PREVIEW: Underdogs eye chance of upsets in NRFL Women's Championship

By Joan Grey

Favourites are expected to prevail in the Lotto NRFL Women’s Championship this weekend, but there could be surprises.

The Championship’s leading goalscorer, Britney Cunningham-Lee, scored in extra time for Franklin United to grab a 2-2 draw last week against tabletoppers Tauranga Moana.

For Tauranga, the single point from that result looks to be enough for a comfortable ascent to promotion to next year’s Lotto NRFL Women’s Premiership, barring any unexpected stumbles in their remaining games.

This weekend, Tauranga are back in the Bay of Plenty, pitted against Central United.

Seventh-placed Central made a statement 4-0 win over Northern Rovers last weekend. Mathematically, the result sealed Manukau United’s relegation fate.

With this form, Central could be primed for a late-season surge up the ladder. Expect a tussle for final positions with just five points separating fourth from seventh place.

Can Central upset Tauranga Moana’s run of form?

Meanwhile, Franklin will travel to the Tron to take on Melville United. Franklin have earned two strong wins against Melville this season.

Northern Rovers face a tough challenge against Onehunga Sports. Rovers are seeking their first goal against Onehunga this season.

Birkenhead United are strong favourites against bottom-placed Manukau on Friday night.

Golden Boot

21 — Britney Cunningham-Lee (Franklin United)
16 — Grace Duncan (Tauranga Moana)
15 — Briana Osborne (Tauranga Moana)
14 — Sarah Carpenter (Franklin United)
12 — Annie Byrne (Onehunga Sports)
11 — Laura Bennett (Melville United)
9 — Ivy Calonne (Northern Rovers), Pip Meo (Onehunga Sports)
8 — Holly Patterson (Onehunga Sports), Sylvia McDougall (Central United)
7 — Kerri-Ann Jones (Tauranga Moana), Abi-Witney Collins (Tauranga Moana)
6 — Jaime Govind (Birkenhead United), Chloe Marthe (Franklin United), Robyn Fisher (Onehunga Sports)
5 — Kate Mori (Tauranga Moana), Mia Humphrey (Melville United)