We have new league winners in Vanuatu and some potentially crucial results at the top end of the tables in New Zealand as well as action from Tonga and the Cook Islands featured in this week’s Oceania competitions wrap.
In Vanuatu, Tafea FC claimed their first PVFA Women’s Premier League title despite losing their final game of the season against Galaxy FC over the weekend.
A 1-0 defeat meant both teams finished the season on the same number of points. Had Galaxy won by two clear goals they would have claimed the title on the combined score in meetings between the two sides. However, they remained tied 2-2 on aggregate with Tafea being crowned champions on goal difference.
In the men’s league, the season is now into matchday three with Ifira Black Bird top of the table on maximum points, their most recent victory being a 3-0 triumph over Tafea.
Eastern Suburbs AFC stretched away from Western Springs AFC after a top-of-the-table clash in New Zealand’s Women’s National League following a 4-2 win. Tayla O’Brien scored a brace as ESAFC continued their 100 per cent start to the season.
Northern Rovers FC and Southern United, in third and fourth respectively, drew 1-1 while Bree Johnson scored four as Auckland United FC won convincingly against Central Football, 9-3.
Auckland City FC were knocked off top spot in the Men’s National League over the weekend. They lost a five-goal thriller 3-2 to city rivals Auckland United after Guy-Frank Essome Penda scored an 80th minute winner.
That result allowed Wellington Olympic AFC to jump into top spot, after a 5-2 victory at Napier City Rovers AFC. Auckland City are now third while United sit in second place.
Elsewhere, Birkenhead United beat Cashmere Technical FC 5-3 while Melville United AFC earn their first win of the season, beating Christchurch United 5-2.
After beginning their TFA Major League 2022 Premier Men’s division campaign in Tonga with a bang last week, beating Popua FC 15-0, Lotoha’apai United FC were bought crashing back to earth with a 7-0 loss to Veitongo FC. Veitongo are now top of the league, level on points with Nukuhetulu FC who also won their game this week, 3-1 over Lavengatonga FC.
Nikao Sokattak remain the team to beat in the Cook Islands Premier Men’s division following a 3-0 win over Matavera FC. Meanwhile, in the women’s league Avatiu FC claimed a 2-1 win over Puaikura FC.