Paige McCloskey (left) and Kelly Bent of Claudelands Rovers premier women's team before their 9-1 win over Tauranga Blue Rovers on Sunday. Photo / Tom Rowland
Paige McCloskey (left) and Kelly Bent of Claudelands Rovers premier women's team before their 9-1 win over Tauranga Blue Rovers on Sunday. Photo / Tom Rowland
Claudelands Rovers' two premier teams were the big winners in Hamilton on the weekend, while Melville United secured their first three points in the LottoNRFL premier league.
In the WaiBOP W-League, Claudelands opened their season with an emphatic 9-1 win over Tauranga Blue Rovers.
Rachel Porteous opened the scoring witha penalty, before Rhiannon Jones grabbed a quick brace and Stella Neems got her name on the score sheet with a precise finish.
The goals kept coming, with American import Natalie Dixon finishing off a well-created team goal, and Evahn Martinsen scoring from just over 25 yards out in the first half.
In the second half the goal scoring continued with Porteous scoring another penalty, before Paige McCloskey scored from 6 yards out, and Stacey Palmer rounding off the goal scoring action with a well-struck effort.
Albany struck back with one more goal before the full-time whistle, but it was not enough as Claudelands picked up all three points with a 4-3 win.
In the LottoNRFL premier men's league Hamilton Wanderers failed to build the on the momentum after beating rivals Melville United in the opening round. Derek Tieku grabbed the only goal for Wanderers in their 3-1 defeat against Western Springs.
Grace Cox in action for Hamilton Wanderers. Photo / Grant Stantiall
Melville United got their first three points of the season thanks to a lone goal from Josh Davies against Glenfield Rovers. It leaves them ahead of Wanderers on goal difference.
In the premier women's league, Hamilton Wanderers played out a 0-0 draw with Forrest Hill Milford.
Melville's premier women's team were defeated 4-1 against Pāpāmoa FC.
