Gold for Aitutaki

The Aitutaki under 15 boys and under 16 girls claimed gold in the 2011 National Youth Football Championship last Saturday after defeating Te Au O Tonga in their respective finals.

In the under 16 girls category, Aitutaki were evenly matched by Te Au O Tonga in most facets of play. However the wet conditions saw the first goal scored by Aitutaki after the Te Au O Tonga goal keeper lost control of the ball. This gave the Aitutaki girls more confidence and added another goal to lead 2-0 just before half time. Te Au O Tonga fought hard through the early stages of the second half but was unable to break the Aitutaki defence. Their sole goal was scored five minutes before full time with Aitutaki holding onto for a 2-1 win.

In the under 15 boys category, again the Aitutakians edged out Te Au O Tonga, this time by one goal to nil. The sole goal was scored early in the game when the Te Au O Tonga goal keeper ran out of his area and the ball was quickly squared in by the Aitutaki winger for his striker to put the ball in the back of the net. The Aitutaki supporters were very vocal until the final whistle.

The Te Au O Tonga side tried tirelessly throughout the second half of the match to equalise but the Aitutaki defence was difficult to break.

In the other matches played Atiu defeated Mangaia 1-0 in the under 16 girls division to take out the bronze medal while Mauke beat Mitiaro 3-0 to claim third in the under 15 boys category.

The Cook Islands Football Association would like to thank all participating teams and officials from the three vaka and the five island teams for your assistance and have a safe journey home.

The medal winners are as follows:

Under 16 girls: Gold Aitutaki; silver Te Au O Tonga; bronze Atiu

Under 15 boys: Gold Aitutaki; silver Te Au O Tonga; bronze Mauke.