Thrilling win sends Nikao into finals

A narrow 5-4 win in a penalty shootout over rivals Arorangi in a typically closely-fought game has earned Nikao senior boys a place in the grand finals of the 2011 Primary School Soccer Tournament, where they are to meet Avatea.

Nikao led throughout the game by 2 goals but nerves got the better of them giving a free kick to Arorangi.

Arorangi had more tricks in their bag when they equalised bringing the score to 2 goals each.

With 2 minutes remaining in the second half Nikao scored what was thought to be the winning goal with a brilliant shot from inside the goal area catching the Arorangi goal keeper off guard.

Time was starting to run out for Arorangi, but they showed a lot of determination. Arorangi equalised in the dying seconds to force a penalty shootout.

With the crowd watching, Nikao and Arorangi proceeded with the penalty shootout to determine who will face Avatea in today’s final and Nikao came out victors with 5 goals to 4.

Avarua Senior Girls proved once again why they are the champions, winning all 4 of their Round games to lead the competition with the last game to be played today.

Today’s final matches will see the seniors girls play at 2.45pm with the main game to be played between Avarua and Avatea for the 2011 primary school title.

Following the girl’s games at 3.20pm, Nikao will face Avatea for 1st and 2nd placing in the senior boys division while Arorangi will play Nukutere for 3rd and 4th.

The third match in the boy’s division will see Avarua challenge the combined schools, Te Uki Ou/Imanuela for 5th and 6th placing.

Presentation of trophies will take place after the finals.

- CIFA Media

Results from last Wednesday – (girls) Avarua 3 vs Arorangi 0, Avatea 1 vs Nukutere 0, Nikao 1 vs Titikaveka-Papaaroa 2, (boys) Nikao 3 vs Arorangi 3 (Nikao winning by 5-4 in penalty shootout), Avatea 2 vs Nukutere 0, Te Uki Ou/Imanuela 4 vs Papaaroa/Titikaveka

Today’s draw – (girls) on field one Arorangi vs Titikaveka/Papaaroa, on field two Avarua vs Avatea, on field three Nikao vs Nukutere, (boys) on field one Arorangi vs. Nukutere (for 3rd and 4th placing), on field two Nikao vs Avatea (for 1st and 2nd placing), on field three Avarua vs Te Uki Ou/Imanuela (for 5th and 6th placing).