A Josh Adams hat-trick set Gisborne United Premiers on the way to a 4-2 victory over Wainui Sharks in Eastern League 1 football last Saturday.
Jake Theron had put 1st Class Decorators Wainui Sharks ahead in the 20th minute with a 25-metre shot that caught the defence off guard.
Ten minutes before halftime, Adams curled in a free-kick from Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United’s right flank, near the corner of the penalty area.
Five minutes later, Adams flicked on a throw-in from halfway and midfielder Dane Thompson hit the bouncing ball into the net from the left corner of the penalty area.
United went 3-1 up in the 55th. Jacob Adams, Josh’s younger brother, got the ball on halfway and passed it to Josh, who made ground and rifled it home.
Ten minutes later, Wainui scored from a deflection off a defender’s leg. In the 75th minute they had the chance to equalise from the penalty spot but goalkeeper Seth Piper dived full length to his right to tip the shot past the post.
Josh Adams completed his hat-trick when elder brother Corey fired in a low cross from the right that Josh met at the near post with a left-footed sidefoot volley.
For United, defensive midfielder Adam Simpson, leftback Kaden Manderson and right winger Jacob Adams were outstanding, but Thompson will miss the next game after being sent off for a second yellow-card offence.
In Eastern League 2, Draggnett Thistle Vintage were 3-0 up against Tatapouri Bohemians, then hung on to win 3-2.
The Bohs stormed back with goals to striker Adam Situ in the 75th minute and midfielder Steve White in the 80th. White’s 20-metre drive was heading for the top left corner before it was deflected into the top right.
Best for the Bohs were White, Situ, midfielder Caleb Craig and centreback Oli Gillies.
Results — Eastern League 1: United Firsts 11 Thistle Youth 1, United Premiers 4 Wainui Sharks 2.
Eastern League 2: Wainui Demons 1 Wainui Salty Dogs 1, Thistle Vintage 3 Bohemians 2, GPR Bohemians 4 Wairoa 1.
Eastern League 3: United Thirds 7 GBS Thistle 1, Ngatapa Silkies 5 Tumu Thistle 1.
Women’s Eastern League: Campion 7 GGHS 1, Wainui Riverina 3 United 0, Bohemians 3 Marist Thistle 0.