previous clash with second placed Puaikura ended in a draw after both teams were able to match each other in attacking and defense.

Tupapa remains a side to beat but so is this Puaikura side. The Tupapa team as always will bring forth an attacking flair with the aim to dominate the field. The side will be led by the likes of experienced Mii Piri-Savage, who has been a huge impact on Tupapa’s forwards, Elizabeth Harmon, who spearheads what seems to be a hard to pass midfield and Claud Chloe, who is the glue for their rigid back wall. They have certainly been the trio to watch out for in the weekly matches.

Puaikura’s youthful side led by captain Tasha Dean are placed second and sure to give this Tupapa side a challenge.

Puaikura’s young players like Victoria Fatiaki and Teupoko Tuariki have proven handful for their opponents with their quick steals and pace and will surely give the Tupapa side a hard time this afternoon.

In the men’s battle between these two clubs, Tupapa Maraerenga will be hoping to repeat their winning performance from earlier this season when they meet tomorrow.

After smashing Avatiu 8-0, the side will be on a mission to score more big wins in their remaining matches. Tupapa’s John Noovao has been the talk amongst the fans since making the lineup and will be the one to look out for this Friday. Led by multiple experienced footballers such as Grover Harmon and Anthony Samuela, who spearhead their midfield area, and Paavo Mustonen who pushes through a tougher forward line.

Puaikura will need to keep on their toes if they are wanting to redeem themselves from their last loss to Tupapa. Veteran Paul Luiz Van Ejik has been the voice of the Puaikura side alongside Jarves Aperau in defence with Dwayne Tiputoa leading the charge upfront.

- CIFA Media

Fixtures

Today at CIFA complex, Matavera – 4pm Under 15 Boys Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Kataraina Piri, Assist: Theressa Kaukura, Matilda Auua), 5pm Senior Women Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Lai Gukisuva, Assist: Kataraina Piri, Gideon Pouao); Tomorrow at the CIFA complex, Matavera –  4pm Under 15 Girls Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Tehainnah Tatuava, Assist: Poko Tangata, Noovao Blake), 5pm Premier Men Tupapa Maraerenga FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist: John Pareanga, Tehainnah Tatuava).