Last game will decide league title

FOOTBALL

GISBORNE football’s top two women’s teams meet tomorrow in what is effectively a final for the Eastern League title.

For one side, though, a draw will be enough.

On the last playing day of the women’s league this season, Heavy Equipment Services United play Gisborne Laundry Services Riverina on Harry Barker Reserve No.1 at 10.30am.

United sit atop the table on 39 points, two more than Riverina, so a draw would be enough for United to claim the title.

These teams established their dominance of the competition early in the season, and the league has been building towards this showdown ever since. They have a similar scoring record — United’s goal difference is 69, Riverina’s is 68 — but that will not come into play. They have beaten each other once, by the same scoreline: 2-0.

The two-point gap came about when Riverina drew 2-2 with Campion College on September 6.

Campion sit fourth on the table with 18 points, three points behind third-placed Bohemians.

Tomorrow’s top-of-the-table clash will be a contest of different styles.

Riverina have a strong, well-structured, direct approach with Lizzie Hall, Renae Lolohea, Briar McLeely and Manaia Mill prominent.

United play a fast-paced, tight-marking game that relies on penetrative passing and tireless running. Key players include Kayley Knight, Chelsea Simpson, Jamie Gedye, Amber Church and Claire Bayliss.

It should be close.