SUMMER soccer champs: iProtech Security has secured the Ōtorohanga summer soccer trophy after five years of trying. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Ōtorohanga Football Club
LAST week Ōtorohanga Domain was the setting of a victory years in the making for iProtech Security, who took out the ASB Bank Ōtorohanga Club Summer Soccer Championship.
iProtech defeated defending champions PFC United 3-0 in the grand final on Friday night to secure the trophy.
Goals to Aaron Mills, Jack Connor and Mark Glenister saw iProtech home after an excellent season in which they also won the Lion Brown Trophy for winning the round robin, and also The Log.
iProtech Security and PFC United each scored 48 points in the round robin, with iProtech scoring 104 goals for, and 10 against, in their 16 wins and one loss record.
The night before, they were equally in control of their semi-final when they defeated Maunga Lions 5-3. PFC got through to the final after defeating eventual third place winners TV Connect, 4-1.
Division 2 was won by OTC Blues who defeated King Country Auto Glass 1-0, while Division 3 was taken out by King Country Electrical over Piopio Food Mart with another 1-0 victory.
Darcy’s Raiders wrapped up Division 4 with a 2-1 win over Giltrap AgriZone.
Other results at the prizegiving included most improved team, won by Bailey Ingham, and most improved player, Zac Coles.
Young player of the year was Bailey Croad, while Gavin Hazeldon won manager of the year.
Hobbs Transport Services were awarded best social team, but also won the Wooden Spoon after being defeated in the playoff by Smithy’s Nailers.
Jarred Le Fleming won personality of the year and referee of the year went to Nathan Pye. Kiwitown Electrical were winners of The Stump, while player of the year went to iProtech’s Mark Glenister.
A feature of the competition this year was the battle for the round robin victory between defending champions PFC United and iProtech Security, with both teams playing great football throughout.
The standard of football and sportsmanship from all teams was also very pleasing for the tournament’s organisers and referees.
The Ōtorohanga Football Club now turn their attention to winter football, which kicks off on March 25.
This year, Ōtorohanga are back in the Waikato Bay of Plenty Federation League which has been renamed Waikato Bay of Plenty League 1.
Their first game is a home match against Tokoroa at the Ōtorohanga Domain at 3.00 p.m.
Ōtorohanga Football Club will also have two men’s teams in the Waikato League and their season starts on Saturday, April 1.
