Football: United promoted to regional top flight

Rotorua United after winning promotion back into the Waibop Federation One competition. Photo/ Supplied

Rotorua United have won promotion in their final game of the season.

United had to win the last game, on Saturday, to secure second place in the Waibop Federation Two competition.

They defeated West Hamilton 4-0 to finish second on the ladder and book their place in the Waibop Federation One league for next season. United and champions Katikati will go up to the Federation One competition next year.

United captain Lawrie Scott said he was proud of his team's achievements this season.

"It has been a good bunch of lads to play with and it is boding well for next year."

He said although a few players would be leaving next year for university, they hoped to get a few more players in next season.

The United goal-scorers on Saturday were Sam Robinson, Brad Hill, Shadley Petersen and Josh Chemis.

Coach Rich Barter said he was proud of his team this year.

"My aim [at the start of the year] was to win Fed Two. But that was part of the bigger picture of developing a side who play entertaining, fearless, attacking football based on possession."

He said they had achieved that and the future was looking very bright for the club.

Meanwhile, Ngongotaha suffered a 4-0 loss to AFC Fury (Tauranga) in the Federation One competition.

Ngongotaha have struggled for form in recent weeks but still sit in fifth spot in the tough Federation One competition. Local clubs Ngongotaha and United will both compete in the competition next year.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Football results on Saturday:

Federation One: Taupo 2 Melville 1, Cambridge 4 Tauranga City United 0, AFC Fury 4 Ngongotaha 0, Hukanui Rototuna 5 Tauranga Boys' College 0, Waikato Unicol 3 Matamata 1, Tauranga Old Blues 0 Otumoetai 1.

Federation Two: West Hamilton 0 Rotorua United 4.