Recap
Westport’s new coach fielded seven debutants as they sought to once again retain the Sarah Clearwater challenge trophy, which has resided in Buller since the 2016 season. Paroa were determined to face the challenge, and with only nine male players, had to recruit Bonnie and Belinda Dempster to make their full quota of 11. Westport’s attack started out strong, but Paroa’s midfield got their passing game going to set up Matt Wakeford for the opener. The play went back and forth, with Niki Emery in the Paroa goal being forced into making some great saves. Paroa must have felt this was their day at half time when they were leading 3-0, and even more so when it went to 4-0 in the second half. Matt Wakefield scored his second of the day, with Marcus Zintl and Martin McDonald also getting one apiece. However, Westport’s spirit wasn’t broken, and they rarely take defeat at home lying down. Josh Roche scored one goal, and in his first ever game for Westport, young Oliver Hamilton got two. Westport kept going right up until the final whistle, with Jordan Coleman scoring in the 88th minute with a free kick from well outside the box, to leave the game finishing 4-4, and with both teams taking a point from the game.