Waikanae teams have taken out two of the three local divisions just completed in the 2021 season.
At the start of the season a decision was taken for all fifteen teams to play each other in the Horowhenua-Kapiti (HK) local competition. However the teams were seeded into three five-team divisions with results counting toward the divisions within the overall competition. To avoid any goal difference blowouts when mis-matches occurred between higher and lower ranked teams, a maximum six goal difference per match was imposed.
Based on last year’s results and pre-season squad strengths Strollers were seeded in division one, Jets and Hawks were seeded in division two, while Wanderers and Coasters competed in division three.
With a squad depleted by the loss of key players from 2020 and struggling for numbers pre-season the Jets were expected to struggle in the 2021 event. However the addition of some skilled players returning or new to the club, with the addition of some youth talent, also new to the senior club, ensured the Jets were able to field a competitive side. When the competition concluded the Jets had won ten of their fourteen round robin matches, finishing fourth on the overall table. Of the division two sides the Jets ended up with a game in hand over the Paekakariki Cosmic Unicorns.
The continuing evolution of the Wanderers side saw them take a more competitive approach to 2021 season and quickly showed some good form against much higher ranked teams. A first round 3-3 draw with eventual competition winners KCU Sopranos was a hint of things to come and Wanderers continued to punch above their weight throughout the season. They concluded the season ninth on the overall table with four wins and three draws, finishing two competition points clear of KCU Bandits.
As the teams played the final round, held on 7 August, both Jets and Wanderers went in with a game in hand, assured of their division wins. This allowed Capital Football Operations Manager, Blair Duncan, the luxury of delivering the cups to the teams on the day.
With the round robin season over the local competition enters the “Cup” competition. Formerly played in ‘knockout’ format the competition this year is played within the three divisions as pool play. Two rounds of pool play were held during the regular season with the final three rounds scheduled in August. No doubt both Jets and Wanderers will be well placed and keen to achieve the double with the ‘plate’ and ‘shield’ respectively.
The Club congratulates both Jets and Wanderers on their well deserved wins and wishes all our teams the very best in the Cup competition.