NZ too strong

The Cook Islands women’s soccer side was defeated 10-0 by Oceania giants, and tournament favourites, New Zealand White Ferns in their second match at the OFC Women’s Nations Cup in Auckland.

The match was played in windy and very wet conditions and New Zealand, who showed great tactical play, proved too strong for our girls.

The game was also special for Football Ferns captain Hayley Moorwood and her family. The midfielder is of Cook Islands descent on her mother’s side and the Moorwood clan had two players to cheer when Hayley’s sister Angela Wallbank entered the field for Cook Islands as a second-half substitute.

“I wasn’t really expecting it but it was good to have a bit of a run, especially as it was against New Zealand,” Wallbank says.

“Our mum said she would be cheering for both teams no matter what and hopefully nena was doing the same. I know a lot of the New Zealand girls and it was great to play against my sister.”

Despite being defeated by 10 goals, Cook Islands are also in with a great chance of making the semi-finals if they can beat Vanuatu today scheduled to kick off at 4.30pm (CI time).

Meanwhile, below is the draw and referee appointments for today’s soccer matches with the main game to take place at Titikaveka field in the Premier Men’s division scheduled to kick off at 4.30pm. - CIFA Media

Draw for Saturday October2: Titikaveka vs. Tupapa at Titikaveka field: 1.30pm, Under 15 Girls, ref: John Paul Wilson, assist refs: Eric Katoa and Anaberth Tetauru; 2.15pm, Under 14 Boys, ref: Maara Kaukura, assist refs: Eric Katoa and Anaberth Tetauru; 3pm, Senior Womens, ref: Lai Gukisuva, assist refs: Travel Nootai and Anaberth Tetauru; 4.30pm, Premier Men, ref: Maara Kaukura, assist refs: Travel Nootai and Lai Gukisuva.

Takuvaine vs. Arorangi at Takuvaine field: 1.30pm, Under 15 Girls, ref: Mairi Heather, assist refs: Gifford Enoka and Marc Taia; 2.15pm, Under 14 Boys, ref: Junior Arioka, assist refs: Michael Murare and Mosman Baker; 3pm, senior women, ref: Tutai Taurarii, assist refs: Mosman Baker and Tino Napa; 4.30pm, Premier Men, ref: John Pareanga, assist refs: Tino Napa and Robert Savage.