Unbeaten champions stay home
With the title locked away, Moturoa go into the final full round of Taranaki premier football on the verge of claiming three points every time the stepped onto the field.
With the last round postponed due to poor weather, the side boast 16 wins in 16 matches, and they won’t even have to show up to claim number 17.
With only the minor placings to be settled, Hawera have defaulted their final match – which was set against Moturoa in New Plymouth.
That leaves just three matches to be played this weekend, with Eltham and Woodleigh not scheduled to play.
The cross-town high school rivalry looks to be the pick of the round as Francis Douglas Memorial College host New Plymouth Boys’ High School.
Francis Douglas still have a chance to finish in a top-four position, with a win over Boys’ High this weekend being vital to that cause.
Boys’ High have found some form in recent weeks and always step up a level when they go against the College, with school pride on the line as well.
Elsewhere, FC Western host Inglewood at Lynmouth Park and New Plymouth Rangers take on Peringa at Merrilands Domain. A win for FC Western will solidify them in third place.
A number of teams have games in hand, however a number of these a likely to not be played as they won’t have much of an impact on the final standings.
In the Federation League, Rangers play host to Massey Men’s Firsts. The New Plymouth side go into the match with plenty to play for despite being unable to win the league.
A win on Saturday would likely ensure Rangers finish the league as runners-up. However, a loss could see them fall to third on the table.
Wanganui Athletic sit two points behind Rangers on the ladder, and a win for them over Gisbourne Thistle could lift them if Rangers lose. However, Rangers have a game in hand.
All men’s matches kick off at 2:45pm on Saturday.
Q In women’s football action, the Duchess Cup reaches the semifinal stages on Sunday as side look to battle for a spot in the final.
There’s not question Waitara are the team to beat, as they have been all season, and Hawera will try to do so at home.
In the other semifinal, defending champions Moturoa will take on Rangers at Merrilands Domain. Both matches kick off at 10am on Sunday.