Tupapa Maraerenga started off well and dominated ball possession in the first half and was rewarded with a penalty just five minutes before halftime.
Paavo Mustonen, who transferred back to Tupapa from rivals Puaikura, stepped up to calmly convert the spot kick to hand his team the initiative.
Avatiu weren’t to be denied and after clawing their way back into the match earned themselves a penalty of their own midway through the second half.
Avatiu captain Tahiri Elikana matched Mustonen’s composure to level the game with a clinically executed penalty.
With the momentum swinging back Avatiu’s way, Elikana’s side were unlucky not to snatch a last gasp win missing a gilt edged chance in the final minute.
In senior women’s competition, 2013 champions Nikao Sokattak picked where they left off last year thrashing Titikaveka 7-0 with Tepaeru Toka scoring a hat trick.
In the other matches Tupapa Maraerenga easily accounted for Avatiu 5-1 while Takuvaine defeated Matavera 3-1.
Ends
Cook Islands Results – Round 1
Tupapa Maraerenga vs. Avatiu
Premier Men 1-1
Senior Women 5-1
Under 17 Men 2-3
Under 14 Boys 1-4
Under 14 Girls 4-0
Under 11 Mixed 8-0
Matavera vs. Takuvaine
Premier Men 3-0
Senior Women 1-3
Under 14 Boys 3-0
Under 14 Girls 3-0
Under 11 Mixed 1-2
Nikao Sokattak vs. Titikaveka
Senior Women 7-0
Under 17 Men 8-0
Under 14 Boys 4-0
Under 14 Girls 0-1
Under 11 Mixed 0-3