bigfudge wrote:
Don't think there's a fed cup forum so thought I'd mention it here.
Gisborne United beat New Plymouth Rangers 11-1 at Park Island to book their spot in the semi. United dealing with some injuries but still managed to have a strong bench (probably what has been the defining trait for them this season, they've never had this kind of consistent squad depth before). A few goals in the first half, Squatriti pulled one back but United got two more before half time to basically end the game. Tough for NPR having to travel 6 hours and Gisborne only 3 but highlights just how unsustainable a Fed League season really would be for a lot of teams.
In the other semi Dale reserves beat Palmerston North United reserves 2-0 at Taradale Park. Don't know too much about this game unfortunately, would love for someone to shed some light on the matter.
Back on the topic of Gizzy United, has anyone heard whether they'll go to CL2 next season? I'm guessing that the top teams in East/West/Capital Prem will all automatically go up but I keep hearing conflicting reports about the feasibility of United actually going up? In a lot of the Gisborne Herald articles in pre-season there was a lot of talk about how Jimmy Sommerton moved for the chance of promotion at United and how that was their goal. But even last season they were having to be convinced by Central Football to join East Prems due to the squad not wanting to travel. If travelling to HB every other week is tough, there's no way they'd be willing to drive to Wellington or Masterton for games. Flying would have to be the only option but does the club have the capabilities for this? It would be great to have some Gisborne representation in inter-regional football again but it seems unlikely.
Having watched Gisborne United a bit this year, they would certainly be competitive in the current CL2.
Flying would be the only real option. Which would require some serious financial backing. As it stands there would be no Hawkes Bay team in CL2. So every away game would require a flight. 9 away games. Plus the likely minimum 1 Chatham cup game.
A really quick Chat GPT check estimates around 10-18k per return flight. So would be absolutel minimum 100,000$ of travel!!!
Flying would be the only real option. Which would require some serious financial backing. As it stands there would be no Hawkes Bay team in CL2. So every away game would require a flight. 9 away games. Plus the likely minimum 1 Chatham cup game.
A really quick Chat GPT check estimates around 10-18k per return flight. So would be absolutel minimum 100,000$ of travel!!!