A large crowd of supporters flocked to the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA) headquarters in Rarotonga for the winner-takes-all match and witnessed a tight and tense affair.
Both sides had good opportunities in the first period but could not capitalise on any of them and the half-time whistle sounded with the score still locked at nil-all.
Sokattak finally broke through in the second spell when a long throw by Kunda Tom found its way onto the head of an unmarked Jonathon Rowe, who nodded home to score what proved to be the winner.
Triumphant skipper Romeo Keu was delighted with the victory but paid tribute to the efforts of the defeated side.
“The team and I are very happy with our win,” he said. “We always have a great game against Tupapa but today we really needed this win and it is good to have it.”
The result was somewhat of an upset as Tupapa were in great form going into the match, having taken out the Round Cup earlier this month and lost just one match all season.
Tupapa were not to be denied in the women’s division though and added to their triumph in the women’s Round Cup with another title.
The scoreline was the same as in the men’s game, one goal proving enough for Tupapa to hold off the challenge of Arorangi in another close contest.
The teams were evenly matched in most facets of play but were separated when Elizabeth Harmon curled a free kick home to complete a cup double for Tupapa for the second time.
In the age-group finals, Matavera beat Sokattak on penalties after a 2-2 draw to claim the U-17 men’s crown while Tupapa earned the U-14 women’s title with a 3-0 win over Avatiu. A penalty shoot-out was also needed in the U-14 men’s final, Sokattak eventually defeating Tupapa after holding their nerve from the spot.
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