MEN’S FEDERATION CUP – GRAND FINAL

GJ Gardner Homes Whanganui Athletic Reserves welcomed Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers to Wembley Park for the Fed Cup Final. It was the visitors who came out of the blocks firing with a well-taken goal from Alex Mort in just the 9^th minute of the match. The home side grew into the game and were back on level terms in the 26^th minute thanks to a Quinn Mailman header. The sides were able to hold each other at bay for the remainder of the first half and went into the break all locked up at 1-1. The home side started the second half well and were rewarded for their efforts when Ryan Holden found himself free at the back post and headered home from close range to give his side the lead. Napier then threw everything they had at the hosts and looked certain to draw level on several occasions however nothing was getting past Tyler Turner in the Athletic goal as he produced several top-class saves to keep his side in the lead. The match was then put beyond doubt in the 86^th minute when the hosts were awarded a penalty which was calmly converted by Levi Hoekstra. Athletic holding on to their cushion and the match ended 3-1 to the 2023 Fed Cup champions GJ Gardner Homes Whanganui Athletic Reserves.

HB REVIEW 

HB Holt Cup 

In the HB Holt Cup final, it was Napier South facing off against Paddy’s Bar NCR D2 this weekend. Napier south took an early lead with a goal in the first 10minutes of the match from Jacob Irvine-Robinson. Both sides fought hard, and Rovers managed to equalize with a goal from Chris Mcivor in the 29th minute shortly after Chris found the net again to give his side the lead at the break 2:1. Rover’s came out hungry in the second half netting another four goals thanks to Chris Mcivor (4), Liam Simmons and Matthew Logan Sproull. Napier South didn’t give up though netting a goal in the 80th minute to take the score to 2:6. However, this wasn’t enough having Rover’s take the win 6:2. Congratulations to Paddy’s Bar NCR D2 Holt Cup Champions 2023! 

HB Masters Cup 

In the HB Masters cup final this weekend, Westshore Beach Inn Eskview Masters took on The Flax Western Rangers Masters. It was Western Rangers who found the net first with a goal in the 20th minute of the match thanks to Joshua Woodham. This was the only goal to be scored in the first half. Both sides fighting hard for the win, it was a goal in the second half from Ross Palmer for Western Rangers that ultimately decided the match. Western Rangers taking the win 2:0. Congratulations to The Flax Western Rangers Masters HB Masters Cup Champions 2023! 

HB Womens KO Cup 

Westshore Beach Inn Eskview Blues took a 3:0 win over Turfrey Taradale AFC. Goal Scorers unknown. Westshore Beach Inn Eskview Blues took a comfortable 9:0 win over Western Rangers Womens this weekend. Goal Scorers for Eskview were, Jane Barnett, Briar Cloake (2), Nancy Reed (2), Alison Bradley (2), Rachel ingram and Mel Eveleigh. Congratulations to Westshore Beach Inn Eskview Blues HB KO Cup champions 2023! 

HB Womens KO Plate 

In the KO Plate final this weekend, it was the Eskview Derby. Westshore Beach Inn Eskview Development verse Westshore Beach Inn Eskview Whites. In what was a competitive match it was one goal scored in the second half for Development that decided the match. Goal Scorer unknown.  Congratulations to Westshore Beach Inn Eskview Development HB KO Plate Champions 2023! 

Article added: Tuesday 12 September 2023