By Joan Grey
Tauranga City and Otumoetai FC go toe-to-toe in the first-ever Tauranga derby in the Lotto NRFL Women’s Championship.
Fencibles sit at the summit of the Women’s Championship table and are the only team to have grabbed two wins from their first two games.
All other teams are locked together on the ladder, within three points of one another. With no breathing room, teams will be anxious to grab three points this Easter weekend.
Game of the week
On Sunday, Tauranga City and Otumoetai clash in a cross-town Tauranga derby.
The two WaiBOP teams in the women’s Championship both lost last weekend.
Last season, Tauranga City contended with Auckland and WaiBOP’s best in the Lotto NRFL Premier League, while Otumoetai claimed the WaiBOP Women’s League title. Both teams are new this year to the women’s Championship competition.
The match will undoubtedly be an entertaining display of top-flight women’s football for Tauranga football supporters.
Player to watch
Erin Berry has joined the Otumoetai line-up this season. Her teammates will appreciate her ability to read the game and win and retain possession.
Berry is no stranger to this level of competition and was integral to Franklin United’s midfield last season before moving to the Bay of Plenty.
Fixtures
Game to be played on Thursday April 6, 2023
Fencibles United v Central United
William Green Domain, Bucklands Beach, 7.30 pm
Otumoetai v Tauranga City
Fergusson Park, Tauranga, 7pm (late change of date/time; originally scheduled for Sunday)
Game to be played on Friday April 7, 2023
Franklin United v Onehunga Sports
Drury Sports Complex, Drury, 11 am
Games to be played on Sunday April 9, 2023
Manukau United v Te Atatu
Walter Massey Park, Mangere East, 1 pm
Standings
Joan Grey
Friends of Football writer Joan Grey loves playing and writing about football. She attends ACG Strathallan College and plays football for Franklin United.
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