Coast aim out of first division

A strong preseason offensive from Hibiscus Coast AFC’s 1st XV sees them in fine form as they head into their NRFL division one league opening game against Mt Albert Ponsonby AFC on Friday.

Coast took out the Northern Football Federation’s Joma Men’s Northern Preseason Tournament, trouncing division one rivals Waitemata 4-1 in the final on Saturday.

The team beat division two teams Takapuna 2-1 and Albany 3-2, and drew with premier side Glenfield 3-3 to claim their pool on points difference to face Waitemata in the final.

New team coach Mauricio Rojas says the preseason tournament win is a positive start to the season, showing the team was on track in the areas of fitness, organisation and tactical and technical levels, and also with mental resilience and focus training.

He says the club has a very good group of players this season who have come through on the discipline, commitment and hard work he’s asked for this year. But with a whole season ahead the successes to date are just a small proof that the team is on track, Rojas says.

‘‘It is not that I don’t celebrate victories, but this is just one step on the big track to the big goal that we want to achieve this season. To get promotion.’’

Coast kick off their NRFL season against Mt Albert Ponsonby at 7pm on Friday away at Anderson Park.