Football is back in Tonga, Cup winners are decided in American Samoa plus action from New Zealand, Tahiti, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and the Cook Islands all in this week’s Oceania competitions wrap. 

Premier football returned to Tonga over the weekend with the resumption of the TFA Major League 2022 Premier Men’s division.

Lotoha’apai United FC grabbed the most eye-catching result, beating Popua FC 15-0.

Veitongo FC also won big, dispatching of Folaha Marist Kauvai FC 6-0. Lavengatonga FC and Nukuhetulu FC also enjoyed victories, 4-0 and 1-0 over Fasi Moe Afi FC and Navutoka FC respectively.

In American Samoa, the Cup Challenge was held over the weekend, with both cup holders retaining the crown.

In the Men’s Cup Challenge, holders Royal Puma left with the trophy after a 2-2 draw with Ilaoa & To’omata.

In the Women’s Cup Challenge, Black Roses beat Pago Youth 11-0 as they comfortably held on to the cup.

Royal Puma and Ilaoa & To’omata currently lead the way in the American Samoa Senior Men’s National League after 14 games while Black Roses top the Senior Women’s league, six points clear of PanSa after 14 games.

Black Roses retained the Cup Challenge trophy in American Samoa over the weekend. Photo credit: FFAS.

In New Zealand’s Women’s National League, a gap has finally emerged between the top two, Eastern Suburbs AFC and Western Springs AFC, after both played two fixtures against the same opposition last weekend.

Eastern Suburbs faced Auckland United AFC twice while Western Springs took on Northern Rovers FC in a double-header. While Eastern Suburbs swept Auckland 5-0 and 3-2, Western Springs dropped their first points of the season, following a 4-1 midweek win with a 1-1 draw at the weekend.

Eastern Suburbs are now two points clear at the top of the table.

In the Men’s National League, Auckland City FC remain top after a 3-0 win over Napier City rovers AFC. Wellington Olympic have leapfrogged Birkenhead United AFC into second after a 2-0 victory over them this weekend.

In Tahiti, Roonui Tinirauarii added to his 10 goals on the opening day last week with four against AS Taiarapu FC in a 7-1 win for AS Dragon, who remain top of the Ligue 1 standings.

Fellow goal-machine Teaonui Tehau bagged four of his own as AS Vénus beat AS Excelsior 8-0 to remain in close pursuit.

There was a shock elsewhere, as reigning champions AS Pirae drew 1-1 with AS Tamarii Punaruu.

Koloale FC have now stretched their lead at the top of the Solomon Islands’ Women’s Premier League after beating Haura FC and watching nearest rivals Henderson Eels drop points over the weekend. Henderson lost by the same scoreline against Geniagu FC.

Henderson now join Frigates United FC and RSIPF Royals on 20 points, after their respective 6-0 and 2-0 wins against Naha FC and Ha’arosia FC.

There were catch-up games in the Telekom Super League

Tiga Sport missed the chance to fully stretch their lead in the New Caledonia Super Ligue over the inactive Hienghène Sport, who are France-bound for a Coupe de France clash, after a 1-1 draw at SC Ne Drehu.

Meanwhile, J.S Baco won just their second game of the season, beating Dumbea FC 2-0 and AS Wetr and AS Mont-Dore also claimed three points.

Finally, in the Cook Islands, Nikao Sokattak have climbed to the top of the Premier Men’s Division after a 2-0 triumph over rivals Tupapa Maraerenga FC with young talent Nuku Mokoroa playing a starring role.