Dallas Maguire fires a shot towards the goal during Ōtorohanga’s 2-1 loss to Hamilton Wanderers last weekend. Photo Kybosh Photography
It’s been a positive season to date for Ōtorohanga’s three football teams.
The Bulk Lines Ōtorohanga Waibop League One team suffered their first loss of the season at home to Hamilton Wanderers.
The Bailey Ingham Limited Waibop men’s division three team were outclassed 4-0 by an impressive Ngaruawahia side, while the KiwiTown Electrical Uncoachables remain undefeated following their 4-1 win over Huntly Thistle Reserves.
Before their defeat, the first team had drawn with Tauranga City, beaten Matamata Swifts, drawn with Cambridge FC League One, and won 3-0 against Claudelands Rovers, thanks to goals from skipper Jamie Walker, Michael Jones and Tom Barton.
Following that result, they kept their scoring form up with four goals in a victory over Tokoroa AFC League One, with Mason Apperley and Barton scoring.
Dallas Maguire levelled the score in the loss to Wanderers, which came in the final minute courtesy of a Juvena Erhahamoba finish for the visitors.
Ōtorohanga Football Club vice president Dan Hopping said there was a good feeling among the club and their on-field success was a result of that.
“The teams have been going well. Our old boys are currently undefeated, and our first team are top of the standings.
“Our 3rd division team slipped down to third after their loss in the weekend, but all the teams are going well and that is largely due to the good vibe and culture we have among the club at the moment.”
Like all teams in the various grades, their aim was to win games.
“Winning is the target and the leagues would be a bonus. Hopefully, our first team can continue to do well, and our fourth division side just have some old boys who know how to close out matches, and that is proving a real help.”
Hopping said new led lighting had recently been installed at the Domain and it would make a massive difference going forward.
“It will help with summer football and that last round of matches; people will be able to see it and hopefully stay at the ground for longer and share a drink or two, making it a win all round.”
The lights will also give them the ability to host night games and train for longer.
It was thanks to KiwiTown Electrical, Ōtorohanga Community Trust, Lions Club, Ōtorohanga District Council and Eco Light that the new lights for the Domain were possible.
Ōtorohanga have been knocked out of the Waikato and Chatham Cup due to difficult draws and are about halfway through their current leagues.
They captured the Bailey Miezenbeek trophy, which goes on the line every time they face Te Awamutu, and then defended it recently.
Another positive is the number of players. Hopping said in his 20 years with the club, they had never had the issue they had now facing their first team of leaving players out.
“The third division team is being used as a team to help blood some players for the side. It’s a good spot to be in.”
The first team head into this weekend with a tough challenge in front of them as they travel to Tauranga to face second-placed Tauranga City.
They are also welcoming back some players, which only strengthens the teams even more.
Ōtorohanga’s division three side are at home to the fourth-placed Northern United Debacles, in what should be an entertaining fixture, while the fourth team welcome Putaruru Rangers to the Domain.
