Avatea Primary School successfully defended their title and retain the silverware after winning the boy’s division in a thrilling penalty shoot-out against Avarua.
The defending champions almost lost their grasp on the trophy when Avarua scored early in the first half to become the first side to score against Avatea all season. Avatea tried to equalise in the first half but time ran out as the half-time break arrived.
In the second half Avarua managed to keep Avatea at bay but with two minutes of play remaining Avatea finally saw their efforts pay off when they scored the equaliser sending their supporters and players into a frenzy knowing a penalty shoot-out was on the horizon. Avatea came out on top securing the 2013 title with five successful spot kicks to Avarua’s four.
In the other matches in the boy’s division, Nukutere took out third place after beating Arorangi 3-2, while Nikao had to settle for fifth following their 4-1 victory over Papaaroa.
There was also plenty of action in the girl’s division with Avarua and Nukutere proving a close match in their final. Each side came close to securing the victory but both goalkeepers were on form, blocking every shot that came their way, to take the teams into the break scoreless.
The second spell brought more vocal drama from the supporters as they cheered on their teams. With neither side able to edge ahead of the other it would once again come down to a penalty shoot-out to decide the champions.
A couple of missed shots from both teams saw them sitting on two goals apeice with Nukutere having one more player to come up to the spot and win it for her school – and she did just that, knocking in the winning goal to send her team mates into raptures.
Avatea took third place after their narrow 1-0 win over Titikave.
CIFA technical staff say they are pleased with the outcome of the competition and the improvement of the players since the kick-off of the tournament five weeks ago.
“The level of improvement has exceeded our expectations this year and we are looking forward to next year’s competition,” CIFA development officer Tuka Tisam says.
“We would like to congratulate all the schools which have achieved and won this year’s championship and to all of the schools which participated in this tournament.”
For more on Cook Islands football go to www.cookislandsfootball.com

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