2012 Player of the Year

 

Michael Howells makes another save

It's been a while since the league season ended for Wainu and last Saturday night the annual awards dinner was held at the clubrooms.

Goalkeeper Michael Howells came away with the Player of the Year award for a string of classy performances between the sticks for the team.

From the penalty save in the season opener to the superb one handed stop against Stop Out the award was thoroughly deserved.

With safety secured for another season it's time for the coaches and players to relax, unwind then come back ready for another shot at Premier League glory in 2013.



Local Legends appearance steals the show

The season came to an end last Saturday with the final game of the season against Wellington Olympic.  It was a fairly anti-climatic day as the game was shifted from the familiar surroundings of Richard Prouse Park #1 pitch to the depths of pitch #3.  There was a full team for Wainu to pick from this week which meant there was no need for Scott MacLeod Snr to offer his services to the team as a substitute for the second week running.

Both teams had goals ruled out for offside in the opening exchanges before Olympic took a somewhat deserved lead on the half hour mark.  Pitch #3 isn't renowned for being the greatest of pitches and it was somewhat of a battle for both teams to come to grips with the underfoot conditions.  Wainui did have a couple of half chances before the break but just couldn't find the killer touch that would have drawn the game level.

Joel Evans shields the ball

The home team began brightly in the second half and were awarded a penalty for handball in the box.  Up stepped Mr. Versatile Shon McKechnie to put another penalty away to add to his goal tally for the season.  Olympic stepped up another gear from the kick off and restored their lead five minutes later.  It was real end to end stuff after Olympics second and Matt Faulkner almost leveled again for Wainui but his effort was just off target.  Olympic then increased their lead when a dangerous ball was floated in to the back post and sent flying past Howells in goal to all but end the game as a contest.

An early goal mouth scramble

As the game entered its' final stages the biggest roar of the season went up as local legend and everybodys hero Ralph Chenery made a late appearance as a substitute.  His impact was immediate though as he delivered an inch perfect cross from the right to Joel Evans who controlled the ball, spun and powered the ball in to the bottom corner of the net.  The RCSC were in raptures at this point as the game was alive as a contest again and Wainui had a sniff of maybe a draw with five minutes remaining.

Ralph watches from the sidelines

Olympic hadn't read the script and scored two late goals in the remaining minutes to silence the home crowd.  They left the valley with a 5-2 victory, their first win over Wainui since returning to Wellingtons Premier League.  Safety was secured a while ago for the boys so the result today was for pride more than anything else.  A mid table finish definitely an improvement on last season.

Ralph then acted as compere for the speeches back in the clubrooms (is there anything he can't do?) where it was announced that Division 6 team The Undertakers had avoided relegation with a huge 5-0 win at Awakairangi Park.  And with that the season is over, well all over bar the shouting.  Next up is the annual end of season prize giving where player of the year is awarded.  Neil Barclay was last years recipient, who will it be this year??

Half Baked Heroes

Curts Half Baked team were short a couple of players so I dusted off the old boots and headed out to Mirimar Park to lend a hand.  It was the final game of the season for Curts team and with only pride left to play for could the Half Baked boys match the speed and power of Miramar?? 

Half Baked were an equal match for the home side and proved that with two goals of pure quality from open play.  The first fell to Craig Auty who first controlled the ball, then unleasehed a 40 yard scorcher past the statue like keeper.  Not to be outdone, team captain Richard Armstrong hit a venomnous drive from all of 25 yards that nestled in the bottom corner of the net (not sure if it took a bit of an extra touch from Marshy to help it over the line though).

The two goals, however, were bookends from six of the best from a Miramar team who were only too happy to play a slick passing game all day.  There could have been more goals for Miramar save for some good goalkeeping from Curt and some woeful finishing from their forwards.

The muddy conditions were too much for me and I was glad for my 40 minute cameo.  Incidently Half Baked scored both goals with me off the pitch.  That is probably why the boots have been buried deep under the vegetable patch!!

Venimus Vidimus Vicimus (We Came, We Saw, We Conquered)

The boys in Wellingtons Premier League had a day to forget by the looks of it, a 7-0 thrashing by Wellington.  That result can be put behind the team though with the final game of the season this Saturday at Richard Prouse Park against Wellington Olympic.

It was, however, much better news for the club as the reserves clinched a thouroughly deserved Division 4 title last Saturday.  Just thought I would post up a few pictures from the game.  I'm sure the celebrations are ongoing as I write!!!

Cliffhanger Finale for Robs Reserves

It was hard to stay away from Awakairangi Park today where the reserves took on Upper Hutt for a chance to win the league and secure promotion to Division 3.   Having been held to a draw earlier in the season at a rain soaked Richard Prouse Park it was going to be a nail biter of an afternoon.  With a loss or a draw the team could be doomed to another season of Division 4 football.  Having worked so hard all year it certainly was not the place to be for the faint of heart.

It certainly wasn't the place to be for the faint of heart when Upper Hutt took an early lead with a penalty.  Wainui composed themselves to equalise soon after but nerves were high around the ground as other results were unkown to us.  Josh Wilkie, down from the first team, settled everbodys nerves with an explosive effort just outside the penalty area that, to borrow a phrase, bulged the 'auld onion bag.  Wainui now had the lead and their destiny was still in their own hands.  They made it to half time with the lead intact, they had to score the next goal.

Ryan makes a move as the ball is put through

Upper Hutt came out after the restart and showed some real urgency creating the first chance with a close range bullet header on that was on target.  Local hero Ralph Chenery showed us his agiltity as he tipped the ball expertly over the bar to the relief of the travelling support.  The home team then went close for a second time with another header as they searched for the leveller. 

Striker Ryan Harvey then struck a neat finish in a crowded box, after some tremendous lead up work from captain Brandon Dickson, to give Wainui a two goal buffer as the visiting bench erupted with joy.  Callum Patterson then scored his seventh goal in two games as he beat the keeper at his near post with a powerful strike.  Surely now the league title was on its' way over the hill and into the valley.

Upper Hutt get a dangerous ball into Wainuis area

Upper Hutt though refused to yield.  Ralphie had to act quick and keep out an amazing effort from the home teams striker who tried a lob from the kick off.  Moments later a dangerous ball into the box beat Wainuis defence and Upper Hutt took the chance to reduce the margin to two goals.  With twenty minutes to play could the impossible happen??  The game continued to ebb and flow but Wainui composed themselves and began to take control again.  Late chances fell to Callum Patterson and Brandon Dickson but they couldn't add to the score.

The final whistle was greeted with whoops and hollers as Rob Bennet ended up on the reciving end of a Gatorade shower of sorts (water bottles with the lids off were used in the place of actual Gatorade).   The win also gave Rob his second league title as coach of the team having won Division 5 back in 2008.  As I left Awakairangi the celebrations were in full swing in the dressing room with the club song blaring out the door, I'm sure you could have heard it all the way to Wainuiomata.

Ten Star Performance

The reserves set Richard Park Prouse alight last weekend with a 'ten' star performance against Tawa Devilz to leave them on the brink of promotion.  Having arrived at half time for the game I wasn't expecting a scoreline of 7-0, with Callum Patterson grabbing four of the goals and local hero Ralph Chenery seeing very little action as the score suggested.

Craig Preston in full flight with the ball

The second half became a cagey affair as Tawa looked to keep the score down and Wainui pushed forward looking to bag more goals and try to improve their goal difference.  Callum Patterson was on hand to put two more goals past Tawas keeper to bring his tally of goals to six for the game. Brandon Dickson kept the best for last though with a superb solo effort.  Still full of running and with time almost up Brandon beat four players with ease and, faced with a tight angle inside the eighteen yard area, rifled a shot passed the goalkeepers near post.  A tremendous goal to end the game for sure.

Wainui clear their lines

Other results later in the day have now left Wainuiomata Reserves masters of their own destiny as they look to end an eight year absence from Capital Soccers Division 3.  And so it's on to Awakairangi Park and a meeting against Upper Hutt who managed to hold Wainui to a 3-3 draw in their previous encounter.  Although with Callum in fine scoring form who knows what could happen?? 






*Just to put Callums scoring feat at the weekend into perspective here, I finished top scorer for the reserves a few years back with 3 (yes 3) goals.  Six goals in one game is some achievement!! *

Derby Day High

Stop Out were the opposition for Wainui today as they made the short journey over the hill and into the valley. Since returning to Wellingtons Premier League Wainuiomata have failed to beat their local rivals, gaining only a solitary point at the back end of last season. Was today to be any different, or did Wainuiomata have a surprise in store for the Stop Out boys??

Stop Out dominated the early exchanges and almost took the lead after five minutes. Michael Howells showed his class though as he tipped the powerful strike onto the crossbar and out for a corner. Having weathered the early storm Wainui then took the initiative when a free kick from within their own half entered the Stop Out box. The visitors defence failed to clear and in a crowded penalty area Josh Wilkie and Matt Faulkner combined to give the home side the lead (clarification is needed for the goal as it really was a crowded penalty area).

It was a real midfield battle today

It was more of the same at the start of the second half as the visitors again dominated the opening moments and had two narrow misses as they chased for the equaliser.  However, Wainui crept back into the game as they went looking for the all important second. It almost arrived when first Cameron Blake then his brother Jordan had great chances saved by Stop Outs keeper. You felt, however, that the second was always on its' way.

Cam Blake celebrates Wainuis second goal

The goal was delivered in some style with the game in the final ten minutes. Jordan Blake released his brother Cam who beat his man, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home from an acute angle. Cue the celebrations from the home fans outside the clubrooms, the roars I'm sure were heard all around Wainuiomata!! The gloss was put on the performance in the final moments of the match when player – coach Scott MacLeod Jr, on as a late replacement, scored from close range to more screams of delight from the home faithful.

The final whistle was greeted with probably the loudest cheer of the season as Wainui earned their first win over Stop Out since returning to the Premier League. Back in the clubrooms there was a great atmosphere with AJ from Half Baked telling us about the greatest goal ever scored in the valley in their 5-1 victory. And man of the match in the Premier League game was awarded to Matt Faulkner for a sterling performance up front after impressing with the reserves last week. What a day for Wainui though, certainly one to remember.

Promotion still within reserves grasp

The reserves still have promotion from Division 4 in their sights after Saturdays dramatic encounter against Kapiti Coast United.  For the second time this year at Richard Prouse Park I was on hand to witness the team concede a late late equaliser to the away team. 

Arriving with a half hour of play remaining the score was tight with Wainui leading 2-1.  They had led by two goals early in the second half.  The reserves were dominating KCU up front and were also defending well as the minutes ticked by.  Suddenly Wainui created a chance out of nothing, when a cross from the right floated in and over the goalkeeper only to rebound off the crossbar and away to safety. 

With time running out, local hero Ralph Chenery showed us all he still has some pace left in those legendary legs as he had to rush off his line and clear to safety.  With KCUs' striker bearing down on goal it was a timely intervention from Ralphie. 

It looked like as though danger had been averted but KCU had one last ace up their sleeve.  A long ball into the box found the head of an attacker whose well placed header beat Ralph with only seconds remaining and rescued a point against the run of play.

So unfortunately for the reserves it was another two points dropped, it seems maybe I could be a bad luck omen for the team (I really hope not).  However other results have gone their way to keep them within a stones throw of winning a coveted promotion spot.  Can Rob Bennet lift the team this weekend against Tawa Devilz and keep the push for promotion alive??  There's only one way to find out, get down to Richard Prouse Park at 12.30 this coming Saturday to cheer the boys on.

A Hard Days Work

After missing last weeks loss to Waterside Karori I was back in Wainuiomata for the much anticipated clash against Petone at Richard Prouse Park.  By all accounts it was as well I missed last weeks encounter as the rain poured down out in Karori.

Wainui started well and Josh Wilkie had their first and ultimately only chance of the first half as headed over from a Joel Evans corner kick.  Petone soon took a strangle hold on the game as their left winger, pictured above outfoxing Michael Barnes and Neil Barclay, made his way into the Wainui box and opened the scoring inside the first ten minutes.

Petone dominated for large periods of the game and Wainui just couldn't get going in the opening half as Petone looked for a killer second.  It almost came as the half time whistle approached when a powerful shot whized past an onlooking Michael Howells, rebounded off the post and, luckily, out for a corner off the unsuspecting Howells.

Wainui clear their lines again

Petone found the killer second soon after the restart when another long range effort found the back of the net, although there was still plenty of time for Wainui to mount a comeback.  The comeback almost began when Cameron Blake found himself in possesion of the ball on the Petone byline inside the penalty area.  With two players surrounding him he made the space for a shot by flicking the ball up and away from the defenders then tried to beat Simon Rippon, in goal for Petone this season, with a delicate chip.  The Gods were with Rippon and Petone as the effort sailed just inches wide.

The game was well and truly ended as a contest with another Petone ripper from outside the area to make it three nil.  Wainui pushed on and earned a late consolation goal when Joel Evans sent a free kick past the seven man wall into the back of the net to give the home fans someting to cheer about.  It also enabled them to give last seasons goalkeeper Simon Rippon a bit of ribbing!!

So a hard days work in the end for the boys, Joel Evans was awarded man of the match for Wainui in the after game speeches for a tireless display of football.  Next week sees local rivals Stop Out come over the hill for another dose of Premier League Football.

Band of Brothers #2

The Blakes, Cameron and Jordan, make up the second set of brothers that have been pulling on the Wainuiomata shirt alongside Neil and Ewan Barclay this season. Both are new additions to the team in Wellingtons Premier League this year and have become regular starters as the season has progressed.

The two lads have shown some great Messi like touches that have left opposition defenders flabergasted at times. Cameron, who started the season playing with a broken arm, scored what could be goal of the season with a thirty yard screamer against Wellington Olympic at Wakefield Park.

Cameron Blake shows his class

Not to be outdone Jordan went and scored his first goal of the season last Saturday as Wainui overcame a strong Island Bay team. His solid midfield performances and box to box work rate make him one to watch out for each week.

Jordan shows us his silky skills

The question you might ask is who is the best between the two?? Well again I shall sit on the fence and let the siblings sort that out between themselves, although maybe a penalty competiton could be the way to go!!

Another Game of Two Halves

It was the turn of Island Bay United to make the long trip from Wellington over the hill and into Wainuiomata today. After both sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw back inApril would we see more of the same today?? The odds however were stacked against Wainui having lost their last three games and Island Bay coming off the back of a 6-0 win against Karori.

An early chance for Island Bay

Island Bay came roaring out of the blocks and had some good chances in the opening quarter of an hour. Some wayward finishing helped keep Wainui in the game though. The muddy underfoot conditions were making life hard for the home team and Island Bay took full advantage when a sweeping move through midfield brought about the opening goal of the game. It was almost two a minute later as the ball rebounded off the post to keep the game alive. Wainui survived the rest of the half and made it to the interval within touching distance, a goal could change everything.

The home side came out after the break and stifled the aways team attack from the opening whistle. Liam Bell then sparked the game into life with his first goal of the season to level the game and send the home crowd into raptures. His celebration was a fancy one too as he slid on both knees in front of the home support pumping his fists in delight.

Jubilant players celebrate Joel Evans goal

Five minutes later and the game had been turned on its' head as Mr Versitle Shon McKechnie, playing left wing today, made inroads into Island Bays penalty area. He beat his marker neatly, pulled the ball back to Joel Evans who beat the keeper with ease to give Wainui the lead. It was soon three for the home team when Jordan Blake slammed home from close range as the support from the home crowd got louder and louder.

As the game entered it's final stages Michael Howells made a string of fine saves to deny the away team a way back into the game. There was little he could do about the close range header that gave Island Bay a glimmer of hope as the game went in to injury time. Wainui held on though to record their first victory over Island Bay since returning to Wellingtons Football Premier League.

Band of Brothers #1

This season there are two sets of brothers playing an integral part in the teams performances on the pitch week in and week out.  I myself had the pleasure of playing with yet another set, the Cutters, Karl and Dean when I last played for the team.  First up we give you The Barclay Brothers, Neil and Ewan.  The brothers are Wainuiomata born and bred with over 100 appearances for the club.

Ewan Barclay on the ball

I have had some trouble in the past trying to figure out which one was Neil and which one was Ewan as they are quite alike on the pitch.  Although Neil with his no nonsense defending at the heart of the back four (he was also last years player of the year) and Ewans barnstorming performances game after game in central midfield make it fairly easy for me these days.

Neil Barclay disrupts another attack

It's fair to say that the Brothers Barclay have been at the heart of Wainuis rise to Wellingtons Football Premier League having helped the team to the Division 1 title back in 2010.  Although I'm not here to say who is the best between the two of them, I think that's best left to sort out between themselves!!

Another close loss

After last weekends rest to allow for the Chatham Cup to continue Wainuiomata were back in league action today against Marist at Kilbirnie Park.  With a bitterly cold southerly wind blowing across the field both sides were looking to put some distance between themselves and the teams in the relegation zone.  Neil Barclay was back from injury allowing Mr versatile Shon McKechnie to resume his duties on the right wing for todays encounter.  I positioned myself on the terraces (it was like standing on The Kop) just as the game kicked off.

Shon causes problems for Marists' defence

Marist, however, took an early lead playing into the wind when a dngerous free kick floated into the Wainui area and into the back of the net off a Marist players head.  Wainui though had Marist under pressure for large periods of the half and thought they had won a penalty for handball after thirty minutes of play.  In the ensuing confusion around the decision the referee consulted his linesman who ruled there was no handball.  Shon McKechnie came close to levelling the game as half time approached but found the side netting after a clever run into the Marist area.

Wainuis bench watches intently

Wainui started brightly in the second half as the wind began to die away but Marist doubled their lead with a breakaway goal.  As with the first half Wainui dominated again but couldn't find a way past the resolute home defence.  However, as the game entered the final ten minutes Wainui were awarded a penalty for a trip in the box.  Shon McKechnie slotted the resulting penalty to give Wainui a glimmer of hope.  Andrew Oliver was sent off moments after the restart and even though Wainui were down to ten men they still created chances to level the game as Marist sought to run the clock down by running the ball into the corner.

The all elusive second goal never arrived as Marist ran out 2-1 winners to move above Wainui in the league standings, although they aren't too far ahead.  Hopefully the boys can regroup themselves for next weeks ginormous encounter  against high flying Island Bay. 

A century of appearances

Tough tackling, no nonsense central defender Josh Wilkie is the latest Wainuiomata player to reach the 100 game milestone.  The special achievement was made in the game against Miramr on the peninsula at Miramar park.

Josh made his debut for the club back in 2004 as a teenager and has given no less than 100 percent in every appearance since.

Now with his name on the honours board it's onwards and upwards towards the target of 200 games which only a handful of players have ever achieved.

Upper Hutt juggernaut keeps on rolling

The Upper Hutt  juggernaut rolled into the valley today just as the heavens opened for this afternoons Premier League encounter.  Unbeaten in ten league games so far this season would conditions very similar to last seasons encounter at Richard Prouse Park be enough to throw them off their stride? 

Cameron Blake about to get a shot away

Wainui made a bright start given the tough underfoot conditions and Michael Barnes had an early effort go just wide of Upper Hutts goal.  The league leaders took the lead soon after however when Michael Howells made a good save but was unable to hold onto the rebound effort.  As the wind and rain persisted chances were few and far between. Upper Hutt could have doubled their lead just before half time only for a timely intervention on the line to deny them a certain goal.

The second half sparked into life right from the whistle as the rain relented for a brief period.  Upper Hutt doubled their lead within two minutes of the restart but Wainui worked down field straight from the kick off and won a penalty.  Cam Blake put the keeper the wrong way from the resulting spot kick to bring Wainui back into the game.  There was a bit of confusion outside the clubrooms with people thinking the score was level such was the frantic start to the half.

Liam Bell battles hard

Upper Hutt then weathered the storm soon after as Wainui had some good chances to level the game and then increased their lead as the game entered the final twenty minutes.  With the deteriorating pitch and weather playing a big factor both teams found the going hard in the final quarter of the game with chances again hard to come by as Upper Hutt ran out 3-1 winners to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 11 games.

The speeches back in the clubrooms afterwards were good value as usual with Shon MacKechnie receiving the man of the match award for a composed performance at the unusual position of centre back.  Then with local hero Ralph Chenery in his club blazer, who earlier in the day helped the reserves to a point with another penalty save, presented Callum Patterson and Josh Wilkie their trophies for 100 league appearances for the club......great scenes.

Weekend Review

I still can't believe that Miramar stole the points in the dying moments of last weekends game but the beauty of Wellingtons Premier League is that there is always next weekend to make amends.  Although the upcoming fixture surely can't get any bigger than 2010 Wellington Premier League champions and last seasons runners up Upper Hutt City.  It should be a belter of a game, if you can't make it to the park on Saturday you can always log on here and follow the game live.

Even the seagulls flock to see Wainuiomata play

Here's how the rest of the teams fared last weekend........

Div 4 : Wairarapa 1 1 Wainuiomata *Crucial result for Rob Bennets boys over the hill and far away in Carterton, great to see them come back with a point and stay hot on the heels of Waterside Karori in second place.

Div 6 : The Undertakers 3 3 Victoria University Raiders *High scoring score draw for the boys on pitch number 3 at Richard Prouse Park, never an easy pitch to play on for anybody!!

Div 14 : Half Baked 5 0 Miramar Moose *Crushing victory for Half Baked and a clean sheet for the main man Kurt puts them 3rd on the table.

Div 16 : Naenae Pace 0 1 Wainuiomata *Another win puts Wainuis third team second on the table and pushing hard for promotion. 

Masters 4 : Western Siuburbs 3 3 Wainui Pacifica

And then it was on to Sunday and the turn of the womens teams who both had away trips to make......

Womens Div 1 : Kapiti Coast United 2 1 Wainuiomata *It's never nice to start the second round of matches for  the season with a loss but there is still a long way to go for Adam Smiths team.

Womens Div 3 : Naenae 10 0 Wainuiomata

So another weekend of mixed results but it is great to see the reserves are pushing hard for promotion.  This weekend they can put more pressure on Wharfies if they can beat Upper Hutt in the curtain raiser to Saturdays Premier League fixture.  It's safe to say that I am looking forward to the games this Saturday but I am not too keen on this fixture to say the least......don't ask!!!

Last minute heartbreak

Wainui made the trip to Miramar to begin the second round of games in Wellingtons Premier League.  Coming into the game Wainui were on a two game winning streak but could they break the stubborn resistance shown by Miramar in the seasons opener.

It didn't take long for Wainui to breach the Miramar defence.  Cameron Blake ghosted past the defence and fired home another stunner from twenty yards to give his team the lead.  Miramar missed some chances of their own before they levelled matters just before half time.


Wainui came out fighting in the second half and almost took the lead with chances from Joel Evans and Liam Bell but the keeper made two fine saves to keep the tie level.  Michael Howells was called into action as the game wound down on two seperate occassions and did well to keep Miramar out.  However with time almost up Miramar launched one final attack and managed to squeeze home a winner from just inside the penalty area to delight of the home support.

A cruel way to lose any game especially so as both teams were very evenly matched all day.  Next week sees a return to Richard Prouse Park for a game against Premier League heavyweights Upper Hutt who are unbeaten in the league so far this season.   


 

Thirty yard cracker seals entertaining game

It was another trip to the fine artificial pitch at Wakefield Park this afternoon to take on Wellington Olympic.  Having lost to Olympics Central League side last month in The Chatham Cup Wainui were out for redemption today and they duly delivered.

Olympic came out all guns blazing and full of running and took an early lead after a sweeping attack that began with their goalkeeper resulted in a fine finish.  Wainui didn't drop the heads and worked their way back into the game and eventually the equaliser came in quite stunning fashion.

Ewan Barclay takes on his man

Jordan Blake managed to stop another Olympic attack and the ball was worked up field to his brother Cameron who brilliantly controlled the ball on his chest, turned and hit a dipping volley from thirty yards out that beat the keeper all ends up.  Cam very nearly made it two nil soon after but Olympics keeper pulled off a superb stop to keep the game all square as the half time break approached.

Josh Wilkie took over as captain for the second half when Neil Barclay departed with an injury to be replaced by coach Scott MacLeod Jr.  Michael Howells made some great saves after the restart to keep Wainui in the game before Shon McKechnie turned the game on its head when he was tripped in the penalty area after a mazy run down the left wing.

Shon McKechnie slots home the penalty

Shon Picked himself up and casually put the keeper the wrong way to give Wainui a 2-1 lead.  Olympic fought back and thought they had an equaliser having forced the ball into the net but luckily for Wainui the whistle had blown for offside.  The game itself was finished as a contest, well it seemed to, when Callum Patterson finished calmly having been put through on goal by Joel Evans.

Olympic to their credit didn't roll over and fought back to nick a second goal and set up a very tense finish to the game.  Wainui held on however to claim their third win of the season and second win in a row to move them to fifth in the table.  It was great to see the team take four points from six on both their visits to Wakefield Park this year, the artificial turf by the way is excellent, and sets them up nicely for next weeks visit to Miramar Rangers on the peninsula.
   

Weekend of firsts

It was a day of firsts last Satrurday.  The first time I have seen Wainui win this season and Wainuiomatas first home win since returning to Wellingtons Football Premier League, which was well worth the wait.  It's now time to see how the clubs other teams fared in their respective divisions......

Some of The Undertakers lend their support

Div 4 : Wainuiomata 2 2 Island Bay HHH *The unbeaten run is stretched to 6 games for Robs boys after a hard fought 2 all draw in a game where HHH scored all the goals.

Div 6 : North Wellington Clarets 5 1 The Undertakers * Oooh disappointing loss there for The Undertakers who played under lights at Wellington College on Monday night.

Div 14 : Wellington Utd Hone Badgers 5 3 Half Baked

Div 16 : Wainuiomata 1 3 Stokes Valley Destroyers * Not content with seeing his team extend their unbeaten run in Div 4 Rob Bennet donned the gloves for the third team but unfortunately ended up on the losing side. 

Masters 4 : Wainui Pacifica 0 2 Island Bay United

And then on Sunday it was the ladies turn but in the wild weather that hit the valley Adam Smiths charges fell to a 4-1 loss to league leaders Lower Hutt.  This Sunday sees the girls head to third placed Seatoun for a tricky away encounter.

This coming Saturday sees Wainui make their second trip of the season to the artificial turf at Wakefield Park.  Wellington Olympic provide the opposition this time and hopefully the boys can go one better this time around.  Incidentally if you can't make the game but would like to keep up to date with how the game is going then click here for live coverage.

Wainui deliver victory for home faithful

It was a classic cold winters day at Richard Prouse Park this afternoon as Wellington United made the trip over the hill into the valley.  There was a lot riding on todays game for both teams with only one point separating them before kick off, a loss for Wainui would see them drop below Wellington into the relegation zone.

Andrew Oliver lends a hand in defense

It was a real ding dong battle between the sides right from the kick off and a combination of some good defending and Wainuis crossbar prevented Wellington from claiming an early lead.  Callum Patterson came close to breaking the deadlock on two occasions before Joel Evans set the game alight.

Joel picked up a pass on the halfway line, slipped pass his marker and set off on a run towards goal.  With a defender bearing down on him he unleashed an unstoppable low shot past Wellingtons despairing keeper that cannoned in off the post.  Cameron Blake was then denied by the visitors keeper moments later and the score remained 1-0 heading in to the half time break.



Michael Howells kept Wellington at bay

Wainui pushed hard for the killer second goal and again Wellingtons keeper kept the game alive as he made two great saves from Cameron Blake leaving us with the feeling that Wellington could sneak an equaliser.  Just as the thought entered our heads Andrew Oliver raced through and buried the ball past the keeper to double the lead and allow Wainui to breath a little easier.

Callum Patterson almost added a third late on but Wellingtons goalkeeper, who bagged the player of the day award for his team, pulled off another fine save.  The game wound down to its conclusion and Wainui gained their second win of the season to move four points clear of Wellington. 

100 games and counting

Last Saturday Callum Patterson notched up his 100th  appearance for Wainuiomata in a hard fought game against Stop Out.  It's been a six year journey (I think I was there for the first one) with lots of ups and downs and a league winners medal thrown in for good measure back in 2010 when promotion to Wellingtons Premier League was secured.

He now joins his dad Kevin on the honours board at the clubrooms.  With youth on his side he still has time to maybe overtake local hero Ralph Chenery in the appearance stakes, here's to the next 100 Callum!!!

Wellingtons wind brings the blues

The short trip over the hill to the Hutt Park Raceway proved to be a challenge with its exposed conditions for Wainuiomata.  There was a strong cold southerly breeze blowing through Wellington today which made for a very hard days work. 

It was a cagey opening from both teams with Wainui playing with the wind but Stop Out drew first blood with a header from the back post that found its way into the back of the net.  Stop Out doubled their lead soon after with a crisp finish from just outside the eighteen yard box.

Callum Patterson came on for the injured Paul Wood, marking his 100th appearance for Wainuiomata.  He soon made an impact with a superb cross field ball that found the unmarked Cameron Blake who weaved his way into the box and was brought to ground by the Stop Out defender. 

Cam picked himself up from the ground and fired the resulting penalty low to the goalkeepers left to bring Wainui back into the contest just before the half time whistle.

The wind continued to frustrate both teams in the second half and Wainui defended well into the wind but any hopes of a comeback were dashed as Stop Out powered in a third to restore their two goal advantage.  A lucky escape followed as it looked like the referee had blown for a penalty after Stop Out had a player brought down in the box but the loud blast of the whistle was actually for an off side infringement.

The wind continued to frustrate as Wainui went looking for another  goal as the clock ticked down.  Joel Evans came close from a free kick at the end but the Stop Out keeper made the save. 

Stop Out now move above Wainui in Wellingtons Football Premier League and next week sees a huge game against Wellington United at Richard Prouse Park which will be covered live from the ground itself so look for that one!!

  

Weekend shakedown

This coming Saturday Wainui get to put their Chatham Cup disappointment behind them and focus on the league with a trip over the hill to face another of their local rivals Stop Out.  If last years encounter at the same ground is anything to go by it should be a very interesting encounter. 

This weekends game against Stop Out will also mark Callum Pattersons 100th league appearance for Wainuiomata, best of luck to Callum on a super achievement!! 

Here is a bit of a run down on how the other teams at the club faired last weekend.........

Even the officials deserve a rest

Division 4 : Wainuomata 2 0 Waterside Karori Magpies * A fourth win on the trot for Rob Bennets boys puts them top of the table.

Division 6 : Brooklyn Northern United Pilsner 2 0 Undertakers *A loss for Adrian and The Undertakers, no news on weather Pom was man of the match or not after picking up the accolade at the post match speeches last Saturday.....

Division 14 : Half Baked 3 2 Porirua City * Half Baked rallied to grind out the win after Kurt conceded a goal from the halfway line!!

Division 16 : BNU Pterodactyls 5 0 Wainuiomata

Masters Division 4 : Wainui Pacifica 2 3 Victoria Uni Bombers

And then onto Sunday when both first and second teams had home games at Richard Prouse Park.......

Womens Division 1 : Wainuiomata 0 2 North Wellington

Womens Division 3 : Wainuiomata 4 6 BNU Pretenders * It's not everyday that you get to witness a 10 goal classic just a shame that Wainui came out the wrong side of the scoreline!!

Cup run finished for another year

Wainui took a break from league action this afternoon and after last weeks big win against cross town rivals Petone headed into todays first round Chatham Cup game at Richard Prouse Park in high spirits.  However Wellington Olympic from The Central League would be no pushovers and Wainui would certainly have their work cut out for them.

Olympic signalled their intent within the first two minutes when right winger Andrew Abba beat Paul Wood with some amazing footwork then sent in a low cross that was finished expertly.  Olympics strong start continued when a short while later Michale Howells made a fine save but when the cross came back in from the rebound Wainui failed to clear and  a clinical finish from Olympics striker saw the lead doubled.

Andrew Abba (2) was a constant thorn in Wainuis side all day

The home team began to claw their way back into the game but on the half hour mark a cross come shot sneaked its way past Howells in goal and Olympic found themselves three goals up and cruising.  You could have been forgiven for thinking that the floodgates were about to open but Wainui at Richard Prouse very rarely roll over and die. 

Shon McKechnie is hustled off the ball in attack

Joel Evans came to life after Wainui had fallen three behind and very nearly pulled one back but his effort just before half time drifted narrowly wide.  Just after half time another chance fell to Joel but Olympics goalkeeper was alert and the score remained at three.  Soon it was four as Olympic broke down field and another neat finish heaped more misery on the home team and its band of supporters.

Josh Wilkie is put under pressure

Paul Wood kept Olympics danger man quiet for the majority of the second half with some great defending and Wainui kind of finished in the ascendancy by creating a couple of half chances late in the game.  Unfortunately though Joel Evans didn't get the goal he thoroughly deserved as the match wound down to its conclusion and a four nil loss to Central League opposition.  So Wainuis involvement in The Chatham Cup ends for another year but next week sees a return to league action and another derby game against Stop Out.

Local hero Ralphie was in action for the reserves again today, unfortunately I missed the game as he kept his multitude of fans happy with another clean sheet helping the team to another victory.  Back in the clubrooms Joel picked up his award for player of the day along with POM from The Undertakers who hadn't even kicked off their game (The Undertakers were due to kick off at 7.30pm, hopefully Pom does this award some justice!!).

Weekend Round Up

It's hard to believe that we are five games into the league season already and Wainui have a massive fixture against Petone this coming weekend in Wellingtons Premier League which should be a cracker of a game.  Here is a bit of a rundown on how the other teams in the club fared over the weekend just gone........

Keep your eyes on the action

Division 4 : Wainuomata 1 0 Lower Hutt Ancient Ones * A clean sheet for everyones favourite hero Ralphie and a second win in a row for Rob Bennets charges puts them 3rd on the table.

Division 6 : Marist Inter 2 2 Undertakers

Division 14 : Half Baked 2 2 Lower Hutt Roundballs * It was somewhat of a Wainui Cricket Club v Wainui Cricket Club grudge match here in a 'spirited' game which saw Kurts Half Baked team fight back to claim a draw against the unbeaten Roundballs.

Division 16 : Island Bay United 1 3 Wainuiomata

Masters Division 4 : Western Suburbs 3 2 Wainui Pacifica

Womens Division 1 : Tawa 1 1 Wainuiomata * Looks like the womens first team are adjusting well to life in division one this season with a win, a draw and two losses to kick start their season.

Womens Division 3 : North Wellington 10 0 Wainuiomata