The 2022 senior football season kicked off for a number of WaiBOP clubs over the weekend, with teams involved in Northern League, Northern Region Football League (NRFL), and Kate Sheppard Cup action.

Results were contrasting for the two teams involved in the highest stakes fixtures. 

Kate Sheppard Cup Final

Wellington United has become the newest name to be etched into the Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup, beating Hamilton Wanderers 1-0 in the 2021 Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup final at North Harbour Stadium.

In a close encounter, Futsal Fern Sarah Alder proved the difference maker after she steered a header past Wanderers goal keeper Rylee Godbold in the 56th minute to secure the win for United.

While Hamilton Wanderers had their chances, namely through veteran forward Helen Arjomandi (chasing the Cup goalscoring record), composure from United goalkeeper Molly Simon ensured that her side held onto their slim advantage.

The club from the capital become the first Wellington team to lift the Kate Sheppard Cup. Midfielder Emma Main, a former age group international, was named the game’s MVP and winner of the Maia Jackman Trophy after a commanding performance in the Wellington United midfield.

Full round-up HERE.

NRFL Division 2 Play-off

Further south, it was much better news for Ngaruawahia United. At Centennial Park, the Green Machine overcame Papakura City 2-1 in the second leg of the NRFL Division 2 play-off to win 4-3 on aggregate and secure promotion.

Federico Marquez opened the scoring for Ngaruawahia during the first half then Alfie Cole doubled the home side's advantage after the break. Papakura threatened a second consecutive comeback after scoring with a quarter of the game to go, but United held on to secure the all important result.

Ngaruawahia will join Cambridge FC and Claudelands Rovers in a ten team NRFL Division 2. 

Northern League (National League) 

Hamilton Wanderers and Melville United got their 2022 Northern League campaigns underway on Saturday.

Wanderers were held 1-1 at home by Western Springs, taking the lead via an own goal on the hour mark before being pegged back soon after.

Melville United went down 2-1 at serial champions, Auckland City. Oliver Colloty's 25th minute goal drew Melville level after City had opened the scoring. The hosts went back in front before the break.

Full National League round-up HERE.

NRFL

Tauranga City had contrasting results over the weekend as their Men's NRFL Division 1 team began 2022 with a 2-1 victory at Links Ave, while their NRFL Women's Premier League side went down 6-0 at Ellerslie in the club's debut at that level.

Substitute Colby Brennan's 90th minute winner secured the points for City in Division 1. Mirko Brinkman gave Tauranga an early lead, and their advantage was seemingly strengthened when their visitors, Onehunga Mangere United, were reduced to ten men before the break. But the visitors equalised five minutes into the second half and looked like they may hold on to the end.

Tauranga had a harsh introduction to top flght football on the turf at Michaels Ave. Ellerlie were two up by half time then sprinkled four further goals through a strong second half showing.

NRFL draws, results and standings HERE.