The opening round of matches in the 2022 Rarotonga football season saw some shocking results setting the platform for another round of thrilling matches this weekend.

Town neighbours Avatiu and Tupapa Maraerenga will meet in a much-anticipated derby this afternoon at the Aretere Park.

In the Tower Insurance premier men’s division, both sides started their 2022 season with wins – Avatiu beating Puaikura 2-1 while Tupapa Maraerenga overpowering Titikaveka 7-0.

Tupapa led by the Harmon brothers Grover and Lee who will be leading the battle upfront, will march into today’s match as favourites.

However the former champions are expected to face a tough challenge from Avatiu who will have the services of speedsters Viiga Reupena and Jarves Aperau leading their defensive line. Reupena and Aperau will aim to keep Tupapa’s attacking pair at bay.

The match of the week is expected to be an exhilarating one, keeping the fans at te edge of their seats as both teams battle for top spot early in the weekly league.

In the Islander senior women’s division, Avatiu pulled off a shock win against the highly favoured Puaikura with a fierce performance. This week they will need to bring back that determination against champions Tupapa Maraerenga who defeated Titikaveka 1-0 last week.

The two teams have shown that they mean business and they are willing to put their bodies on the line to get the maximum points from their matches.

In the other match, Titikaveka will host Nikao Sokattak at Teimurimotia Park.

Defending champions Nikao defeated Matavera 3-2 in the premier men’s match last week while the women’s side went down 0-6.

Setting the scene for the senior divisions will be the BSP U15 Boys at 11.15am, followed by the BSP U15 Girls.

• CIFA Media

Fixtures

Saturday 10th September, at the Aretere Park, Avatiu – 11.15am Under 15 Boys. Avatiu FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Mata Iroa, Assist: Jaceleine Nand, Carl Fredrick), 12.15pm Under 15 Girls. Avatiu FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Ua Savage, Assist: Theressa Kaukura, Ratai Kaukura), 1.15pm Under 18 Men. Avatiu FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist: Teupoko Tuariki, Kimberly Uini), 2.40pm Senior Women. Avatiu FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Mata Iroa, Assist: Ua Savage, Theressa Kaukura), 4.15pm Premier Men. Avatiu FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Maara Kaukura, Assist: Kimberly Uini, Mata Iroa). At Teimurimotia Park, Titikaveka – 12.30pm Under 15 Girls. Titikaveka FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC (Ref: Lai Gukisuva, Assist: Penina Katuke, Noovao Blake), 1.30pm Under 15 Boys. Titikaveka FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC (Ref: Paul Luiz Van Eijk, Assist: Tailei Blake, Noovao Blake), 2.40pm Senior Women. Titikaveka FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC (Ref: Lai Gukisuva, Assist: Matilda Auua, Tailei Blake), 4.15pm Premier Men. Titikaveka FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC (Ref: Robert Savage, Assist: Penina Katuke, Poko Manuela).