Lotto Central Federation League

The Match of the Round was the top of the table clash between Watson's PN Marist and GJ Gardner Homes Whanganui Athletic at Arena Manawatu. It was Athletic that picked up the win 2-1 and are the early frontrunners in the competition. Isles construction Massey University FC have moved up into second on the table when they won 6-0 away at Levin AFC with the goal scorers being shared around. Napier City Rovers got back-to-back wins when they won 2-0 away to Turbine Residential Ltd North End at Memorial Park. In the final game on Sunday a seven-goal thriller ended in a 4-3 win for the home side Alexander Electric Napier Marist when they hosted ALH Gisborne Thistle, Liam Percy-Fysh netting a hat trick for Marist. 

Women’s Federation League

Taradale AFC bounced back after last week's loss to win 4-2 when hosting Team McGhie Football Whanganui thanks to two goals from Aleesha Heywood. Taradale is still on top of the ladder but has played more games than everybody else. NP Rangers AFC got back-to-back wins this time 3-1 when they hosted Isles Construction Massey University FC with Holly Andrews scoring two second half goals off the bench. OneStaff PN Marist had the Bye in Round 4. 

YORB Pacific Premiership

Jarks Cityside Western Rangers have now picked up two wins in two games to jump start their season. The latest a hard fought 2-1 win over ALH Thistle Reserves. On own goal along with Fane Morgan scoring got Rangers over the line. Shani’s Taradale inflicted Duke of Gloucester NCR’s second big defeat in as many games, 7-1 at Taradale Park. Cameron Paterson, Thomas Hall and Tom O’Shea all scoring doubles in the game. Uptown Barbers Maycenvale need to find a way to convert draws into wins following their fourth stalemate in five matches, in their 1-1 draw with Palm City Motor Inn Port Hill. Good news for both sides as Maycenvale were the first team to take points off Port this season and Port remain top on goal difference with a game in hand. The big movers were HNW Premiers in their 1-3 away win at Rogue Hop Napier Marist which has them up to second. The Premiership looks as though it will be tightly contested this season as only four points separates the top six sides after five weeks.

Key Match Next Round

Palm City Motor Inn Port Hill vs Rogue Hop Napier Marist (21st May)

• Could be a bit of spark in this one.

This weekend in Poiwhana Tairawhiti,

Harry Barker reserve hosted the game of the round in Eastern League 1, with Heavy Equipment United Prems battling with First Class Decorators Wainui sharks in a 6 pointer that will prove consequential in the race 4 first round honours. As a result, the game was hotly contested and Wainui went down to 10 men early in the first half when their keeper was sent for an early shower after a last man foul on the edge of the box. United players, Josh Adams, Josh Blair and Dane Thompson scored in the first half and Wainui did well to stay within touching distance of united Jack Tobin getting an important goal to go into half time 3-1 down. Unfortunately for Wainui, the extra man made a difference in the second half and despite Jake Theron and Daniel Torrie scoring for Wainui, United scored four more With Josh Adams scoring 2 for a hat trick to take a convincing victory 7-3. Heavy Equipment United 1sts set the tone for the United teams Harry Barker in the earlier game, with a 4-0 victory over the Sunshine Brewery Wainui salty dogs. Last year’s top scorer Stuart Cranswick getting on the score sheet yet again. At Childers Rd Reserve, Gisborne Thistle Youth and Tatapouri Bohemians were looking for their first victory of the season in a seesaw game that saw Caleb Craig put bohemians ahead with a thunderbolt volley from the top of the box after quarter of an hour. Thistle Youth managed to equalise just before half time thanks to Daniel Robinson. The edition of Oscar Smith at the start of the second gave Thistle Youth a deadly option out wide and they took advantage, taking the lead when Smith scored in the 69th minute. Bohemians slowly began to work their way back into the game, young keeper Aiden Armstrong saving from some great opportunities created by Bohemians’ experienced midfield. The pressure finally paid off in the 86th minute when Caleb Craig won a penalty that was calmly converted by Steve White. Both teams will be very happy with their first points in a tough First Division campaign, 2-2.

In Eastern League 2, teams vying to qualify for this second division when they split into division 2 & 3, now know what is needed next weekend to ensure their team ends up in the division they aspire to. Thistle Vintage got the win they needed over a spirited QRS Wairoa Athletic at Childers Rd. Ben Blake getting a consolation goal for Wairoa 4-1. Heavy Equipment United 3rds almost tripped up clubmates Heavy Equipment United 2nds in their bid for second division football in a 3-2 victory for the 2nds. Gizzy Bobcat Services Thistle will be hoping results go their way this Saturday after a hard-fought victory over Gisborne Pro Roofing Bohemians that saw two late goals being the difference between the sides, 2-0. Smash Palace Shockers continued their fine start to the season, upsetting an ambitious Coates Associates Wainui Demons with Damien Pilitati scoring with half an hour left to take the three points 1-0. Tumu Thistle Had a rough night under the lights of Childers Rd on Wednesday, going down to a Ngatapa team energised by the prospect of the upcoming duck shooting season with Ngatapa scoring 3 quick-fire second half goals. 0-3.

In the Women’s Eastern League, we turn to the coaches to describe what happened on Sunday.

United VS Wainui: 0-0

Mel Knight, Heavy Equipment United Goalkeeper - 

We were under the pump right from start and it didn't let up all game. A reshuffled backline wasn't ideal but Becca Peach in her first full game in a couple seasons did well and Sarah Graham got through a ton of work covering especially in the second half. When we did create some attacking opportunities, it was Amelia Paul combining with Tyler Burgess (first game in years) along with Chelsea Simpson and Claire Bayliss, they all put in a big effort. Was a tough game where Wainui dominated possession and played most of the game in our half and we had to scramble in defence many times for the hardest earnt draw in years. 

Lizzie Hall, Riverina Player-Coach -

Gisborne Laundry service Wainui Riverina vs Heavy equipment I felt we dominated on the pitch, United goalkeeper Mel knight showed why she is definitely one of the best women's goal keeper to come out of Gisborne. Knight saved some worldies.  She was the difference. Wainui Riverina’s goalkeeper Kirsty Roa Made an important 1on1 save to secure the draw.

Players of the match for Wainui went to Skipper Lily Auckram and Morgan Lloyd. Their combination in defence too strong for Uniteds offence. Auckram dominating the through ball and creating opportunities with her corner kicking and side-line runs.

Campion 1^st XI Girls 17-0 GGHS 1^st XI  

Goals by:

Dara Mulrooney 1, Lucy Allan 2, Tayla Broughton 2, Grace Levy 5, Sophia Zame 6, Imogen Amor Bendall 1.

Blake Mulrooney, Campion Supporter,

GGHs played Campion college on Sunday with some good football played in front of a good crowd at the Rectory pitch. It was good to see so many Mother’s day mums out enjoying the sunshine & it had a real picnic day atmosphere about it. Campion college were too strong for a young GGHS side, who never gave up & continued to try & play a nice brand of football. Campion were first to the ball on most occasions & just never allowed GGHS any time to create play. Jade McVey ran herself into the ground up front for GGHS & tried to set up play. Campion shared the goals around & it was particularly good to see Imogen Amor Bendall notch her first goal of the season. Sofia Zame was back on form & scored with her powerful direct running. Volunteer Geoff Griffin controlled the game & it was much appreciated by both coaches.

Lee Smith, GGHS Coach,

Cagey start to the games with both teams looking to ‘size up’ the opposition, lasted about 10 mins. Positive and exciting play out wide from Jade McVey provided no end result. Campion looked stronger from start to finish, with Dara Mulrooney causing constant issues for the GGHS defence coming in from out wide to drive the ball into the box. Mulrooney also defended well, stopping a lot of attacks before they could form. Lucy Allen was very effective in centre midfield breaking up GGHS possession. Not sure who got the first goal, but it opened the floodgates and Campion were about 7-0 up at half time. GGHS severely lacked a goalkeeper once again and were punished pretty much every attack with the defence automatically falling into a very nervous pattern, sitting too deep and struggling to cope with the four or five players attacking each time. 

Despite a lot of hard work, they were ultimately easily beaten, lacking support from their midfield.  GGHS were well beaten by the second half but rallied in attack with Charley Lepper, Steph Collier and Jade working some positive movement in. Campion proceeded to score on almost every attack, despite some spirited defending. The very definition of a one-sided game and not a great day for GGHS.

Tatapouri Marist Thistle 1-2 Bohemians Ladies

In a close game with no goals in the first half, Bohemians edged out Thistle Marist to take their first points of the season.

Article added: Tuesday 10 May 2022