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Central League 2

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Posted August 27, 2026 11:26 · last edited August 27, 2026 11:35

Central League 2 | Round 18

After 85 games, the title has already been decided, but there is still plenty to play for on the final day. The next five teams are separated by just two points.

As we know, the top four are guaranteed a place in the Central League next season, while fifth place could still sneak in if Wests win the National League playoff. At the other end of the table, there are three points separating ninth and tenth. With no relegation, the only thing at stake there is the wooden spoon.

Every game on the final day has significance.

Lower Hutt v Seatoun
Seatoun has already played its part in making the final round exciting. Following a 2-1 win over PN Marist on Wednesday night, they will be hoping to carry that momentum into Saturday.

The big question is whether three games in eight days will finally catch up with them.

Lower Hutt have been a tricky team for most sides to face this season, although their form has dipped recently. Their last victory came more than a month ago, a run that has seen them fall out of the promotion race.

The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 1-0 Seatoun victory, with a 94th-minute winner. I’m expecting another equally tight game, but I’m picking Seatoun to WIN.

North Wellington v Wainuiomata
North Wellington have rediscovered some good form in recent weeks. While the title race is over for them, nothing less than a win will guarantee their place in the Central League next season.

They will, however, be without starting central midfielder James Wilkinson.

Wainuiomata have remained unbeaten since 1 August, including two away draws against teams above them in the table. They will be no easy beats and will do everything they can to stop North Wellington from running away with this one.

The last meeting between these sides saw Wainui go 1-0 up through Jack Imray, only for North Wellington to come back strongly in the second half.

I’m picking North Wellington to WIN.

Palmerston North United v Taradale
Champions in waiting…
Taradale have been the most consistent team in the league all season. With some incredible attacking players and their relentless use of the long ball, they are deserving of lifting the trophy after the match in Palmerston North.

PNU, on the other hand, are still locked in the promotion battle. Even a win may not be enough to guarantee them promotion, depending on the other results.

Based on their form during the second half of the season, this should be a comfortable Taradale win. However, PNU have everything to gain, while Taradale have little left to play for beyond finishing the season as champions.

I’m picking a DRAW.

Stop Out v Palmerston North Marist
Stop Out are probably the most unpredictable team in the league. They have taken points off almost every side this season, with Marist being the only exception.

A late Paul Awa goal secured a 3-2 victory for Marist back in May. It is worth noting, though, that Campbell Webster was suspended for that encounter.

Having already played twice since last Saturday, and with Adam Cowan seemingly unlikely to play — or at least to be at full strength — this is shaping up as a real banana skin for Marist.

Their defensive performance and ability to play out from the back looked highly suspect against Seatoun on Wednesday, and Stop Out have the attacking players to punish them.

I’m picking Stop Out to WIN.

Tawa v Douglas Villa
In the final match of the round, Douglas Villa travel to Redwood Park to take on Tawa.

Douglas Villa have shown plenty of fight in recent weeks, picking up points against PNU and beating Taradale. The important thing to note is that both of those results came in Masterton. They have, however, shown some improved form on the road as well.

In the last meeting between these two sides, Douglas Villa picked up all three points.

Tawa have the most dangerous attack in the league, scoring a massive 51 goals — 13 more than the next-best team. Interestingly, though, they have also conceded the third-most goals in the league, with 38. Only Douglas Villa and Stop Out have conceded more.

If Tawa can sort out their woeful defending, this could be a comfortable win. If not, Douglas Villa have more than enough attacking threat to hurt them.

I’m picking a high-scoring DRAW.

Previous versions

1 version
Bigboot edited August 27, 2026 11:35
Central League 2 | Round 18

After 85 games, the title has already been decided, but there is still plenty to play for on the final day. The next five teams are separated by just two points.

As we know, the top four are guaranteed a place in the Central League next season, while fifth place could still sneak in if Wests win the National League playoff. At the other end of the table, there are three points separating ninth and tenth. With no relegation, the only thing at stake there is the wooden spoon.

Every game on the final day has significance.

Lower Hutt v Seatoun

Seatoun has already played its part in making the final round exciting. Following a 2-1 win over PN Marist on Wednesday night, they will be hoping to carry that momentum into Saturday.

The big question is whether three games in eight days will finally catch up with them.

Lower Hutt have been a tricky team for most sides to face this season, although their form has dipped recently. Their last victory came more than a month ago, a run that has seen them fall out of the promotion race.

The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 1-0 Seatoun victory, with a 94th-minute winner. I’m expecting another equally tight game, but I’m picking Seatoun to WIN.

North Wellington v Wainuiomata

North Wellington have rediscovered some good form in recent weeks. While the title race is over for them, nothing less than a win will guarantee their place in the Central League next season.

They will, however, be without starting central midfielder James Wilkinson.

Wainuiomata have remained unbeaten since 1 August, including two away draws against teams above them in the table. They will be no easy beats and will do everything they can to stop North Wellington from running away with this one.

The last meeting between these sides saw Wainui go 1-0 up through Jack Imray, only for North Wellington to come back strongly in the second half.

I’m picking North Wellington to WIN.

Palmerston North United v Taradale

Champions in waiting…

Taradale have been the most consistent team in the league all season. With some incredible attacking players and their relentless use of the long ball, they are deserving of lifting the trophy after the match in Palmerston North.

PNU, on the other hand, are still locked in the promotion battle. Even a win may not be enough to guarantee them promotion, depending on the other results.

Based on their form during the second half of the season, this should be a comfortable Taradale win. However, PNU have everything to gain, while Taradale have little left to play for beyond finishing the season as champions.

I’m picking a DRAW.

Stop Out v Palmerston North Marist

Stop Out are probably the most unpredictable team in the league. They have taken points off almost every side this season, with Marist being the only exception.

A late Paul Awa goal secured a 3-2 victory for Marist back in May. It is worth noting, though, that Campbell Webster was suspended for that encounter.

Having already played twice since last Saturday, and with Adam Cowan seemingly unlikely to play — or at least to be at full strength — this is shaping up as a real banana skin for Marist.

Their defensive performance and ability to play out from the back looked highly suspect against Seatoun on Wednesday, and Stop Out have the attacking players to punish them.

I’m picking Stop Out to WIN.

Tawa v Douglas Villa

In the final match of the round, Douglas Villa travel to Redwood Park to take on Tawa.

Douglas Villa have shown plenty of fight in recent weeks, picking up points against PNU and beating Taradale. The important thing to note is that both of those results came in Masterton. They have, however, shown some improved form on the road as well.

In the last meeting between these two sides, Douglas Villa picked up all three points.

Tawa have the most dangerous attack in the league, scoring a massive 51 goals — 13 more than the next-best team. Interestingly, though, they have also conceded the third-most goals in the league, with 38. Only Douglas Villa and Stop Out have conceded more.

If Tawa can sort out their woeful defending, this could be a comfortable win. If not, Douglas Villa have more than enough attacking threat to hurt them.

I’m picking a high-scoring DRAW.