Dominant Paroa wins First Round Trophy
West Coast senior football had only two games played this weekend, but with a total of 12 goals there was certainly a lot of action.
The key game was Marist versus Paroa at Arthur Fong. Paroa had all but mathematically confirmed themselves as winners of the Men’s First Round trophy, but either a win or draw would have seen them finish as outright winners on points, above Westport Cos. Kieran Russell got Paroa off to a great start, scoring his first goal shortly after kick-off, following some great touches through the midfield. Clint Blanch kept the pressure up with some great runs and was rewarded with a goal of his own, along with Paroa’s player of the day. Steven Eden made sure Paroa finished the first half in a dominant position after heading in following a great deliver from Harvey Rubbo.
The second half was a more even score line with both team scoring once. Kieran Russell, the league’s top scorer, showed some brilliant ball skills before finishing strongly for his second. Josh Furze scored Marist’s only goal of the game. Furze and Will Payton linked well in midfield all game, and Payton’s performance earned him Marist’s player of the day. Once again Paroa’s midfield trio of Martin McDonald, Harvey Rubbo and Marcus Zintl stood out. Marist’s defence worked hard, especially Gavin Collins who played a solid 90 minute. Marist kept their nice passing game up all game, however just failed to capitalise on their chances.
With 12 points from four games, and a goal difference of +15, Paroa were definitely the dominant side in this year’s First Round. They will certainly be looking to add to their trophy haul before the season is finished.
In the other men’s game, in Hokitika, Westland United beat bottom side Grey United 6-1. Grey United have put in some solid performance so far this season, but with absences and injuries were forced to start the game with 10 players, and with a significant reshuffle of their team, including their regular goal keeper Franko Horridge having to play outfield. The game was open from the start with both teams getting chances in the first half. Westland were always the more threatening side and scored twice through Aiden Carpenter and Jeremy Green to lead 2-0 at half time. Grey United, now with 11 players, started the second half strong. After some fine passing and an excellent through ball from Lester Hayman, 14-year old Daniel Horridge beat the Westland offside and outpaced their defence to coolly slot home his first goal for the club.
The game remained competitive throughout, however as the game started to open up in second half, the trio of Pete Te Rakau, Callum Cadigan and Jeremy Green started to take control and create many chances. Aaron Williams, despite injury, put in a great performance in the Grey United goal, and Raven Brown scrambled well and made several importance interceptions and clearances. By the end, Jeremy Green had added three more to his tally, and Te Rakau, despite hitting the woodwork several times, did eventually get one for himself. Callum Cadigan earned Westland’s player of the day for his hard work throughout the game. Daniel Horridge had a great battle with Westland’s defence and earned Grey United’s player of the day.
Westland United will be happy to get a few wins and a few goals under their belt before they face Paroa in the quarter final of the men’s knock-out cup. This game kicks off at Arthur Fong at 2pm on Sunday 28th May. The last time these teams met Paroa ran away with a 9-1 win, however it will be expected that this game is a much tighter affair.
All other men’s teams have a bye next weekend. Action will resume on the 11th June with the start of the Main Championship.
The women’s Main Championship kicks off next Sunday 28th, with the Goblins facing the Dragons in the 12pm kick-off. Westland United face the Comets at 1.15pm. Westland United narrowly pipped the Comet’s to the women’s First Round trophy, so both teams will be aiming for a head start in this competition.
There are no games for either the men or women over the Queen’s Birthday weekend.