It was a good weekend — entertaining football in fine weather — and it gave teams and coaches an idea of their progress relative to other combinations.
While Blair is coaching Thistle’s Federation League team and Davie Ure is looking after the reserves (Gisborne Vehicle Testing Thistle), Gisborne United’s Pacific Premiership side have a new coach — midfield linchpin Kieran Venema. He is taking over from Corey Adams, who is back on the field after a season getting over a serious knee injury.
Michael Smith is in charge of the Wainui Eastern League 1 team this year.
Chris Adams is looking after United’s Eastern League 1 side, while last year’s coach Dean Wrigley has a well-earned season off.
Blair was pleased with the youngsters who have come into the Thistle first-team squad this year.
Striker Oli Davies scored one goal and had a hand in the other — a Tomek Frooms tap-in from a Davies cross following a smart wall pass with midfielder Jarom Brouwer.
Blair said Frooms and new signing Brouwer had already developed a good understanding, and Cullen Spawforth did a sturdy job in a defensive midfield role.
Striker Jimmy Somerton scored “close to 10” goals over the tourney, and Alex Davies gave good support from midfield.
Among the more experienced players, Ander Batarrita was commanding at the back and goalkeeper Mitchell Stewart-Hill showed his value as a shot-stopper and defensive organiser.
The results over the two days were —
Round 1: Thistle (1) 2 United 1, Wainui 2 Thistle (2) 0.
Round 2: Thistle (1) 7 Thistle (2) 0, United 4 Wainui 0.
Round 3: Thistle (1) 1 Wainui 0, United 3 Thistle (2) 1.
Semifinals: Wainui 0 United 0 (Wainui won 3-0 on penalties), Thistle (1) 2 Thistle (2) 0 (official score 3-0 because Thistle reserves defaulted but teams shared players to make up a game).
Final: Thistle (1) 2 Wainui 1.
