Already missing the season so here's some grades for the East Prem sides' seasons.
Gisborne United | A
It's hard to say that winning the league unbeaten, winning the challenge cup, and winning the federation cup wouldn't equal a perfect A+ grade, but the club no doubt would've been aiming for CL2 and will be disappointed not to of made that a reality.
Aside from that, you couldn't ask for a better season from the team. I really hope that they manage to keep the core together and go again as it's been great having that added quality in the league. If a few illnesses or suspensions hadn't hamstrung their playoff games against Athletic it could've finished oh so differently.
Havelock North Wanderers | B+
Finishing second rather comfortably would normally be a good result but Havelock will be disappointed by their late season slide that saw them drop off and finish 9 points behind Gisborne United. Other disappointments included being knocked out of the Prem Cup for fielding ineligible players, while a brief but impressive Chatham Cup run saw them defeat then-CL2 leaders Palmerston North United 3–1 before eventually falling to National League-chasing Wests. However, back-to-back away defeats in Gisborne ultimately proved costly. They'll no doubt be looking to reclaim that East Prem title and have a go at CL2 again next year.
Gisborne Thistle | B+
While rating them the same as Havelock may seem strange, considering the position they came from before the season started, to finish third, is nothing short of impressive. Thistle lost a huge amount of players from the squad that disappointingly finished 6th last season (including Jimmy Sommerton) but still managed to put together a side that notched up some impressive victories. Their opening 8-0 defeat to bitter rivals United would not of been many of those new imports' dream debut, but they turned it around to eventually go on a 6 game win streak and push Havelock for 2nd place until the last few games. If they can keep those same imports and maybe lure a few former players back they could push high up the league table again.
Napier City Rovers Prems | B
A very young Rovers side struggled to find consistency this season but like Thistle managed to put up some very decent performances along the way. Some notable games include their final day win away to Thistle, and most importantly their East Prem cup win against Port Hill United. I've been very critical of Rovers over the years, but this young squad did well in what proved to be a difficult league for teams to navigate. And of course, promotion!
Taradale AFC Prems | B-
Not the league season that Dale ressies would've been hoping for, especially considering how impressive they were in the second half of last season. They of course were the only other side apart from Havelock to take points off of Gisborne United, and made it all the way to the Fed Cup final with a very young team. Losing their second top score from last season to play in goal for their CL2 side didn't help but still a solid season for the Dale ressies.
Port Hill United | C
Another season plagued by inconsistency, Port would turn up one game, and struggle the next few. Some impressive performances on the Fed Cup over FC Western and then a decent fight against Gisborne United showed they had it in them, and of course an East Prem cup final appearance didn't quite finish the season the way they had hoped. A strong community club that will be hoping to eventually return to the heights of a few years ago when they were consistently up the top end of the Premiership tables.
Maycenvale United | D
Vale started the season brilliantly, and looked set to be a solid challenger for the top 4 this season. Unfortunately, those 7 points in their first 3 games, were followed up by 2 points in their last 14. They had to manage some in-house controversy which saw them kick a few players from the club (which I respect massively as this club has needed a culture reset for the last few years) and look set for a club rebuild which has been sorely needed. Conceding 78 goals in 17 games makes it hard to rate this season positively at all. Won't be surprised to see them drop down a div for a year or two.
Western Rangers | D
A last placed finish is not something to brag about but it wasn't a completely terrible season for Western Rangers. A very young team with a solid core had to deal with a merry-go-round of coaches to begin the season which would've made getting settled almost impossible. The highlight of the season was undoubtedly the away win over Gisborne Thistle which ended up being the teams only win of the season. Hopefully they can keep the same coach all the way through next season and begin to build something.
Hopefully all these sides return next season as it would ideal to see this league build some consistency. Let me know if you disagree with any ratings!
Gisborne United | A
It's hard to say that winning the league unbeaten, winning the challenge cup, and winning the federation cup wouldn't equal a perfect A+ grade, but the club no doubt would've been aiming for CL2 and will be disappointed not to of made that a reality.
Aside from that, you couldn't ask for a better season from the team. I really hope that they manage to keep the core together and go again as it's been great having that added quality in the league. If a few illnesses or suspensions hadn't hamstrung their playoff games against Athletic it could've finished oh so differently.
Havelock North Wanderers | B+
Finishing second rather comfortably would normally be a good result but Havelock will be disappointed by their late season slide that saw them drop off and finish 9 points behind Gisborne United. Other disappointments included being knocked out of the Prem Cup for fielding ineligible players, while a brief but impressive Chatham Cup run saw them defeat then-CL2 leaders Palmerston North United 3–1 before eventually falling to National League-chasing Wests. However, back-to-back away defeats in Gisborne ultimately proved costly. They'll no doubt be looking to reclaim that East Prem title and have a go at CL2 again next year.
Gisborne Thistle | B+
While rating them the same as Havelock may seem strange, considering the position they came from before the season started, to finish third, is nothing short of impressive. Thistle lost a huge amount of players from the squad that disappointingly finished 6th last season (including Jimmy Sommerton) but still managed to put together a side that notched up some impressive victories. Their opening 8-0 defeat to bitter rivals United would not of been many of those new imports' dream debut, but they turned it around to eventually go on a 6 game win streak and push Havelock for 2nd place until the last few games. If they can keep those same imports and maybe lure a few former players back they could push high up the league table again.
Napier City Rovers Prems | B
A very young Rovers side struggled to find consistency this season but like Thistle managed to put up some very decent performances along the way. Some notable games include their final day win away to Thistle, and most importantly their East Prem cup win against Port Hill United. I've been very critical of Rovers over the years, but this young squad did well in what proved to be a difficult league for teams to navigate. And of course, promotion!
Taradale AFC Prems | B-
Not the league season that Dale ressies would've been hoping for, especially considering how impressive they were in the second half of last season. They of course were the only other side apart from Havelock to take points off of Gisborne United, and made it all the way to the Fed Cup final with a very young team. Losing their second top score from last season to play in goal for their CL2 side didn't help but still a solid season for the Dale ressies.
Port Hill United | C
Another season plagued by inconsistency, Port would turn up one game, and struggle the next few. Some impressive performances on the Fed Cup over FC Western and then a decent fight against Gisborne United showed they had it in them, and of course an East Prem cup final appearance didn't quite finish the season the way they had hoped. A strong community club that will be hoping to eventually return to the heights of a few years ago when they were consistently up the top end of the Premiership tables.
Maycenvale United | D
Vale started the season brilliantly, and looked set to be a solid challenger for the top 4 this season. Unfortunately, those 7 points in their first 3 games, were followed up by 2 points in their last 14. They had to manage some in-house controversy which saw them kick a few players from the club (which I respect massively as this club has needed a culture reset for the last few years) and look set for a club rebuild which has been sorely needed. Conceding 78 goals in 17 games makes it hard to rate this season positively at all. Won't be surprised to see them drop down a div for a year or two.
Western Rangers | D
A last placed finish is not something to brag about but it wasn't a completely terrible season for Western Rangers. A very young team with a solid core had to deal with a merry-go-round of coaches to begin the season which would've made getting settled almost impossible. The highlight of the season was undoubtedly the away win over Gisborne Thistle which ended up being the teams only win of the season. Hopefully they can keep the same coach all the way through next season and begin to build something.
Hopefully all these sides return next season as it would ideal to see this league build some consistency. Let me know if you disagree with any ratings!