Ōtaki the women’s football champions

August 2021

By Frank Neill

Ōtaki Kāeaea are the Wellington women’s football division three champions in just their first season in the competition.

They ensured their victory at Haruātai Park on 15 August with a 1-0 victory over Island Bay Orcas.

The win meant the team, coached by Brent Bertelsen, was assured top spot in the second round of the 2021 competition with one game still to play.

At this point, Ōtaki Kāeaea were undefeated in round two and assured of promotion to division two next season.

Alannah Taylor found the back of the net with a strongly hit shot the beat an excellent Island Bay keeper and give her team victory.

Arihia McClutchie earned three MVP points in an outstanding display for the home team, while Maddy Marshall McNabb scored two points and Aria Epiha-Edwards one point.

Wet weather and a bye meant that Ōtaki Kāeaea played only two matches in the month to 15 August.

They defeated Seatoun Seagals 2-0 on 25 July, with Louisa Donnell and Aria Epiha-Ewards scoring a goal each.

The team now has sweatshirts thanks to a $1,000 anonymous donation, for which the Ōtaki Sports Club is grateful.

Three other local football teams each finished third in their competitions.

Ōtaki Purutaitama had the opportunity to win division one of the Horowhenua Kāpiti men’s competition with one round to play.

They needed victory in the final game of the season when they played another competition frontrunner, Kāpiti Coast United Sopranos.

However the Sopranos won a very close encounter 1-0 on 31 July. Isaac Cant was awarded three MVP points for the match, Jacko Murray two points and Travis Robertson one point.

A week earlier Ōtaki Purutaitama scored an impressive 8-2 victory over Waikanae Wanderers on 24 July.

Devon Yung and Travis Robertson each scored twice, while Soapi Lupi, Isaac Cant, Tom Mackley and Matthew Braddick also found the back of the net. Michael Scott was awarded three MVP points, Isaac Cant two points and Matthew Braddick one point.

Following the competition, Ōtaki Purutaitama began three games in a knockout competition. They drew 0-0 with Paekakariki in the first of these, played on 14 August.

Manakau Hui Mai finished third in the Horowhenua Kāpiti second division following a 7-4 win over Waikanae Wanderers on 7 August.

Matt Field notched up a hat trick in the match, Boyd Wallace scored twice and both Cameron LaFrentz and Marty Yaxley found the back of the net. Heron Matheus won three MVP points, Marty Yaxley two points and Pete Dawson one point.

The team was not so fortunate on 31 July, losing to Paekakariki Central 0-4. Cameron LaFrentz scored three MVP points, Atain Halley two points and Jamie Allcock one point.

Manakau Hui Mai also lost on 24 July, going down to Kāpiti Coast United Sopranos 3-8.

Cameron LaFrentz scored twice for Manakau and Atain Halley scored once. Nathan Fulford was awarded three MVP points, Josh Sannazzaro two points and Wiremu Royal one point.

Manakau Tuakana Teina finished third in division three, despite losing its last three matches.

Kāpiti Coast United Hearts beat the Manakau team 4-1 on 24 July, with Robert Wylie scoring. Dan O’Neill was awarded three MVP points, Josh Bulliff two points and Sam Ward one point.

Manakau Tuakana Teina lost to Paekakariki 2-6 on 31 July. Fraser Watson and Robert Wylie scored while both Kimbal McHugo and Chris Henry scored three MVP points.

The team also lost to Kāpiti Coast United Bandits 1-3 on 7 August. Finley Stevenson scored and Allan John won three MVP points.

Both Manakau teams are involved in the knockout cup currently being played, and they will also meet each other at Manakau Domain on 11 September.