North kick off season in style

ON THE UP: Scott Burgess, North Force skipper, has been a leading figure in his team's strong start to the Lotto NRFL Division 2 season.PHOTO/TANIA WHYTE

North Force's dream start to the 2015 Lotto NRFL Division 2 season has continued in fine fashion with their record now standing at three wins from three.

This is in stark contrast to their mixed start in the opening rounds of last year's competition which saw North Force with two losses and one win after their first three games.

"Our defence is playing quite well," North Force coach Russell Baddeley says of his side, who have not had a goal scored against them so far this season.

The Northland side picked up two hard-fought wins over Easter, including a 2-0 win over Lynn Avon, in which Murray Wootten and Jeremy Rintoul showed their scoring worth.

North Force's other win came via an Andrew Dunn first-half strike in front of a strong home crowd at Kamo Sports Park against Fencibles United.

North Force maintained their 1-0 advantage at full-time, furthering their division-two dominance.

"It's a better start than last year," Baddeley says.

"We're taking it one game at a time. Nobody's getting carried away and we're aware we have to fire up really hard and roll up the sleeves for results."

A feature has been the dogged defending of the back four, led by Mark Ruddell.

Right-back Nathan Steel had a superb game against Fencibles United, as did Leon Jarman-Taylor in goal.

North Force will now turn their attention to tomorrow's match versus Papatoetoe.

Papatoetoe got their season under way with a 5-1 thrashing of Lynn Avon in their last outing.

Scott Burgess, Steve Schimmel and Murray Wootten have all shrugged off injuries and will be available to play for North Force in tomorrow's match at Kamo Sports Park.

Kick-off is 2.45pm.

North Force: Leon Jarman-Taylor, Scott Burgess, Nathan Steel, Andrew Dunn, Ben Porter, Steve Schimmel, Aaron Taylor, Mark Ruddell, Jeremy Rintoul, Jason Teal, Murray Wootten, Junior Kaiarake, Steve Crowley, Kyle Levell, Shane Stanners.