Bucklands Beach AFC (BBAFC) has had great success at the U19 Napier National Tournament with the men winning the Satellite final 4-0 over Stop Out of Wellington and the women’s team — in their first year there – clinching the plate final 2-1 over Palmerston North.
BBAFC sent their U19s down to the U19 Napier Nationals over Labour Weekend.
It was the fourth time that the BBAFC had sent a men’s team to compete in the Satellite competition and the first time for their women’s team. Both teams came home with trophies, capping off a very successful year for the club.
This years men’s team was coached by Men’s First Team head coach Rudy Mozr and Director of Football Sander Waterland. The first day saw them with wins over Stop Out 3-1, Seatoun 2-0 and a draw 1 -1 with Kapiti Coast.
Second day and they won their first game 9-0 over Wainuiomata which finish top of their pool with a game in hand. They were able to rest key players and drew the last pool game 1-1 with Taradale. The quarter final had them in a tight tussle against local team Napier Marist. A single goal proved enough for victory. Semi-final was an early 8am kick-off against in form hosts Napier City Rovers, going on to win 2-1.
This put them into the Satellite final playing on the main pitch at Napier City against Stop Out. Stop Out were tired having had to go into extra time in their semi-final win.
BBAFC were able to put away a couple of quick goals and go onto win the final 4-0. It was a great team effort with all players contributing to an outstanding result for the club. Special mention to Thomas Golding who won the Golden Boot for the tournament scoring 8 goals in 8 games, including a hat-trick in the final.
The women’s team was coached by Charlie Hunn and entered the unknown of tournament football. Their first game saw them go down 1-0 to last year’s champions Hamilton Wanderers. A very respectful result. They then drew 1-1 with Petone and a highlight was a 1-0 win over Ellerslie who fielded a couple of New Zealand representatives.
A 2-0 win over Kapiti Coast put them into the Plate final against Palmerston North which they went on to win 2-1. An exceptional showing by the girls with an average age of only 16-and-a-half.
This holds BBAFC in good condition for next year as their Women’s First Team will play in the AFF/NFF Conference competition for the first time having gained promotion this season having won Women’s AFF Div 1.
