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It’s the pointy end of the winter sport season, and some top of the table, high quality clashes are being played locally.
Supporters have been turning out in large numbers to football, rugby and league matches and there has been no shortage of drama. In some cases, getting within reach of major trophies has made history for the clubs involved.
With a crowd of around 1000 supporters, whose shouts could be heard around Stanmore Bay, Hibiscus Coast AFC’s premier men’s team contested the quarter final of the prestigious Chatham Cup at home on July 27.
Their opponents, Coastal Spirit from Christchurch, came to the match unbeaten this season. They play in the Southern Premier League, while Coast are in the second-tier NRFL Men’s Championship, making Coast the underdogs. It was the first time the local team had got as far as this round.
The trophy itself was at the club to view, FIFA Plus cameras were poised for live streaming and everyone from club president Scott Beard to the ball kids, loyal supporters of all ages, and the wider community, were buzzing on the sidelines.
Ahead of the game, Beard said whatever the result, the club remained very proud of the team.
What followed was a gripping contest described on the Friends of Football website as “a Chatham Cup tie for the ages”.
Both teams gave 100 percent commitment from kick-off. There were goals in quick succession, a couple of yellow cards, an injury to defender Adam Windelburn, and a dramatic double save by Coast goalkeeper Josh Precious.
A draw was not possible, so with the game tied at 2-2, extra time was called for. Both teams scored a further goal, leading to a penalty shootout, where again, they traded goal for goal. It was only after 11 goals, in sudden death, that the Coast came up short, Spirit taking the game 6-5 on penalties.
The Friends of Football report stated that the game “should be long remembered for its contribution to the folklore of NZ’s oldest club competition”.
Beard said that the quarter final made history for the club and everyone is tremendously proud.
“For this to happen in the club’s 50th anniversary year, adds to it even more,” he said.
