Buccaneers sailing away
Jono Masters, left, scored a hat-trick for the league leaders on Saturday. File photo Peter Jones
Central Buccaneers maintained their lead at the top of the Mayfield Motorworld men’s division one football table with a comprehensive 5-1 win over Rangers Woodbourne at A&P Park on Saturday.
The table-toppers were forced to battle hard for their success, leading by just a single Jono Masters goal at the halftime break.
However, they lifted their intensity in the second spell, Masters completing a hat-trick, while Thom Hall and Joe Bennion added further goals to ensure a comfortable victory. Jonathon Maples scored the match’s final goal to give Woodbourne some consolation.
Buccaneers’ closest rivals, Call Care Trojans, took on Central Wolves at Oliver Park and also came away with a solid victory, prevailing 4-0. A Tomas Lupani goal saw them ahead by just one at the break, before goals to Matthew Largent, then replacements Alejandro Renzi and Ben Mesman wrapped the game up.
The third division one clash was a high-scoring affair, BV Masters getting the better of Picton Wildcats 7-4 at Endeavour Park.
Masters led 4-2 at halftime, Picton closed the gap to 4-3 before late goals to Ben Clarke and a double to Denham Wisdom sealed the away side’s victory.
Division one points: Buccaneers 35, Trojans 31, Masters 24, Wolves 10, Woodbourne 7, Picton 7.
Meanwhile, in division two, Rangers Reserves kept their noses in front of the pack with a 2-0 win over Rangers City, Call Care Spartans and Central Privateers drew 2-2, Trojans Marlb Men lost 1-6 to Call Care Red and Picton Crow Tavern drew 4-4 with Rangers Masters.
Division two points: Rangers Reserves 31, Spartans 28, Rangers City 27, Privateers 20, Call Care Red 12, Picton 11, Rangers Masters 7, Trojans 3.
Meanwhile, there was disappointment for the Rangers AFC side whose Nelson division one rivals Motueka defaulted late in the week, meaning the Blenheim-based side missed out on playing their final match of the season at home.
Now the second-placed side face three away games to close out the season, plus a potential away final in the Price Charity knockout competition.