Div 1 1964’s:

It’s been a bit of a mixed season for the 64’s so far, with some really good moments, some frustrating results and probably a few games where we haven’t quite got what our performances deserved.

After a tough start, we began to find a bit of rhythm and put together some strong performances. Wins against Western Reserves, CTFC Jets and Christchurch United showed what we can do when we play with confidence and keep our shape. The draw away to Mid Canterbury was another good result and showed plenty of character.

The game against Cashmere Technical Originals probably summed us up quite well. We played some very good football against the best side in the league and competed well for long periods, but a few lapses in concentration and their quality in the final third made the scoreline look more comfortable than the game actually was.

Since then, results have been a bit disappointing, with a couple of losses and a draw. We’ve still had good spells in games, but we’ve been guilty of switching off at key moments and conceding goals too close together. That has probably been the biggest difference between us and the better sides in the league.

There have still been plenty of positives. We’ve played some decent football, created chances in most games and the effort has never really been in question. We’ve also shown that, on our day, we can compete with anyone in the division.

The challenge now is to finish the season well and turn some of those decent performances into results. We’re probably not as far away as the table might suggest, but we need to be more consistent and a bit more clinical at both ends.

There’s still plenty to play for and, if we can cut out some of the softer moments, there’s no reason we can’t finish the season strongly.

Div 2 HUGE: Tough but enjoyable.

2026 has been a tough year for HUGE in a 7-team Division 2. Before the season began, we were trying to manage one of the biggest squads we have ever carried, and just a few games later, multiple season ending injuries meant we found ourselves struggling to find a balanced team to challenge in a very competitive Div 2.

The first half of the season was positive despite results. A couple competitive losses against 2 of the stronger teams in the competition did not dampen spirits, all while coming to grips with new players, a new formation and a general lack of players to cover every position. We followed up the remaining 4 games unbeaten, ending the midpoint with a perfectly balanced 2-2-2 record and a comfortable midtable slot to avoid the midseason promotion/relegation ups and downs.

The second half of the season saw the 2 teams we gained most of our points from disappear. Only to be replaced by younger, faster teams, one of which had already demolished us in the first round of our cup. We conceded 16 goals in our first 3 matches and not many goals went in the other direction. The team was further decimated with injuries, flu season and a general lack of form. Our most recent league outing saw us pick up a point from one of our more traditional rivals, but even so, we sit at the bottom of the table with 2 games remaining, staring down another relegation battle.

Amongst all the gloom there have been moments of joy for the team. Scenes like Logan Pierce (usually devoid of touch) with a mazy run from the corner flag, through 3 or 4 players and finishing on an impossible angle. New goalkeeper Aaron Ditfort, picked up mere days before our first game of the season, producing an incredible array of point-blank saves in our recent draw, comparisons to a prime Manuel Neuer were made. In the same game Adam Horton finished his 100th goal for HUGE and became our first (and likely only) centurion, causing scenes of celebration not usually associated with a team at the bottom of the table, a true testament to his prowess and longevity.

Despite all our on-field issues we are a team that enjoy each other off the pitch, regularly hanging out socially and spending time together outside of training and match days, celebrating each other’s successes and supporting each other when times are tough.

We are HUGE, I’m proud to be part of this team and as always, its BG2BAH.

Hayden Binnie, Captain, Halswell United Goal Exchange

Div 6 Skyhawks: VAR not required.

It’s been a fun and exciting season so far for the Skyhawks. A team of ex Bombers and a handful of new faces (young and old). More ingredients than your Nan’s pasta sauce. 

May was a ripper — winning 4 on the trot, a well deserved promotion and plenty of classy goals. The team was starting to look like we actually knew what we were doing. We’ve had some cracking football, some ridiculous individual efforts and enough questionable finishing to keep the goalkeepers feeling pretty comfortable. The team has grown into the season too, with lads stepping into unfamiliar positions, playing through injuries, sickness and whatever other excuses we can manufacture to avoid some of us admitting we’re getting older. We’ve had some proper battles along the way, including games where we’ve squeezed teams back into their own box and channeled some Kiwi version of Pep ball. 

July and August have brought a few tougher results, but the important bit is that the boys are still turning up, still having a laugh and still keeping the communal slab of sherberts cold for post match hydration. We’ve had some tough losses in the tail end of the season, games being on the knife’s edge until the end and a couple of quality wins. Joseph has played a few blinders, sitting nicely on seven goals in the golden boot race, closely followed by Torbin, Saul and Baz. Rowan, James and team have done an awesome job holding a defensive line with Jackson delivering a Rodri-esque performance in midfield every week. 

The camaraderie this season has been top class - whether it’s been Pete’s reffing, the supporters braving Antarctic conditions, or plumbers arriving dusty and still managing 90 minutes. 

With just a couple run outs to go, the Skyhawks will be digging deep to sign off on a high.

Article added: Wednesday 19 August 2026