Men’s side work hard to get past lowly rivals
Women bag five goals in a rout
FOOTBALL
The Te Puke Men faced off against bottom of the table Claudelands and, in a competitive game of football, came away on top, winning 3-2.
Te Puke started off very casually allowing Claudelands to play the ball but kept out any real threat. The Men settled and looked to play some decent football with well-worked plays just missing and Nick Johnson hitting the post. Thomas Skerten looked to get us ahead playing lovely through balls from the back with the attacks falling just short until a scrambled cross ended up at Nick's feet and he smashed it home making it 1-0 at halftime.
In the second half we looked to add to the tally but an early through ball brought the away team level. This seemed to fire up Te Puke who created plenty of chances. Up stepped Harry Hall in the 67th minute to put away his first of the game followed quickly by a perfect run and finish to secure his brace. The visitors closed it to 3-2 in the 87th but Te Puke managed to hold on until the final whistle.
Player of the day went to Harry Hall for his goals and performance up front.
Te Puke Men play their last game this season at home against Tauranga City at 12.30 on Saturday.
Women’s team
On Sunday Te Puke United Ladies hosted Lakes FC Rotorua and, after a dominant first half, came away with a 5-nil win.
The Black and Whites didn't take long to assert their dominance with centre midfielder Maia Moko shutting down the opposition player and the ball spilling out to striker Chynna Davie. She calmly lobbed it over the keeper to make it 1-nil 8 minutes in. With some clever football being played, the Te Puke Ladies won a free kick inside the opposition half 14 minutes in. Centre back Sarah Earle took a shot, 2-nil.
Twenty minutes later after some lovely football and hitting the post once again, the ball got passed around the team and then Moko battled fora 50:50 ball and popped it out to Davie who slotted the ball into the far corner, 3 nil. In the 38th minute winger Rosa Atkins pressed the Lakes player and won a corner. Up stepped Earle to take another corner and, after coming close twice before, striker Sammi Parish powered the ball into the back of the net with a welltimed header giving the Lakes keeper no chance.
That was quickly followed by Earle who switched the ball to Parish and unselfishly squared it to Davie. She put the ball into the back of the net to get her hat-trick and Te Puke's fifth ending the first half. The supporters were treated to some wonderful football that coach Tessa Blaymires couldn't really fault.
In the second half Lakes changed their system and put more pressure on Te Puke and, after the Black and Whites hit the post once again and not being quite so clinical, the score finished 5-nil. It was a well-deserved win.
Annan Pineapple Bar player of the day went to winger Summer Bailey for her improvement in overall play and Chynna Davie for her continued improvement in a new position as a striker.
This week the Te Puke United Ladies play Plains Rangers in Edgecumbe, 12.30 kick off.
Hope to see you there.
Over 30s
Te Puke Classics play at home on Sunday with a 12.30pm kick off against Bone Rangers.