Women’s Federation Cup – Grand Final

Withers Coachlines Moturoa AFC have gone one better than 2021 to take out the Women’s Federation Cup in 2022 with a 2-1 win over Isles Construction Massey University FC in Taranaki on Sunday in difficult conditions. With a prevailing breeze both teams battled hard for 90 minutes, Madeleine Hill got Moturoa off to a perfect start scoring the first of her two goals in the 11^th minute before Massey responded just after half time through Lily Galloway. Madeleine completed her brace 10 minutes later as Moturoa hung onto the lead all the way to the end to lift the trophy for the fourth time following up their wins in 2011, 2013 and 2019. 

Men’s Federation Cup – Semi Finals

Both Men’s Federation Cup Semi Finals were played over in Hawke’s Bay on Saturday with the first match between Heavy Equipment Gisborne United and Peringa United being played at a neutral venue due to the extreme travel involved between coasts. Gisborne United came out on top 3-0 to advance to the Grand Final with first half goals to Stuart Cranswick and Malcolm Marfell as Corey Adams put the result beyond doubt in the 73^rd minute. Turbine Residential Ltd North End AFC are the other Grand Finalises after they won 2-0 over Napier City Rovers at Bluewater Stadium, Lucian Armstrong and Crispin Moore both getting early goals as the Manawatu side played out the rest of the match without conceding. 

This weekend in Poiwhana Tairawhiti,

In Eastern League 2, newly crowned champions, Coates associates Wainui Demons bested Tatapouri Bohemians 3-1 in a game where lots of good, competitive football was played. Gisborne Pro Roofing Bohemians lost a close game against Sunshine Brewery Wainui Salty Dogs down at Nelson Park. Andre and Henri Campbell scoring for the Salty Dogs and Hayden Donnelly Getting a late consolation for Bohos, 1-2. At Childers Rd, Draggnett Design Thistle Vintage drew with QRS Wairoa Athletic 2-2, Stalwart Mike Hardie capping off Wairoa’s season with a goal.

In Eastern League 3, Ngatapa Silkies and Heavy Equipment United 3rds played under lights in a spectacle at Paddy’s Park in Patutahi on Friday night. Every man, woman, and child and even a dog at Ngatapa Sports Club came out in force to cheer their team to a 2-2 draw in a strong performance by Eastern League’s most improved team. Heavy Equipment United 2nds lost a close game to Smash Palace Shockers, 1-2. Tumu Thistle and Gizzy Bobcat Services Thistle had a great time at Childers Road and mustve forgot about defending, champions Gizzy Bobcat Services Thistle winning 9-4.

In the Braybrook Cup Final, Bohemians Ladies and Campion 1^st XI Girls met at Childers Road Reserve. Bohemians were runners-up last year and were looking to go one better against a generational Campion side looking to complete the double after winning the Eastern League a few weeks ago. Campion had the tougher draw leading up to the Final, beating two of the most dangerous teams in GLS Wainui Riverina and Heavy Equipment United Ladies in their run. Campion started hard and fast, getting through on goal straight from the kickoff. Rattled, Bohos were struggling to get into the game and were forced to defend for the next two minutes and as the ball bounced around their box, Lucy Allan pounced to give Campion an early lead. Shaken awake by the goal, Bohos enjoyed some good quality possession helped by the nervousness that comes with being a goal to the good so early in a final, but Campion Keeper Grace Levy patrolled her box with the confidence of Manuel Neuer, sweeping up behind her defence. Just before half-time, Tayla Broughton raced clear and tucked the ball beyond Boho’s Keeper Morgan Andrews to head into the sheds 2-0 up. The second half was a much more open affair with both teams starting to take more risks as the clock ran down. Bohos pushed hard to get back into the game but a wonder strike from experienced head, Torepe Taumaunu-Kingi broke any momentum Bohos had worked hard to build. With the game almost over, Sophia Zame scored a beautiful volley from a looping Dara Mulrooney cross to cap off an amazing season for Campion. 0-4.

Article added: Tuesday 30 August 2022