Knight bars way to goal

gatekeeper: United goalkeeper Mel Knight secures the ball as Wainui Riverina striker Katerina Ngarimu (centre left) and United defender Dana Kingsbeer follow up. Picture by Catherine Walker

GISBORNE United goalkeeper Mel Knight led a defensive effort that kept a dominant Wainui Riverina side at bay in women's Eastern League football at Harry Barker Reserve on Sunday.

Time and again Knight defused the danger as Heavy Equipment Services United drew 0-0 with Gisborne Laundry Services Wainui Riverina.

United were under pressure from start to finish, but Knight brought all her experience to bear and showed why she is one of the best keepers in Gisborne. She made some unbelievable saves.

“We had to scramble in defence many times for the hardest-earned draw in years,” Knight said.

Wainui came close, through efforts by strikers Katerina Ngarimu and Trish Hina, midfielder Manaia Mill and player-coach Lizzie Hall.

But United defenders Rebecca Peach and Sarah Graham worked hard to resist the pressure.

When United threatened going forward, the danger came from the combinations of midfielder Amelia Paull and left-winger Tyler Burgess, and midfielder Claire Bayliss and striker Chelsea Simpson.

Wainui dynamic duo Lily Hall-Auckram and Morgan Lloyd were named their team's players of the match for their defensive strength.

Hall-Auckram was often first to the ball, and goalkeeper Kristy Roa cleaned up anything that got through.

Campion College were far too strong for Gisborne Girls' High School, beating them 17-0 at the Rectory.

The game went ahead despite poor pitch conditions. Once Campion scored their first goal, the floodgates opened.

Goalscorers were Sofia Zame (6), Grace Levy (5), Tayla Broughton (2), Lucy Allan (2), Dara Mulrooney and Imogen Amor-Bendall.

Mulrooney, Allan and Zame were outstanding for Campion.

Mulrooney caused problems for Girls' High by coming in from out wide to drive the ball into the box. She also defended well, stopping a lot of attacks before they developed.

Zame was strong coming forward and looked dangerous throughout, while Allan was effective in breaking up Girls' High possession in centre midfield.

It was a hard day for Girls' High, although they rallied in attack through Charley Lepper, Steph Collier and Jade McVey.

McVey ran herself into the ground trying to set up play for her team.

Bohemians beat Tatapouri Marist Thistle 2-1 at Childers Road Reserve. The winning goal came in the last two minutes of the match.

In a closely fought game, Marist Thistle's goal was scored by Alecia Ulu.