New Zealand became the 46th nation to have a player score a hat-trick in the English Premier League when Chris Wood netted a treble for Burnley.
The striker, who made his international debut in 2009, grabbed all of his goals during the opening spell of the Clarets’ 4-0 win over Wolverhampton during the weekend.
Wood ticked off a number of milestones with the performance and he helped complete the rout when he provided the assist for Burnley’s final goal, having bagged the first three himself.
While a handful of Kiwis have played in the English Premier League, Wood became the first to register a hat-trick.
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New Zealand are the 46th nation to be represented by a hat-trick scorer in the #PL after Chris Wood's treble!#WOLBUR pic.twitter.com/bOk2mkh5gX
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 25, 2021
“It’s been one of the best days of my life. It really has,” the 29-year-old said after the match.
The win moved Burnley to 14th on the ladder as they fight to avoid relegation this season.
In Wood’s home nation, the men’s Chatham Cup and women’s Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup got underway during the weekend.
The Preliminary Round saw teams from across the country taking part and you can see an overview of the results here.
New Zealand Football announced the draw for Round 1 for both knockout cups via their Twitter account on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Football named their inaugural eFootball national team last week and they will compete in the FIFAe Nations Series, which gets underway with regional qualifying this week.
In New Caledonia, three teams have opened the Super Ligue season with a perfect two from two record.
SC Ne Drehu beat JS Baco 1-0, Hienghène Sport topped Horizon Patho 3-0, and AS Kunie squeezed past AS Mont-Dore 1-0 during the weekend.
In the second round’s other fixtures, Dumbéa FC defeated RC Poindimie 5-1, Tiga Sport and AS Wetr drew 1-1, while Qanono Sport beat AS Lossi 3-0.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.oceaniafootball.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/newcalfinal1april28.jpg?resize=773%2C330&ssl=1)
The points table and more information, including replays from the weekend’s matches, can be found at the Super Ligue Facebook page.
In Tahiti, the second week of the Ligue 1 playoff round saw Dragon and Pirae remain unbeaten.
Dragon topped Tefana 5-2 on Saturday and Pirae eased past Central Sport 4-1 the following day.
AS Venus had the bye, while Tiare and Pueu drew 3-3.
In the bottom half of the table, Olympic Mahina beat Manu Ura 3-0 on Saturday, while on Sunday Arue edged the Jeunes Tahitiens 1-0 and Mataiea defeated Excelsior 3-1.
Catch some highlights from Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 action in Tahiti from the weekend. Note: this is a French language video.
Koloale sit at the top of the table in the Solrais Women’s Premier League in the Solomon Islands after their 3-0 win over Haura during the weekend.
International striker Ileen Pegi scored all of Koloale’s goals as she continued her strong start to the season.
In the round’s other fixtures, Ha’arosia defeated Borderline United 3-1, while Jemina David grabbed five goals as Frigates United hammered West Honiara 7-0; Solright and the RSIPF Royals drew 1-1, while the match between Naha and Marist ended with the same score.
In the Cook Islands, the biannual Kia Orana Youth Football Festival is due to get underway this weekend.
Meanwhile, Fiji’s capital of Suva remains in lockdown due to COVID-19 and football is on hold throughout the country.
Football activities are also on hold in Papua New Guinea due to the pandemic.
Ends