Football: Flying start as Villagers do it again

Ngongotaha have won their second game in a row to start the season. Pictured are Ngongotaha players Josh O'Sullivan (left) and Luke Barker

A Luke Barker hat-trick has helped Ngongotaha secure back-to-back victories to open their season.

Ngongotaha have scored nine goals in their opening two matches, after downing Katikati 5-1 away on Saturday.

Barker netted three times during the match, while teammate Eamon O'Donoghue added two goals of his own.

Katikati are new to the WaiBOP Premiership, after being promoted at the end of last year. Dane Stollery scored their only goal on Saturday.

Barker is the second player from Ngongy to score a hat-trick this season, after Mitch Miller netted three times against Rotorua United a week ago.

Coach Shane Davis will be happy with his team's start to the year after two straight wins.

Meanwhile, Rotorua United had their game against Waikato Unicol postponed at the weekend because of a wedding.

In the other matches, one of the league favourites, Cambridge, were beaten at home 1-0 by Tauranga Old Blues. The result saw Old Blues claim the Federation Challenge Shield.

Otumoetai lost to Tauranga City United 2-0, Papamoa drew with Matamata Swifts 1-1, and Melville United defeated Tauranga Boys' College 4-0.

-WaiBOP round three:

Premiership: Otumoetai 0-2 Tauranga City United, Papamoa 1-1 Matamata Swifts, Cambridge 0-1 Tauranga Old Blues, Katikati 1-5 Ngongotaha, Tauranga Boys' College 0-4 Melville United, Rotorua United v Waikato Unicol - postponed.

Championship: Cambridge 4-0 West Hamilton, Claudelands 2-1 Kawerau Sports, Te Puke 2-0 Tauranga Old Blues, Tokoroa 4-0 Ngongotaha, Te Awamutu 2-3 Matamata Swifts, Whakatane Town bye.