The stands at the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) Complex in Matavera filled with many supporters on Saturday for the Tower Insurance premier men’s match between the soldiers in blue Titikaveka and the men in black and white Tupapa Maraerenga.

Both teams fought for possession and chances in the first 30 minutes of the game, with no one lucky enough to reach the back of the net.

This however changed when the quick Tupapa forward Maru Tearaitoa scored the opener putting his side 1-0 ahead at the break.

Tupapa’s midfield were tested by Titikaveka’s midfielders John Karika and Akiona Tairi who forced Tupapa to play wide. Tupapa’s Anthony Samuela and Paavo Mustonen used every opportunity to deliver through balls to their forwards from the flanks.

Within 10 minutes of the second half, daring Mii Joseph found himself one on one with Titikaveka’s keeper and slipped through Tupapa’s second goal before Geoffrey Strickland got the third. Tupapa were not done, with another goal later in the second spell saw them win the match 4-0.

Playing at The Swamp in Avatiu, Puaikura and Avatiu men’s match ended in a 2-all draw while on Friday, Nikao Sokattak thumped Matavera 4-0.

In the Islander women’s match, the undefeated ladies in black ended maintained their winning streak after bashing Titikaveka 4-0.

Starting their goal scoring rampage in the first half of the match were Kuramaeva Tare and Elizabeth Harmon, who put through a goal each to help Tupapa lead 2-0 at the break. Then in the second half, Kuramaeva Tare got her second and Tupapa’s third goal before veteran Mii Piri-Savage sealed the 4-0 win.

Avatiu and Puaikura drew nil-all while on Thursday, Nikao Sokattak took down Matavera 1-0.

- CIFA Media

Results

Under 6 Mix: Puaikura FC vs Matavera FC: 2-5, Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 0-0; Nikao Sokattak FC vs Matavera FC: U8 Mix: 2-1, U10 Mix: 4-1, U12 Mix: 1-0, U15 Boys: 3-0, U15 Girls: 0-0, U18 Men: 0-2, Senior Women: 1-0, Premier Men: 4-0; Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC: U8 Mix: 1-1, U10 Mix: 0-1, U12 Mix: 3-1, U15 Boys: 1-7, U15 Girls: 0-2, U18 Men: 1-4, Senior Women:0-4, Premier Men: 0-4; Avatiu FC vs Puaikura FC: U8 Mix: 9-1, U10 Mix: 4-0, U12 Mix: 3-0, U15 Girls: 0-2, U15 Boys: 17-0, Senior Women: 0-0, Premier Men: 2-2.