Weekly Review 2^nd May 2026

YORB Western Premiership
 

Match of the Round:

Whanganui Athletic secured a narrow 1–0 victory over New Plymouth Boys’ High School in a tight and competitive encounter, with the decisive moment coming just before halftime.

Both sides settled into the game well, with a balanced opening period and limited clear-cut chances. The contest was largely played between the boxes, with each team showing defensive discipline and organisation.

The breakthrough arrived in the 44th minute when Mike Johannes Maria Dijkgraaf found the back of the net to give Whanganui Athletic a crucial lead heading into the break.

NPBHS responded in the second half with increased intent, making a number of changes and pushing forward in search of an equaliser. However, Whanganui Athletic remained composed defensively and managed the game effectively to protect their advantage.

Despite late efforts from the home side, no further goals were added, and the match finished 1–0.

A big win for Athletic who extend their lead at the top to six points.

This week's game of the round:
YOUM PN Marist Reserves vs Takaro AFC Firsts. Friday night on the turf. Friday night always brings drama. Can marist record there first win of season or will Takaro take the local bragging rights.

Round Results

YOUM PN Marist Reserves 0
FC Western 3 (Leo Taylor 36’, Luke Stancliffe-White 62’, Matt Sanger 87’)

Takaro AFC Firsts 1 (Satore Chambers 1’)
Signature Homes Palmerston North United Reserves 0

Levin AFC 8 (Toby James 4’, Jaedyn Dawson 11’, 53’, 71’, Olly James 25’, Jordan Calder 35’, Cody Stewart 56’, 86’)
TSH Moturoa AFC 1(Tyler Webber 65’)

Turners Sports Feilding United AFC Men's 1st's 3 (Matt Kitchen 20’, Zak Hughes 73’, Tommi Hart 75’)
New Plymouth Rangers 0

Manawatu Men’s Championship

Match of the round:

Whanganui City FC and Feilding United Reserves played out a 2–2 draw in an evenly contested match, with both sides responding to periods of pressure.

Feilding United opened the scoring late in the first half, with Layton Oliver finding the net in the 41st minute to give the visitors a 1–0 lead at the break.

The second half saw a quick turnaround, as Whanganui City responded through Cooper Byrd in the 65th minute to level the match. Just minutes later, Ryan Meredith converted from the penalty spot in the 68th minute to put City in front.

Feilding United responded well, with Drew Gaskin equalising in the 72nd minute to bring the score to 2–2.

Despite late efforts from both teams, neither side could find a winner, and the match finished level.

Next week's game of the round:
Cup action this week. The tie to look out for will be Cooltranz PNU Development taking on WCFC Men’s 1^st Team. Which side will progress?

Round Results:

Takaro AFC Reserves 3 (Satore Chambers 14’, Netra Ghimire 73’, Ramazan Ali 90+1’)
Levin AFC Reserves 1 (Nicolas Blair 36’)

Cooltranz PNU Development 3 (Matt Watson 33’, Cooper Tikitiki 44’, Ethan Riley 69’)
GJ Gardner Homes Whanganui Athletic Reserves 0

Whanganui Men’s Championship

Wanganui Marist FC (Marist Celtic) produced a commanding performance to secure a 3–0 victory over Whanganui City FC (WCFC Men’s Reserves).

The hosts made a flying start, asserting control early and being rewarded inside the opening 10 minutes when Jordan McDonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute. Marist continued to apply pressure and doubled their lead shortly after, with McDonald grabbing his second in the 18th minute to put his side firmly in control.

WCFC looked to respond and had a spell either side of halftime, but struggled to break down a well-organised Marist defence. The game was effectively put beyond doubt early in the second half when McDonald completed his hat-trick in the 58th minute, finishing off another strong attacking move.

From there, Marist managed the game well, controlling possession and limiting any clear opportunities for the visitors. It was a disciplined and clinical performance, highlighted by a standout individual display from McDonald.

A convincing win for Marist Celtic, who will take plenty of confidence from both their attacking efficiency and defensive solidity.

Next week's game of the round:

John Brown Knockout Cup- Castle cliff United vs Whanganui Athletic Lions. A tricky cup tie to predict. Both sides will be looking to progress and make a strong cup run.

Round Results:

Whanganui Athletic Weekenders LBD
Castlecliff FC WBD

Wanganui Marist Casuals 4 (Brad Townsend 18’, Phil Murphy 65’, Owen Clay 74’, Reags Elvin 78’)
Whanganui Athletic Lions 2 (Luke Palmer 35’, Hamish Beissell OG 50’)

RiverCity Nads FC 1 (Michael Hausman 8’)
Get Glazed Whanganui Athletic Red Rockets 2 (Sam Monaghan 60’, Jack Morris 89’)

Manawatu Men’s Masters Division 1

WCFC Hammers secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Levin AFC Masters in a tightly contested encounter.The decisive moment came right at the start of the match, with an early goal giving the visitors the advantage. That proved enough to separate the two sides across the 90 minutes.

Levin AFC Masters worked their way into the game and looked to respond, but the Hammers remained organised defensively and managed the contest well. As the match progressed, chances were limited, with both sides showing discipline without finding a breakthrough. Despite Levin’s efforts to find an equaliser, WCFC Hammers held firm to see out the result and claim all three points.

Next week's game of the round:

Manawatu Men's Div 1 Knockout Cup- WCFC Hammers vs Takaro AFC Rebels. A classic encounter between two evenly match sides.

Round Results:

Takaro AFC Rebels 4 (Gavin Eades 1’, 90’, Josh Draper 25’, Evan Roberts 33’)
O'Briens Plumbing & Bathroomware Feilding United Masters 1 (G Fredericks 37’)

RSM A’s 0
Manawatu Knitting Mills PN Marist Masters 6 (Roger FOGACA DE OLIVEIRA 18’, 70’, Rhys MCKINLAY 52’, John MYSZCZYSZYN 69’, Tim SEAHOLME 79’, 89’)

Manawatu Men’s Masters Div 2

Whanganui Athletic Masters produced a dominant performance to secure a comprehensive 6–0 victory over Feilding United Grand Masters.

The visitors made a fast start, taking the lead in the 6th minute through Mo Abdelaal. They continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage in the 30th minute when Amro Saleh found the net, giving Athletic a strong 2–0 lead at halftime.

The second half saw the game open up further, with Feilding United conceding two own goals in quick succession through Herb Verstegen in the 52nd and 54th minutes, extending the lead to 4–0. Whanganui Athletic maintained control and added a fifth in the 81st minute through Mickey Cronin. Amro Saleh then completed the scoring with his second goal of the match in the 88th minute.

Next week's game of the round:

Manawatu Men's Div 2 Knockout Cup- H&A Print Whanganui Athletic Masters vs RSM Wrinklies. Will Whanganui continue their strong start to the season or will the Wrinkles get an cup round upset.

Round Results:

RM Automotive PN Marist Dunshaegans 4 (Doc Strawbridge 16’, Alex Gaskell 41’, 43’, 59’)
RSM Wrinkles 4 (Jay Margison, Adam Rose x2, Brad Byers)

Whanganui Marist Wanderers 4 (CK Lim Lim 24’, Jason Mann 34’, 45’, Andrew Gilberd 88’)
Central Business Innovations PN Marist Shamrock Rovers 0

Whanganui Women’s Championship

Wanganui Marist FC (Marist Women) secured a strong 3–1 win over Whanganui Athletic (Whanganui Athletic Women’s Reserves) in a well-contested encounter.

The visitors struck first, with Lisa Walker giving Athletic the lead in the 11th minute. Marist responded well, gradually taking control of the game and creating chances through sustained pressure. Their persistence paid off late in the first half, with Margo Butt equalising in the 38th minute before Brooklyn Millar turned the game around just four minutes later, putting Marist ahead 2–1 heading into the break.

In the second half, Marist continued to dictate play and extended their lead through Poppy Priddle in the 70th minute, effectively sealing the result. It was a composed and resilient performance from Marist Women, recovering from an early setback to take all three points, while Athletic showed promising moments but were ultimately undone by Marist’s control and efficiency.

Next week's game of the round:

Senior Knockout Cup- Marist Women vs Scrappers. Will Marist look to continue their good form or will scrappers pull out a cup upset.

Round Result:

Rivercity Scrappers 2 ( Goal Scorers Unknown)
Whanganui Athletic Huia 1 (Bronwyn Toy 85’)
 

Article added: Tuesday 05 May 2026