Slightly underwhelming season if I’m being honest. So many teams looked off the mark with the exception of Olympic who were head and shoulders above the rest. Even their second team would have competed in Central League.
Petone probably the over achievers so well done them…. They may struggle a bit in the national league tho.
This has been one of the most entertaining Central Leagues in memory. The overall standard was good and there were some memorable occasions along the way.
North Wellington may have only won 7 points, but they had a memorable O'Brien Shield win against the weenix.
I thought the Weenix would fall off the pace after the u20WC, but they had a lot of capable stand in's even when the bulk of the reserve team moved on to train full time with the ALM.
Some games had bonkers scorelines. I'll miss the Whanganui fans more than I'll miss Whanganui. It was nice to see colour and vocal support. The trip up to Wembley is worth it for anyone who hasn't already. I didn't go this year but I went to the Chatham Cup game last year against Olympic. Apart from Olympic at the top and Whanganui and North Welly it was a really tight race between 3rd and 8th on the table. with less than 9 points between them and the bottom three of those separated only by goal difference.
Nix reserves with a young squad seemed lke they played some good footy and had a good season
Feels like they've been more consistent this season with their results, although they have left a few points out there as well.
Josh Tollervey is a name that's crept up on me out of that squad though - 13 goals @ 2.08 goals/90. Some return that.
Two takeouts....Tollervey is the real deal. He has been injured for much of the season but is worth an Academy Contract every day of the week. Also, Chris Greenacre has taken the Reserves from consistently bottom half finishers under Paul Temple to a 4th last year from memory and 2nd this year....and that with a squad that was often disrupted by international/first team callups. A very underrated coach and imo should be coaching the first team! Just hope he hangs around after losing out on the position this year!
Nix reserves with a young squad seemed lke they played some good footy and had a good season
Feels like they've been more consistent this season with their results, although they have left a few points out there as well.
Josh Tollervey is a name that's crept up on me out of that squad though - 13 goals @ 2.08 goals/90. Some return that.
Two takeouts....Tollervey is the real deal. He has been injured for much of the season but is worth an Academy Contract every day of the week. Also, Chris Greenacre has taken the Reserves from consistently bottom half finishers under Paul Temple to a 4th last year from memory and 2nd this year....and that with a squad that was often disrupted by international/first team callups. A very underrated coach and imo should be coaching the first team! Just hope he hangs around after losing out on the position this year!
With those numbers, I'll be very interested to see how he performs in the National League against some top sides. Very promising by the sounds of it.
IBU almost certain for promotion after 4-0 first leg win against PN Marist. Means Central League will be 9 Wellington teams + Napier next year.
Tough for the central region clubs - you'd hope central fed league can strengthen with Whanganui coming back down and Havelock North hopefully returning. Need more than 5 entries this time!
IBU almost certain for promotion after 4-0 first leg win against PN Marist. Means Central League will be 9 Wellington teams + Napier next year.
Tough for the central region clubs - you'd hope central fed league can strengthen with Whanganui coming back down and Havelock North hopefully returning. Need more than 5 entries this time!
Will change my affiliation Rangers to Western if they get the go ahead and do this. Although having talked to those in the know, it seems that Rangers will also be pursuing a spot in the Federation League for 2024 too.
It’ll be great to have Naki teams back in the top league.YoungHeartHM
lthomas20
IBU almost certain for promotion after 4-0 first leg win against PN Marist. Means Central League will be 9 Wellington teams + Napier next year.
Tough for the central region clubs - you'd hope central fed league can strengthen with Whanganui coming back down and Havelock North hopefully returning. Need more than 5 entries this time!
Will change my affiliation Rangers to Western if they get the go ahead and do this. Although having talked to those in the know, it seems that Rangers will also be pursuing a spot in the Federation League for 2024 too.
It’ll be great to have Naki teams back in the top league.YoungHeartHM
lthomas20
IBU almost certain for promotion after 4-0 first leg win against PN Marist. Means Central League will be 9 Wellington teams + Napier next year.
Tough for the central region clubs - you'd hope central fed league can strengthen with Whanganui coming back down and Havelock North hopefully returning. Need more than 5 entries this time!
Will change my affiliation Rangers to Western if they get the go ahead and do this. Although having talked to those in the know, it seems that Rangers will also be pursuing a spot in the Federation League for 2024 too.
Would probably follow both. I just miss Team Taranaki to be honest...
Western definitely on the way up over the past several seasons to become one of the strongest clubs in the City.
Rangers are the pre-eminent powerhouse historically, but have been hit or miss as a club over the past 4-5 years.
The Rangers field is real good to watch games at. Good set up huh.
Nice to see a different club make some moves.YoungHeartHM
Tyler
What if Western and Rangers are in 😂
It’ll be great to have Naki teams back in the top league.YoungHeartHM
lthomas20
IBU almost certain for promotion after 4-0 first leg win against PN Marist. Means Central League will be 9 Wellington teams + Napier next year.
Tough for the central region clubs - you'd hope central fed league can strengthen with Whanganui coming back down and Havelock North hopefully returning. Need more than 5 entries this time!
Will change my affiliation Rangers to Western if they get the go ahead and do this. Although having talked to those in the know, it seems that Rangers will also be pursuing a spot in the Federation League for 2024 too.
Would probably follow both. I just miss Team Taranaki to be honest...
Western definitely on the way up over the past several seasons to become one of the strongest clubs in the City.
Rangers are the pre-eminent powerhouse historically, but have been hit or miss as a club over the past 4-5 years.
Wellington Olympic's Joel Stevens has moved to Christchurch - likely to join Chch United. He was MOTM in the National League final so a big loss for Olympic
Wellington Olympic's Joel Stevens has moved to Christchurch - likely to join Chch United. He was MOTM in the National League final so a big loss for Olympic