Close contest for Wainui and Campion in women’s Eastern League football

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

A goal five minutes from time gave Wainui Riverina a 2-1 victory over Campion College in women’s Eastern League football on Sunday.

Campion came into the match with the confidence provided by an excellent win against a strong United side the week before.

Gisborne Laundry Services Wainui Riverina dominated possession early in the only women’s fixture to go ahead last weekend. The other games were postponed because of Covid cases.

Campion’s penalty area was under siege in the first 20 minutes but goalkeeper Jasmine Sparks made light work of it, showing a safe pair of hands.

With 10 minutes to go in the first half, Campion’s Grace Levy dribbled past three Wainui players to score in the top left corner and give her side a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Wainui equalised 30 minutes into the second half, when a shot from Larisa Allan was deflected into the path of striker Katerina Ngarimu, who finished well.

Campion had a chance to regain the lead when Taylor Broughton ran on to a through ball played in between her and Wainui keeper Kristy Roa, in action again after a two-year layoff due to a back injury.

The two clashed heavily. Broughton went down, winded, and Roa emerged with the ball.

With five minutes to go, Rosa Evans scored a superb goal from the edge of the penalty area to put Wainui 2-1 up.

Both teams battled hard to the final whistle.

The Wainui player-of-the-match accolade went to skipper Lily Hall-Auckram, who covered well in defence.