NAPIER U19 2024 REVIEW

The boys first day was a bag of mixed results - 1 of each a win, draw and a loss. The first game against Fencibles was a dominant display from the hoops where we couldn’t find a break through, ending 0-0. With hopes high, the boys faced Cashmere Technical for the third year in a row. Caspar and Didi scored within 5 minutes of each other, to give us a 2-0 lead before tightly hanging on for a 2-1 win - another good display. The final game saw the boys face familiar opponents Bay Olympic. Louis put as ahead early before a lacklustre 10 minute period saw Bay Olympic go 3-1 up. Caspar grabbed a late consolation from the spot which proved too little too late. 3-2 loss. Overall, very encouraging signs from the green and white with some beautiful football being played.2 games tomorrow against Stop Out and Northern Rovers decide our hopeful knockout journey.

The girls’ first day was an impressive display of football, finishing with two wins and a draw. The first game against Birkenhead was a fantastic way to get started, with a dominant 5-0 win. In the second game, the girls faced Lower Hutt, where an emphatic performance saw them come away victorious with an 8-0 scoreline.In the final game of the day, the girls went up against a well-organised and physical Taradale side. Both teams went into halftime locked at 0-0. Late in the second half, a sublime ball from Nicole from a corner allowed Dara to rifle a powerful header into the top corner, giving Springs a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, Taradale responded with a goal of their own after a fortuitous bounce landed at the attacker’s feet, meaning all three points were shared.

There are very promising signs for the girls as they head into the second day, where they will conclude pool play against Wairarapa and Port Hill. Some fresh legs have arrived this evening to bolster the squad in their hopes of going one better than last year’s semifinal stage.

The second day started off with the boys first off the ranks, facing a hard-fought game against Stop Out. Unfortunately, the boys went down 3-1, meaning they couldn’t advance to the knockout stages. In the afternoon, the boys faced Northern Rovers in a must-win game to secure their spot in the main tournament draw next year. Goals from Casper, Ollie, and Rhys secured a 3-1 victory.

The girls faced Wairarapa in their fourth pool game. A clinical performance saw them come away with all three points in an emphatic 12-0 victory. As the afternoon rolled on, the girls geared up for their final pool game against Port Hill United, which ended 2-0, allowing them to advance to the quarterfinal stage at the top of their pool.
In the quarterfinal, the girls faced a rematch of last year’s semifinal. They dominated early, with Dara scoring a stunning left-foot goal to put Springs ahead. Hibiscus equalised shortly after, and the teams went into halftime tied at 1-1. A set piece midway through the second half gave Hibiscus the lead. Despite several chances, the girls couldn’t equalise, and in injury time, Hibiscus sealed the game with a third goal.

Both teams, keep your heads held high; you have done yourselves and the club proud. The future is bright for Springs in the years to come. As we sign off from another successful year in Napier, there are a few special people that need to be acknowledged.

Firstly, to our senior players Dara, Lara, Nicole, Dom, and Didi, who played in their last under-19 tournament this weekend: you leave behind a legacy to be aspired to.

Finally, our biggest thanks go to all the staff involved who made this weekend possible. A special mention goes to our logistics team, including Chefs Mario and Barry, whose time and efforts to feed everyone have not gone unnoticed. Additionally, our biggest thanks go to Dylan and Damo, who constantly transported players, staff, and gear around Napier throughout the weekend. All you gentlemen are invaluable to us, and the club is lucky to have you.

WSAFC