FOOTBALL
It’s all been happening at Wainui over summer, and it’s had nothing to do with the surf.
The football club — called Wainui Sports Club — is now an incorporated society and has agreed a three-year sponsorship with Sunshine Brewing, a deal that includes a new strip in the company colours.
No big surprises there. The sponsor — under the name Sunshine Brewery — has backed the club for years, and plenty of clubs become incorporated societies.
But it indicates an effort by Wainui to make sure its house is in order for development, should that be desired.
A club logo has been designed by Morley Design Group. It features a representation of the Tuahine Point lighthouse.
Club members have recruited players, to the extent that three Wainui teams will take the field this year.
The Sharks will play in Eastern League 1.
A newly formed reserve team will be a development side with organiser Mike Vita and a few old hands to steady them, and the Demons will be there to compete, and enjoy themselves whatever happens. Wainui Reserves and Coates Associates Demons will play in Eastern League 2.
Training numbers have been encouraging, and the reserves have welcomed the opportunity to train with the first team.
Former Thistle striker Jake Theron has been taking the training, and first-team selection at this stage is by agreement among a leadership group of John Hill, Theron, Rick Kitto and Greg Judd. Kitto has been injured but the other three are expected to be available to play the first game of the season, against Heavy Equipment Services United at Harry Barker Reserve at 2.30pm tomorrow.
Also in the mix will be dead-ball specialist and former Thistle attacking midfielder Olly Tilley, out-of-town signings Jaiden Ibbetson and Steffan John, Jimmy Walker from the Demons, Dan Torrie from United, and Mal Furlan, who has played for both Wainui and United in recent years.
Ibbetsen is a 26-year-old striker while John is a 31-year-old defender. Tilley, Torrie and Furlan are all in their 20s.
A feature of the Sharks is that they have four left-footers — always a bonus. They are Ibbetson, Torrie, Jamie Gallacher and John.
After a break from the game, Simon Blaker has rejoined Wainui, meeting up with old teammates such as Jeff
Allen and Diego Pedrioli.
Matt Pierard, prominent in junior football administration for many years and a well-performed player in his day, has also joined the club, as have his sons Paddy and Matt Jr.
Paddy was lined up for the goalkeeper’s jersey but while he is getting over an injury, brother Matt is stepping in. When Paddy is fit, Matt Jr is expected to slot into an outfield role.
The Sharks’ game against the perennially strong United Eastern League 1 team could be the match of the round and will give both sides a good idea of what they need to work on to challenge for honours.
All three Eastern League 1 matches have their points of interest.
Gisborne Thistle Reserves play clubmates Carpet Court Thistle Massive on Childers Road Reserve No.1 at 12.30pm in the curtain-raiser to the Pacific Premiership game between Gisborne Vehicle Testing Thistle and Taradale at 2.30pm.
It will be a big day at the reserve for Thistle. Eastern League 2 side ITM Thistle play HES United Thirds on No.2 at 12.30pm.
The other League 1 game is a school derby, between Gisborne Boys’ High School and Lytton High School. It will be played on the Rectory field at 12.30pm.
In Eastern League 2, Wainui Reserves play Campion College at Campion, Tatapouri Bohemians play Thistle Vintage at Anzac Park, and Wainui Demons play Gisborne Pro Roofing Bohemians at Wainui, all at 12.30pm.
In Wairoa, Athletic take on Smash Palace Shockers at 2.30pm.
The women play at 10.30am on Sunday. Gisborne Laundry Services Riverina play Gisborne Girls’ High School on Harry Barker Reserve No.2 and HES United play Bohemians on HBR 1, while Campion play Tatapouri Marist Thistle at Campion.