Posted May 12, 2022 1:29 PM
GISBORNE United goalkeeper Mel Knight led a defensive effort that held off a dominating Wainui Riverina side in Eastern League women’s football at Harry Barker Reserve on Sunday.
Time and again, Knight defused the danger as Heavy Equipment Services United drew 0-0 with Gisborne Laundry Services Wainui Riverina.
United were under pressure from start to finish, but Knight brought all her experience and showed why she is one of Gisborne’s best keepers. She made some amazing saves.
“We had to fight back several times for the hardest-earned draw in years,” Knight said.
Wainui got closer, thanks to the efforts of strikers Katerina Ngarimu and Trish Hina, midfielder Manaia Mill and player-coach Lizzie Hall.
But United defenders Rebecca Peach and Sarah Graham worked hard to withstand the pressure.
When United threatened to move forward, the danger came from the combinations of midfielder Amelia Paull and left winger Tyler Burgess, and midfielder Claire Bayliss and striker Chelsea Simpson.
Dynamic Wainui duo Lily Hall-Auckram and Morgan Lloyd were named their team’s Players of the Game for their defensive strength.
Hall-Auckram was often first to the ball and goalkeeper Kristy Roa cleaned up anything that passed.
Campion College was far too strong for Gisborne Girls’ High School, beating them 17-0 at Rectory.
The match was played despite poor pitch conditions. Once Campion scored his first goal, the floodgates opened.
The scorers were Sofia Zame (6), Grace Levy (5), Tayla Broughton (2), Lucy Allan (2), Dara Mulrooney and Imogen Amor-Bendall.
Mulrooney, Allan and Zame have been outstanding for Campion.
Mulrooney caused problems for Girls’ High by coming from the outside to drive the ball into the box. She also defended well, stopping many attacks before they developed.
Zame was strong up front and looked dangerous throughout, while Allan was effective in breaking up Girls’ High’s possession in central midfield.
It was a tough day for Girls’ High, although they rallied on the attack thanks to Charley Lepper, Steph Collier and Jade McVey.
McVey scrambled into the ground trying to set up play for her team.
The Bohemians beat Tatapouri Marist Thistle 2-1 at Childers Road Reserve. The winning goal came in the last two minutes of the game.
In a close game, Marist Thistle’s goal was scored by Alecia Ulu.
Goalkeeper: United goalkeeper Mel Knight secures the ball while Wainui Riverina striker Katerina Ngarimu (centre left) and United defender Dana Kingsbeer follow. Photo by Catherine Walker
