Marist seek points at Castlecliff

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Coming into the final rounds before the split, the men's Local League sees plenty of matches with teams looking to secure their place in the Top 8 standings today.

In the opening session at 12.30pm, Castlecliff Braves host Marist Celtic, and will be looking to bite back after last weekend's heavy defeat to the City Hammers.

Celtic will be hungry for points and goals from this one, as they will want to put themselves in the box seat for a tilt at the title after this round.

The Athletic Reserves face off against the St John Castlecliff 1sts, who will be chomping at the bit for game time after defaulting last week's match, while the City Thirsties will be hoping they can repeat the team effort of their narrow loss to the Athletic Reserves when they go up against the Athletic Weekenders, who currently have the unfortunate record of stealing defeat from the jaws of victory in their past three games.

With the unfortunate news the Wanganui City Reserves have had to withdraw their team from the competition, Marist Casuals have the week off and three points to boot.

Athletic Cosmos will be looking to teach the City Renovators a lesson in possession football, while the Renovators will be wanting to put on a display of the style of football their coach Tex von Kwiatkowski has instilled in them over the years.

The second session at 2.30pm sees Castlecliff United host the Marist Bhoys on field No 5.

United put in a stellar effort last weekend against Celtic, and will want to bring that mentality out against the Bhoys, who themselves will be on a high after a hard fought victory last weekend.

In my pick for the match of the day, the Total Automotive Wanganui City Hammers face off against Castlecliff St Anthony's in what should be an entertaining match between two hard-playing teams.

Hammers have pretty much sealed up the top spot for this round, although a loss today would open the door for Athletic Reserves to lead the table on goal difference, should they win their match.

The Saints have tripped up at the tail end of the season after barnstorming their way into the league at the start, and will be looking to give the Hammers their first loss of the season.

In the women's league, Wanganui Girls College play against the Wanganui City Women at 12.30pm. Wanganui Collegiate Girls face off against the Castlecliff Saints at 2.30pm.