Class shines through at sunny Bledisloe….

Glorious conditions and a surprisingly pleasant surface at Bledisloe on Saturday provided a suitable backdrop for the senior men’s first home game of the season. The aim was for a memorable day and one for Jason Paranihi to savour playing his last game for the 1st team. However, with the opposition lining up as a “who’s who in the National league” (as Tommy put it) we were going to have a tough challenge.

Within the first 10minutes Kavakava Manumua was forced into fine two saves, however, we did manage some threatening football ourselves forcing 2 corners early on. It was obvious and pleasing that Three Kings had come clearly to play football and some of their interplay was quick and precise. Eventually the Three Kings pressure paid off and we found ourselves a goal down after 21 minutes, a crisp finish from a low right hand cross.

The Maroons raised their heads and began to fight back and responded well to the pressure. With half time looming we were happy to be only one goal down as we knew we would have something to build on. Then on 46 minutes the sucker punch came from an unmarked header from a corner, half time and 2.0 down.

The start of the second half saw the beginning’s of a good fight back, with Joe Morris forcing a save and Jethro Conway creating a half chance. After forcing a corner on 54 minutes, Jason Paranihi’s powerful header was just over the bar. Then Three Kings upped the pace and eventually closed out the game after 60 minutes, converting a penalty to make it 3.0. The quality of their play created a number of chances and another penalty on 77 mins. 3 minutes later we were caught square in the box and we were 5.0 down and then on 84 minutes another sucker punch, an og. and 6.0 down.

It is not all doom and gloom, we did play some quality football at times and there are some positive signs for the season, with the promise of some good things to come (and also Waiku got thumped 4.0).

A big thank you to the supporters and to those on the bench who didn’t manage to get a game. Furthermore, a huge thanks to Jason Paranihi and all he has contributed to the first team and to the club. He will be missed by the team and for those of you who saw him on Saturday he epitomized the Maroon shirt – resilient to the end. Jason we all wish you well and for the Maroons the Easter weekend brings Tauranga City away, Papakura at home on Easter Monday and opportunity for our first points of the season.

Team :- Kavakava Manumua, Jason Paranihi, Richard Koaneti, Andy Hey, Marcus Bathan, Steve Upfold (Captain), Robbie Leonard, Jeff Hekelaar (Andrew Lamborn 87), Jamie Hampton (Jethro Conway 45), Duncan Moxon (Joe Morris 27), Kamaliele Papui

Subs not used:- Jamie Clark, Chris Rowe

Man of the Match :- Jason Paranihi