Last week, the 2023 Rarotonga football competition matches provided an array of impressive performances from local teams. Spectators were treated to exciting battles between Puaikura FC and Avatiu FC, Tupapa Maraerenga FC and Titikaveka, and Matavera FC and Nikao Sokattak FC.

On Saturday, Tupapa Maraerenga FC hosted Titikaveka FC in a series of matches showcasing both teams’ prowess on the field.

Despite their best efforts, Titikaveka FC struggled to find their footing and build momentum to secure any significant wins.

The senior women’s teams for both clubs kicked off, setting the stage for an intense match led by fiercely determined players, officials, and fans alike. The first half of the match saw Titikaveka’s defence working overtime as they fought off relentless attacks from Tupapa women, culminating in a scoreless first half.

However, the second half painted a different picture as Tupapa’s women ramped up their aggression and finally broke through Titikaveka’s defence line. Goals from Elizabeth Harmon and Jan-Marie Taia secured a 2-0 victory for Tupapa Maraerenga FC.

The energy on the field remained palpable as the men’s teams took over. The reigning champions from Tupapa FC set out with fierce determination in their bid to defend their title. Early taunts from Tupapa players seemed to energise the team as they managed to secure the opening goal just four minutes into the match.

Undeterred, Titikaveka retaliated with Kiriti Tangatakino netting their first and only goal. The first half ended with Tupapa leading 2-1, thanks to a goal in the 36th minute by Aki Tairi.

As the second half got underway, Tupapa’s aggression only intensified, resulting in two more goals within the first seven minutes. The host side scored another two goals, ensuring their victory with an impressive 6-1 final score.

In the other grade matches, Titikaveka emerged victorious in both the U8 (2-0) and U10 (7-3) matches while falling to Tupapa Maraerenga’s superior

performance in the U12 (5-2), U15 boys (5-0), and U18 men’s (5-0) categories. The close match between the U15 girls ultimately resulted in a 1-1 draw.

Throughout the week, the match-ups between Puaikura FC and Avatiu FC saw the U8 match conclude with a stunning 7-1 victory for Puaikura, while the U10 match saw Avatiu emerge with a score of 3-1. In the U12 division, Puaikura remained scoreless in a 3-0 triumph for Avatiu. The Avatiu U15 boys exhibited exceptional strength on the field when they crushed their opponents

8-0. In the tightly contested U15 girls’ match, Puaikura eked out a win with a slim 1-0 margin. The intensity peaked in the U18 men’s match when Avatiu secured victory by scoring the only goal. Meanwhile, senior women from Puaikura grabbed 1-0 win and premier men’s teams both ended their games 1-1.

Finally, the Matavera FC versus Nikao Sokattak FC face-off was nothing short of enthralling. The U8 match concluded in Matavera FC’s favour, delivering a whopping 10-0 victory. On the other hand, Nikao Sokattak FC performed exceptionally well in the U10 (3-0) and U12 (6-1) divisions. The U15 boys fought to a 3-3 draw, mirroring the equally suspenseful 1-1 result in the U15 girls’ match. The U18 men’s match saw Nikao Sokattak edge out a win with a scoreline of 2-1.

With the senior women’s team clinching a comprehensive 4-0 win for Matavera, supporters were left ecstatic. In contrast, the premier men’s match ended in a resounding 5-1 victory for Nikao Sokattak.

All in all, Rarotonga watched an exhilarating week of eye-catching football across various age categories. Fans will look forward to seeing their favourite teams continue their quest for glory as the season progresses, hoping for more memorable moments from these talented competitors.

• CIFA Media