Tupapa Maraerenga and Matavera-Ngatangiia clashed in the feature match of the 2024 Rarotonga football season on Saturday at Victoria Park, marking the exciting season opener.

The Premiership match began with both teams showcasing strong midfield battles. Each side, brimming with experienced midfielders, struggled to break through, leading to wide plays and cautious strategies to avoid defensive errors.

As the clock ticked down, the intensity ramped up, with both teams seeking an opening.

The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when an unmarked Dave Milanovich headed in a goal from a corner kick, putting Tupapa ahead 1-0.

In the 64^th minute, Campbell Best secured Tupapa’s second goal with a well-timed strike from a long ball over Matavera’s defence. The match concluded with Tupapa Maraerenga victorious, winning 2-0.

In other Premier Men’s Division matches, Puaikura edged out Titikaveka with a 2-1 victory at Raemaru Park, with goals from Dwayne Tiputoa and Avaiki Mateara, while Ioane Moore netted Titikaveka’s sole goal.

Avatiu dominated Nikao Sokattak with a decisive 4-0 win on Friday at the CIFA Complex, with goals scored by Andrew Teena, James Nand and Tione Nand, who netted two goals.

In the Senior Women’s division, Tupapa Maraerenga and Matavera-Ngatangiia faced off in an intense match.

Despite Tupapa’s dominant possession, Matavera’s defense and goalkeeper stood firm. However, in the 42nd minute, Aleyna Tatuava broke through with a lofted ball over Matavera’s defence, securing the first goal.

A penalty in the 88th minute saw Jan Taia score, sealing the match in Tupapa’s favour with a 2-0 victory.

In other Senior Women’s matches, Puaikura showcased their strength at Raemaru Park, defeating Titikaveka 4-1 with goals from Pekarau Mataio, Teupoko Tuariki, Kimberly Phillips, and Esther Potoru, while Giselle Rea scored for Titikaveka.

On Thursday at the CIFA Complex, defending champions Avatiu edged out Nikao Sokattak with a 2-1 win, with Avatiu’s Tashi Kopu and Nikao’s Moana Tauraa as the goal scorers.

• CIFA Media

Results

Avatiu vs Nikao Sokattak: Premier Men 4-0, Senior Women 2-1, U18 Men 3-0, U15 Boys 3-1, U15 Girls 0-1, U12 Mix 2-1, U10 Mix 4-1, U8 Mix 3-0, U6 Mix 3-0.

Tupapa Maraerenga vs Matavera-Ngatangiia: Premier Men 2-0, Senior Women 2-0, U18 Men 3-0, U15 Boys* 3-0, U15 Girls 7-0, U12 Mix 3-1, U10 Mix 2-6, U8 Mix 3-2, U6 Mix          3-0.

Puaikura vs Titikaveka: Premier Men 2-1, Senior Women 4-1, U18 Men 1-9, U15 Boys 1-2, U15 Girls 0-4, U12 Mix 1-14, U10 Mix 3-3, U8 Mix            3-8, U6 Mix 1-2.