By Warren Olson
Having reached the midway point, the usual protagonists in the Women’s Central League, Waterside Karori and arch-rivals Wellington United, clash again this Saturday.
United hold a one-point lead on the table; however, this week, Karori have the home advantage, which has proven decisive in recent years.
Should the predicted rain arrive, United would not be the first visiting side to struggle at Karori Park, which can resemble a Waikato cow paddock in mid-winter, and if the home side are playing with a significant downhill advantage in the second half, they are well nigh unbeatable.
Waiting in the wings, just behind the heavyweights in the Women’s Central League are Petone, who will be sure to pounce should either team falter in the chase for the two Women’s National League qualifying spots up for grabs.
If that’s not enough incentive, add in the Nora Watkins Shield which is also on the line.
Introduced this year, the shield honours the memory of Nora Watkins, a pioneer of women’s football in New Zealand and the Football Ferns’ first-ever female coach.
It is played along the lines of rugby’s Ranfurly Shield with the holders defending it against challengers, when playing at home.
Waterside Karori are the inaugural and current holders of the shield.
READ MORE: Waterside Karori first holders of new shield to remember pioneer Nora Watkins >>>>
Main photo: Waterside Karori … winners of the Nora Watkins Shield. Photo credit: Waterside Karori.
Players to watch
Former Southern United and Roslyn Wakari stalwart Renee Bacon (28) has been a key player for Karori over the past two seasons, and was named MVP for the Women’s National League in 2022.
READ MORE: Capital’s Renee Bacon named MVP for Women’s National League >>>>
She has been joined by the experienced Canadian import Nikki Furikawa (30) who arrived from Canadian club Lethbridge, to initially join Seatoun and then move to Waterside Karori last year.
This has given them plenty of firepower up front, while another newcomer to the squad, Jess Shilton (23), has added to their defensive wall, joining from Victoria University.
For United, they have a polished Japanese import in Misha Koyari (23) who has been directing play from midfield and creating chances for perennial goal scorer Natalie Olson.
She was recently joined up front by her teammate from the successful NZ Secondary Schools U-18 team, Hannah Pilley.
Pilley (22), previously with Auckland clubs Ellerslie and Eastern Suburbs, has completed her time in the United States with Syracuse University.
With captain Hope Gilchrist (26) partnered at the back by former New Zealand and Sydney FC defender Anna Green,and with national futsal reps Sarah Alder and Zoe Barrott, the ‘Oranje’ will be hard to break down.
However, the Karori home advantage will certainly see this match being a close call between the Capital’s arch rivals.
Golden Boot
6 — Hope Gilchrist (Wellington United)
5 — Ruby-Aroha Gurnick (Palmerston North Marist), Natalie Olson (Wellington United), Sasha Rasmussen (Moturoa), Kya Solomon (Taradale)
4 — Nikki Furukawa (Waterside Karori)
3 — Kennedy Bryant (Waterside Karori), Phoebe Gray (Petone), Maddison Hughes (Taradale), Misha Koyari (Wellington United), Danielle Ohlsson (Petone), Pepi Olliver-Bell (Petone), Grace Smith (Palmerston North Marist)
Fixtures
Petone v Seatoun
Petone Memorial Park, Petone, 11am
Waterside Karori v Wellington United Diamonds
Karori Park, Karori, 12pm
Moturoa v Palmerston North Marist
Onuku Taipari Domain, New Plymouth,12.30pm
Game to be played on Sunday July 21, 2024
Taradale v Victoria University
Taradale Park, Taradale, 2.30pm
Warren Olson
Warren Olson is a Wellington-based enthusiast for and long-time follower of women’s football.
This story was first published on July 18, 2024.
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