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Ben Mori (blue) scored Massey’s only goal of the match (file photo).
AMERICAN FOOTBALL: The men’s Federation League competition came to an end over the weekend – save for one outstanding game – with no shocking results.
The magnitude of Massey University’s 7-1 fight against undefeated title winner Whanganui Athletic came as a surprise, however, as not long ago, the students bid for a third-place finish in the league.
In the end they finished fourth, one place higher than last year, but conceded more goals than they scored after their effort from Athletic.
Ben Mori scored Massey’s only goal.
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Waterside Karori goalkeeper Ariana Gray jumps for the ball. Karori defeated the PN Marist women 1-0.
“It was not the way we wanted to finish the season,” said coach Donald Piper.
“We had a very slow start and then we dominated early possession.
“But we didn’t take our chances and paid the price for it.”
Second finishing Palmerston North Marist defeated Gisborne Thistle in the Arena to send Thistle to last place in the league and the threat of relegation.
Thistle finished on the same points as Levin, but had another goal against them.
After a scoreless first period, Golden Boot winner Melvin Rumere and striker Nick Carrick each scored for Marist in the 52nd and 80th minute respectively.
Coach Juliano Schmeling said it was good to see his side equalize in the second half after a lackluster first 45.
WARWICK SMITH/Things
Melvin Rumere took the gold boot in this year’s competition.
He said he was impressed by their positive attitude, although the outcome of the match would not change anything.
Defender Jake Erskine was Marist’s man of the match after another standout performance in the back.
North End finished in third place with two goals in the second half against Levin at Memorial Park, scored by wingers Ryan Mcdermott and Tom Bell.
“It was good to get to that finish,” said coach Scott Robson.
“We didn’t play too well, but we played well enough. I thought our third place was a good reflection of the season.”
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Sarah Morton (Karori) and Amber Phillips (Marist) slide for the ball during their game on Saturday.
Midfielder OIly Ceci was North End’s man of the match.
North End have a make-up game to play against the Napier City Rovers reserves next weekend, but the result will not affect the final standings.
Now that Athletic have confirmed the title, they will have to wait to see who they will meet for their home and away play-offs for promotion to the Central League.
Right now it looks like Stop Out of Island Bay, who will play at the top of the Capital Premier league this weekend.
The penultimate Havelock North Wanderers are battling to maintain their Central League status with a key clash this weekend against Wellington United, who are bottom of the table.
♦ The musical chairs continued at the top of the Horizons Premiership this weekend, with Palmerston North Boys’ High beating leaders Takaro 2-1.
It was a result that gave the schoolboys another lead in the competition, one point ahead of the now second-placed Takaro.
Feilding United fell to third place, one point further back, after taking the bye, while North End reserves remain fourth despite a 4-3 loss to Linton.
Only three points separate the leading quartet.
♦In other results, the Marist reserves defeated Massey reserves 2-0 and in a derby clash, Wanganui City and Whanganui Athletic reserves drew 2-2.
The Palmerston North Marist women have fallen from the top of the W League table after losing 1-0 to Waterside Karori on Saturday at the Arena.
The undefeated Waterside Karori now leads the competition and is on track for the title. Marist is two points behind and has played three games more than Waterside Karori.