Tupapa and Avatiu set to clash again

The Round Cup competition has fashioned out an exciting match between Tupapa and Avatiu.

The first game of the second round, to be played in the Lotto Premier Men’s division, sees leader Tupapa and third place getter Avatiu, clash today at Victoria Park.

Both teams have played each other, however Tupapa continues to dominate but Avatiu could cause an upset. A must win for Tupapa would see them lead further in the Lotto Premier Men’s points table with a distinct advantage and an odds on chance of taking the title.

A draw would see the situation intensify with everything hanging on.

Home advantage favours Tupapa and this could be a significant factor. In previous games both defences have looked solid with Mii Joseph (Tupapa) and Tairi Elikana (Avatiu) in commanding form. Midfield supremacy could be a deciding factor with Tupapa’s Eugene Tatuava and Grover Harmon looking to dominate the energy and experience of Avatiu’s Atu Putere and Teiva Tauira.

An intriguing question will surround the effectiveness of both team’s strike force. Paavo Mustonen and Campbell Best have been in fine form for Tupapa whilst Mana Munokoa and Marcello Rairoa who both are young players but will no doubt attempt to cause problems for the Tupapa defence.

In the Senior Women’s division both Tupapa and Avatiu will be relieved to welcome back their national players as they face off to another crunching game. Tupapa who are leading on the points table on fifteen points will no doubt crave for the three points to progress further from Avatiu but then again Avatiu could pull a trick out of their hat to win and catch up to the leaders with only three points difference.

In the other games played today Takuvaine will host Matavera at the Takuvaine field with the Under 14 Boys kicking off at 2.15pm.