Fourth-place finish confirmed for Jags

Gisborne Thistle have finished fourth in their first season back in the Central Federation League.

Massey University could have snatched fourth place from Waikanae Beach TOP10 Gisborne Thistle by beating Levin by three goals or more on Saturday.

But Levin, playing away from home, drew 1-1 with Massey. The result meant neither side moved up or down the league table. Massey stayed fifth and Levin, eighth in the nine-team league.

This was the last game in the league, but Massey have one more big game — the final of the Central Federation Cup in New Plymouth on Saturday. Their opponents will be Taranaki Premiership frontrunners Moturoa.

Thistle finished level on points with Whanganui Athletic butWhanganui had the better goal difference. Both teams had 30 points, four behind runners-up Palmerston North Marist and 10 behind league champions Havelock North Wanderers.

Thistle were the only side in the competition to gain all their points from wins. They had no drawn games.

Senior football in Gisborne will finish this weekend, at Childers Road Reserve.

On Saturday, at 12 midday, Gizzy Bobcat Services Thistle will play Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United Thirds in the final of the Poverty Bay Cup for Eastern League third division teams.

At 3pm, 1st Class Decorators Wainui Salty Dogs will play Thistle Vintage in the final of the Chris Moore Cup for Eastern League second division teams.

At 10.30am on Sunday, women's teams Gisborne Laundry Services Wainui Riverina will play Bohemians in the final of the Braybrook Cup.

The Bailey Cup for Eastern League first division men's teams has already been decided. Sunshine Brewing Wainui Sharks completed the league and cup double by beating HES Gisborne United in the final, 2-1 after extra time.