Masters victory sets up high stakes local thriller

Pukekohe Masters went into this cricial game knowing that a victory was vital. Three points would:

1. Put Papatoetoe out of reach of the title
2. Secure the league title if Waiuku lost or drew
3. If Waiuku won, allow Pukekohe to win the title with a draw in their last game against their arch rivals

A loss would have put the momentum straight back to Waiuku and made the final game a helluva lot more tricky. But as it was, both Franklin rivals got the victories they needed to set up the ultimate, winner takes all, title decider in two weeks.

The return of Chris Butterworth behind the inpenetrable back four was a welcome sight on Saturday. That allowed the penalty saving hero from our 1-0 victory over Lynn Avon two weeks ago, Steve Frabrello, still high from Italy's World Cup triumph, to resume his role in midfield.

It was in the midfield that Pukekohe showed the early dominance and from where they opened the scoring. A punt into the Lynn Avon box was cleared and fell to the feet of Jim McCormack in acres of space. Jim advanced on the goal and then unleashed an unstoppable shot from 25 yards which rifled in off the underside of the crossbar. Brilliant.

Pukekohe continued their dominance and laid seige to the Lynn Avon goal. The second came a few minutes before halftime when Brian McDonald found himself unmarked at the backpost and slotted. 2-0 at halftime.

Lynn Avon were hoping the for a better second half with the pitch and conditions in their favour attacking down wind and down hill. That was not allowed to happen though as the Pukekohe lads played some of the best football of the season. The passing and moving were excelent and left Lynn Avon chasing shadows.

Despite all the good football, Russ hitting the crossbar, Jim and Steve missing by inches, etc. the only goal of the second half came from the spot. Lee Du Maurier capped a fine performance down the right wing with a clinical finish from 12 yards.

Here's the top of the table going into the final round.

Be there for winner takes all title decider against Waiuku at Bledisloe Park, 1pm KO 29th July.

The senior mens teams last chance of a trophy.