Football on the up

Cambridge’s top men’s and women’s football teams remain on course for promotion to the Northern League.

The first of many: Zachary Mayo jumps high in the box to head home Cambridge’s opener over Otumoetai. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.

The men have demolished opposition in the Southern Conference – and made it 20 wins from 20 on Tuesday night following a 9-3 away win against Claudelands.

And the women have been almost as dominant in the WaiBop women’s league – with 15 wins and a draw from 17 outings.

Thomas Walters eyes the goal

In both cases, they now go to home and away September clashes against Northern Conference winners, with the prize a place in the next level up – Northern Leagues  which include clubs from Auckland.

The opponents for the men will be either Waitemata, Waiheke or Northland. The women face Papakura or Onehunga Māngere, also home and away.

Cambridge was crowned Southern Conference men’s champs at the weekend and celebrated with a 13-0 home win over Otumoetai.

Should Cambridge men win promotion they could be in familiar company. The Northern Championship league is already home to Ngāruawāhia – and next season will also have Hamilton Wanderers, who will be relegated from the premiership.

Melville, second to bottom in that league, could make it four Waikato teams in the championship next season – meaning a potentially lower travel bill, but strong among those clubs competition for players.

Joshua Clarkin on the attack. Photo: Mary Anne Gill

Zachary Mayo of Cambridge FC prepares to cross under the watchful eye of Otumoetai captain Jonty Rhodes. Photo: Mary Anne Gil

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