Following a goal-filled final weekend of action in the National League: South Central Series, Miramar Rangers have been crowned winners of the men’s competition and Southern United have won the women’s competition. 

In the men’s competition, the Grand Final saw city rivals Miramar Rangers and Wellington Olympic clash once more after being neck and neck for most of the season. After being beaten to the Central League title by Olympic, Miramar got their revenge in style winning 7-2 at Jerry Collins Stadium, Wellington. Goals came from Nathan Simes (8’), Sam Mason-Smith (23’), Ollie Whyte (27’, 39’), Hugo Delhommelle (51’), Scott Midgley (59’) and João Moreira (87’). 

In the women’s competition, the weekend started with three teams in contention for the league but Southern United claimed the crown for their first ever title. They beat South Island rivals Canterbury United Pride 5-3 with goals from Chelsea Whittaker (16’, 33’, 49’), Amy Hislop (29’) and an own goal from Lara Wall (37’). 

Ford Football Fern Annalie Longo was awarded the league MVP after a dominant performance in the Canterbury United midfield. Longo also claimed the league Golden Boot award with 7 goals. 

In the men’s competition, Selwyn United’s goalkeeper Pieter-Taco Bierema won the league MVP award after an outstanding campaign between the sticks. The Golden Boot award was won by Miramar Rangers’ Ollie Whyte with 7 goals. 

Also announced today were the MVP and Golden Boot awards for the regional phase of the men’s National League. 

In the Northern League, Birkenhead United’s Alex Greive was voted MVP. The attacker also claimed the Golden Boot award with 19 goals, although his side did play one more game than some other teams in the league before it was terminated due to the Covid-19 lockdown in Auckland. 

In the Central League, Wairarapa United’s Jonty Roubos was voted MVP. Lower Hutt City’s George Ott won the Golden Boot award with 21 goals. 

In the Southern League, Selwyn United’s Pieter-Taco Bierema picked up his second MVP award. Cashmere Technical’s Garbhan Coughlan won the Golden Boot award with 7 goals. Christchurch United’s Edward Wilkinson also scored 7 goals but Coughlan achieved the feat in one less game so takes the award. 

Article added: Sunday 12 December 2021