IN-FORM Waikato Rapids continued their winning streak at the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League, defeating defending champions AS PTT of Noumea at Suva’s Vodafone Arena.
A free kick to Waikato Rapids in the early minutes of the game saw Maxwell Eriksen and Benjamin Bordin link up for a spectacular goal. Bordin was lethal with his strike.
With the Rapids leading 1 – 0, AS PTT began to maneuver around the court but the opposition defence held.
Fazeel Aqil started as goalkeeper for Rapids and after saving a shot, launched a throw down the court into open space. Casey Sharplin was quick to recover possession and scored their second goal.
Maxwell Ericksen followed with a third goal and it was after immense pressure that AS PTT scored just before half time through hard working Jymael Upa.
Waikato Rapids led 3 – 1 at the break.
In the second half, another beautifully executed set piece by the Rapids saw Hemi Innes slot in a goal.
By then, the Rapids looked to have completely taken over this game and destroyed any hope for the defending champions to rekindle a comeback.
Midway into the second half, Casey Sharplin displayed his razzle dazzle dribbling skills before shooting the ball into the net to the appreciative cheers of the crowd.
Christ Pei scored a consolation goal as AS PTT deployed the flying keeper strategy but it was too little, too late.
Rapids 5 – 2 at the final whistle.