League leaders end TA XI’s run

Goals to Matthew Palmer and Nathan Holten either side of halftime gave WaiBOP Football premiership league leaders West Hamilton United a 2-0 win over Te Awamutu.

West Hamilton’s fifth win in eight matches at Weka Street, Hamilton on Saturday has nudged them a point clear of previous leaders Tauranga Boys’ College and Flying Mullet Pa¯pa¯moa which both suffered defeats at the weekend.

The Edmonds Juddsponsored Te Awamutu men’s team loomed as tricky opponents, having won their last two games.

Te Awamutu coach Joe Gifford said his team were in good spirits going into the match, but couldn’t crack a well-drilled West Ham defensive line.

Steffan Foulkes and Joel Roil worked hard all game without creating many scoring opportunities.

Player of the day went to midfielder Osvalodo Ruggeri who later in the game switched to centre defender. Ruggeri is one of two Italian players with the club this year.

The result dropped Te Awamutu to ninth place in the league, only five points behind league leaders West Ham after eight rounds. This Saturday the team are home to Matamata, 2.45pm kick off at the Stadium.

The Men’s Reserves A division side lost 3-1 to Cambridge at the Stadium.

Coach Dave Hall reports that, despite having the better start of the game and creating several scoring chances, his team went to the break 2-0 down.

In the second half, Te Awamutu battled to the end and were rewarded with a well taken goal created out of nothing by Tawhiri Ball.

Player of the day was Ben Petersen for his hard work on the left side of midfield.

This week the team are home to Te Aroha, 12.30pm kick off at the Stadium.

The Men’s C division team lost 5-0 to Melville at Gower Park.

Coach Nigel MackIntosh reports that his team were forever chasing the game trying to get a result after conceding two early goals.

Player of the day went to defender Simon Brdanovic in his first game back from injury.

This Saturday the team plays Claudelands Rovers C Vets at Anchor Park, 2.30pm kick off.