Campion the ‘team to watch’ in Gisborne women’s football this year

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Campion College are the team to watch in Gisborne women's football this year, says the manager of the team on the receiving end of the students' scoring prowess on Sunday.

Tatapouri Marist Thistle manager Amanda Harbottle made her comments after Campion had beaten her side 10-0.

“They're an outstanding team with great sportsmanship,” Harbottle said.

“Campion are the team to watch this year.”

Marist Thistle started well, with defenders clearing their lines and goalkeeper Mandy Owen making some great saves.

But Campion took control with some good attacking play.

Sisters Breanna and Summer Ferris played well together for the students, while Marist Thistle midfielders Kirsty Moiser and Alecia Ulu had their hands full coping with fast opponents.

Lucy Allan and Sofia Zame scored hat-tricks for Campion, while Grace Levy and Dara Mulrooney scored two goals each.

Marist Thistle had some attacking opportunities in the second half, but the Campion defence — with Jasmine Sparks outstanding — kept them at bay.

Injury problems meant Marist Thistle finished the game with only 10 players on the field.

Heavy Equipment Services United beat Bohemians 2-0 at Nelson Park.

Both teams just managed to field a team by kick-off, but this did not affect the intensity of a game played at pace with end-to-end action.

Bohemians' Morgan Andrews and Rita Halley made some early goalscoring chances that kept United defenders Dana Kingsbeer, Courtney Duncan and Sarah Graham busy.

United midfielder Amelia Paull was everywhere, and was well supported by Jasmine Donovan-Monteith and Kim-Maree Larby. In the second half, they linked up well with Chelsea Simpson.

The first goal of the match came from Simpson, who cut in on the left edge of the penalty area to place her shot perfectly over the keeper into the top corner.

Five minutes later, Grace Kuil put her through for the second goal.

Paare Ahuriri-Leach, Duncan and Kingsbeer ensured the United goal wasn't threatened as United dominated the second half and secured the win.

Gisborne Laundry Services Wainui Riverina beat Gisborne Girls' High School 9-1 at Wainui.

It was great to see so many friends and family on the sidelines, supporting both teams.

Wainui player-coach Lizzie Hall said the game was played in good spirits.

“Girls' High are a young side and have a lot of potential,” she said.

A few of the Wainui starting 11 were away, so it was an opportunity to try different combinations.

Amoe Tarsau was named player of the match after a strong game in midfield.

The final score did not reflect the heart Girls' High showed in defeat.

For the students, Jade McVey made some good runs, and was rewarded with a goal in the second half.

Defender Frankie Gooding made some great clearances and goal-saving tackles.

Wainui's goals were scored by Larisa Allan (5), Lizzie Hall (3), and Manaia Mill.