Te Puke run into a wall versus Unicol

FOOTBALL

Te Puke's men's team suffered just its second loss of the season away to Unicol on Saturday.

Te Puke struggled to get into the game with the hosts' strength affording them little room to play with and the few chances created falling short.

The hosts scored first with a penalty and had a second goal 10 minutes before halftime.

Any confidence the Te Puke side had after the break was shortlived as Unicol scored two more quick goals.

A period of strong defence kept the home side out for a decent period, but a second penalty and a tap in from a save saw Unicol take a 6-0 victory.

Te Puke's player of the day was Jake Wichers in recognition of his effort as left wing back.

Te Puke are away again on Saturday travelling to Matamata for a 12.30pm kick off.

After being forced to cancel the previous weekend's game due to more than half the team suffering illness, the women's side got a team together for the visit of Tauranga Blue Rovers to Litt Park on Sunday.

The first meeting between the sides had produced a frustrating 2-2 draw.

The first half was lacking a bit of unity and Blue Rovers took the lead when Te Puke didn't react quickly enough from a corner and watched the ball go into the corner of the net. There were a few more hairy moments including a goal line clearance by Jade Snare, but then the Black and Whites started to lift and attack more.

As halftime approached, centre back Sarah Earle delivered a corner which Tori Hill got hold of. The ball ended up towards the back post and Rachel Mcgill powerfully headed into the goal.

Interim coach Tessa Blaymires asked her players at halftime to start playing more together as a unit to lift the intensity. They listened and came out for the second half a much better team with more flow to the game, increasing the pressure.

They were rewarded in the 68th minute after midfielder Hill picked up the ball just outside the 18 yard box and drove in, producing a cracker shot into the back of the net.

Te Puke followed up with a third three minutes later when winger Maia Moko delivered a wonderful cross for striker Chynna Davie, who finished well.

Annan Pineapple Bar player of the day went to striker Sammi Parish who, although not scoring, worked hard to win the ball and put pressure on the Blue Rovers' backs.

This Sunday the women's team take on top team Whakata¯ne away, kick off at noon.

Te Puke's over 30s went down 7-1 to the Socialists and this Sunday play Katikati Legends away.