13 June 2026
- 3 hours ago
- 10 min read
Division 1: Sprig + Fern Tahuna 1st XI Division 2: Sprig + Fern Tahuna 2nd XI Sprig + Fern Tahuna 3rd XI Division 4:
Women's Premiership: Sprig + Fern Tahuna Womens XI Masters Football: Sprig + Fern Tahuna Masters
1st XI 3 - 0 Richmond FC
Location: Tahunanui S1
Goals: Izaak, Seth, Thangaa
Match MVP: Nick Williamson
This game was won in the first 45 minutes. Tahuna once again started a game with high intensity and playing some great football. Some decisive link up play and aggressive pressing gave Izaak Cunningham the chance to head the ball past a helpless Richmond keeper to open the scoring. 1-0 after 15 minutes.
Tahuna did not let up, Nick Williamson creating chance after chance with some excellent wing play down the left and intelligent through balls with Vann Roland and the ever dangerous Thangaa creating some near misses. It was Thangaa who set up the second goal, dribbling past two Richmond defenders and crossing into the path of Seth Watson who fired his shot into the Richmond goal with a great first time finish to put the beach boys 2-0 up.
Just before half time a defence splitting ball saw Thangaa Vanuk finally get his reward with a blistering finish to make the game safe at 3-0.
The second half was well controlled by the Tahuna defence led by the Captain Matt Jepsen but the game came to an early end, with TFC Goalkeeper Will Murphy colliding with a Richmond attackers knee in the 84th minute. The Tahuna keeper having to be taken to hospital for observation. Get well soon Will! Match report by Dave
2nd XI 0 - 0 FC Nelson Karenni
Location: Tahunanui S1
Goals:
Match MVP: Dan
After a couple of weeks of rain, flooding, and everyone generally wondering whether football boots or gumboots were the better option, Tahuna 2nd XI finally returned to home soil at KFC Park. The sun was out in Tahuna, the pitch was playable, and the boys were still being held together by strapping tape, stubbornness, and whatever was left in the medical bag.
With a few new faces in the mix, Tahuna were looking forward to a tough game against FC Nelson Karenni, especially after spending much of the reverse fixture earlier in the year chasing shadows and reconsidering several life choices.
The game started about as expected, with Tahuna sitting a little deep and making sure they did not get dragged into another afternoon of cardio-based humiliation. But as the match settled, so did the home side. Passes started to stick, confidence grew, and Tahuna began playing further up the field rather than defending from somewhere near the car park. At the back, Ross, Markel, and Jonny — roughly the 17th backline combination of the season — were immense. They cut out through balls, tackled everything that moved, and generally gave the impression they had signed a legally binding agreement that nothing was getting through. Ross even attempted a bicycle kick from an attacking corner, which was ambitious, unexpected, and thankfully the first of many failed attempts rather than the last thing anyone saw before an injury report.
In midfield, Joe led the way with another strong performance, helping Tahuna go toe-to-toe with a quality opposition side. Pedro, meanwhile, was everywhere in his new roaming role up front, popping up in different areas so often that at one point it was unclear whether there were several of him.
But the team’s best on field, as voted by his teammates, was Dan Smith, who worked tirelessly on the right wing. He ran, battled, chased, pressed, and generally covered so much ground that the council may need to update the Tahuna Rec boundary lines.
And once again, Will came up with some telling saves when called upon, keeping things calm at the back and making sure Tahuna’s hard work counted for something. It finished 0–0, but this was no dull stalemate. It was a proper shift, full of effort, discipline, and plenty of grit from a team still patched together but refusing to roll over. A thoroughly deserved point from the boys.
Match report by Munday GPT
3rd XI 2 - 1 FC Nelson Locomotive
Location: Tahunanui S2 Goals: Wayne (2)
Match MVP: Wayne
Beautiful day on S2 for a game Tahuna knew they could get a result from. With a couple of players missing, the 3rds called upon the 4ths to be able to loan them a player for the day, we got none other than Kyle Borlase!! (Cheers again 4ths).
FC Locomotive kicked off buoyed by the previous result they got against the 3rds earlier in the season (6-2 win for those not up to speed). What they got was not what they were expecting as Tahuna began pressing aggressively across the park, not letting Locomotive any time on the ball whatsoever.
It took all of 6mins for Tahuna's pressing game to pay dividends as Panith sent a through ball into the path of Wayne, the Locomotive defender trying to pass the ball back to the keeper but not getting enough on it allowing a full speed Wayne to latch on and put it away to make the score 1-0!
No nonsense from Tahuna as again they set about hounding Locomotive from the kick off. The midfield 3 of Will, Stefano and Sobi causing all sorts of mischief. At the back the returning Eric Louis and Ollie Creed made life very difficult for the Locomotive forward line. With 11 mins on the clock, Panith again tried a cheeky through ball, a whole host of bodies in the box and up popped Wayne again to make the score 2-0! Absolute bedlam on the sidelines from the home fans as Tahuna inexplicably found themselves with a 2 goal cushion and only 11mins on the clock!
Locomotive tried to get themselves back into the game and quickly called upon the bench to try and change something. Tahuna also decided to make a quick change as Stu came on for Panith. Loco tried to find a way through and got their chance when Eric was adjudged to have caused a foul in the box (He got the player and ball to be fair)
Locomotive knew they had the chance to peg a goal back... Tom Dunn wasn't having anything of it and saved the spot kick comfortably. Cheers from the home support as the minutes ticked by.
A quick break for Stefano as Kyle came on to cause damage in the midfield and certainly made his presence felt by tackling any loco player that had the ball in his vicinity. Sobi had a couple of attempts as did Stu and Sayha, Ollie found himself on a 25 yard adventure into the Locomotive half and actually got through 3 challenges before a last ditch Locomotive tackle stopped him from going any further.
Ref blew the whistle for half time as Tahuna took a 2-0 lead into the break. Positive chats at half time as Tahuna came out for the 2nd half knowing there were more goals to be had. Tahuna took the kick and began just moving the ball around the park, much to the annoyance of Locomotive, they just could not get a hold of the game.
Some big challenges went in from both sides, Sobi being Sobi unfortunately was given a yellow card. Rhys and Fraser on the defence flanks were having a whale of a time eating up tackles like an all you can eat buffet. A quick change again for Tahuna as Stu came off for Panith but was quickly called back on the pitch as Wayne needed a break. Panith and Sayha combined to take the ball right up to the goal line, Locomotive bodies scrambling to get it away as Panith snuck it across goal, Stu unfortunately a couple of yards out wasn't quick enough to react as Locomotive managed to get the ball away.
Locomotive kept pressing and were eventually rewarded with a goal from a slight Tahuna lapse in concentration. 2-1. Tahuna knew they could be on to a massive win if they could just keep it together for the remaining minutes, the lead looked at risk when Tom Dunn had to sub off due to a sprained thumb caused by a save earlier on. Ollie jumped in goal as Sobi dropped back to CB. Some last ditch defending from Tahuna as they held on for the remaining minutes to record a massive win against FC Nelson Locomotive!
Back to back results for the 3rds for the first time this season, thoroughly deserved and a stand out display from Wayne who is looking more and more at home in the 3rds with each passing game. Next up for the 3rds is a trip to Victory Square and game against Karenni. Expect a lot of shadow chasing and hardcore defending.
Match report by Stu
4th XI 3 - 0 Nelson Suburbs Wannabies
Location: Ngawhatu
Goals: Ryan, Reuben (2)
Match MVP: Gabe
Always good to take 3 points from the team above you. But there's still a lot of work to be done over the next 2 games to finish 3rd at the split. As we kitted up we found out Zay had showed up without his boots, Jonny forgotten his shin guards and Kyle wasn't showing up at all (he was on loan to the 3rds this week). With Adam away Luke stepped up into to captain the team.
My guys were smiling, we had a good pre-game chat, then they got about their task. I don't think Wanabies were expecting what they got. We won the toss and kicked uphill for the first half, while my guys are on a full tank. We made them do a lot of running while hitting them on the break. Reuben got through and scored and Ryan got a delicate touch on a cross to score. So we soaked up what they threw at us and got a grip of the game. 2-0 up at half time....I'll av that.
Not much of a half time chat...I just reminded them we have them where we want them. Chasing a game uphill and running out of gas. To be fair they did us twice out wide and put awesome balls across our goal line but none of their forwards could get a touch on them. Apart from that, it was keep moving the ball, counter attack and let gravity wear them down. Then Reuben got through again and scored his second 3-0. Top team effort, everyone played their part (with a smile) and Iggy got us another clean sheet, his 3rd in as many games. He's coming for that golden glove in his first season with the club.
We still have work to do before the split, so lets keep at it and see you on Weds. Player of the day went to Gabe for his tireless effort on the pitch, cramp being the only thing to best him on the day.
Match report by Cole/Zach
TFC Womens XI 8 - 1 Nelson Suburbs 2nd XI
Location: Tahunanui S2
Goals: Roxy, Sophie, Arin Bailey (2) Ruby (3)
Match MVP: Bailey On another great winter Saturday afternoon, Tahuna Women’s XI prepared for what was expected to be a fast-running game against a younger Suburbs 2nd XI side. Tahuna took to the field with energy and intent, immediately capitalising on a fast start. Within the first two minutes, Amiee cut in from the left and linked up with Soph, who found Roxy to open the scoring.
The pace of the game tested Tahuna’s fitness, especially with only one sub available. The team had to play smart, manage their energy, and work hard for each other across the full match.
Soph added to the score line with a brilliant solo run from the right into the centre, calmly chipping the ball past the keeper. Tahuna then struck again from a well-delivered corner by Hannah, which found Bailey, who headed the ball into the goal. Bailey’s strong performance earned her Player of the Day.
The goals kept coming as Soph crossed to Bailey, who controlled the ball with a great first touch before booting it into the net. A strong solo run down the right wing then opened up another opportunity, with the ball played across goal for Ruby to smash home.
Ruby continued to shine, driving through the middle and finishing past the keeper. Arin also got on the scoresheet after reacting quickly to a rebound and smashing the ball into the goal. Ruby then completed her hat-trick in style, following up on an opposition pass, tackling the keeper, and scoring in what was a stunning final game for her.
Suburbs continued to put pressure on Tahuna throughout the match, creating multiple attacking plays and testing the defensive line. Amiee worked tirelessly on the left wing, keeping the pressure on and ensuring the Suburbs players were always on their toes.
At the back, Hannah was a force to be reckoned with. She completed a full 45 minutes on the field and commanded the defensive line, showing great leadership and determination.
There was also fantastic support for the girls from the sideline, with Bec and Nik cheering the team on. A brilliant team performance from Tahuna Women’s XI, full of energy, smart play, strong finishing, and great support across the field.
Match report by Cris
TFC Masters 4 - 0 FC Nelson Masters
Location: Victory Square
Goals: Paddy, Goody, Kev, Diego
Match MVP: Gaz
The masters don't do consistency this season with an ever evolving line up of players in varying states of physical degeneration and results as erratic as a spider on acid spinning a web. So nobody knew what to expect as we turned up at Victory Square with a measly 2 subs, no goalkeeper and a manager gone AWOL to face a team that gave us a comprehensive 4-0 drubbing on our home pitch earlier in the season.
Pete and Gaz stepped up to organise a line up and provide the necessary kit to get the game going. Macca duly got the squad warmed up and raring to go. It was a master class of pre game management as the old boys took the game to FC early on, creating a few chances before opening the scoring with a clinical Patrick 'Slick as Schick' Connor strike coming in off the right wing.
With a midfield 3 worthy of an all star World Cup XI Diego 'Costa', Macadonna and Tomas 'Muller' pulling the strings while Eduardo menaced the opposition off the left wing it wasn't long before the aforementioned Eduardo turned provider for Nick 'Goody at Best' to slot a second into the keepers bottom right corner. 15 minutes in and cruising but already the toll was starting to tell in the centre mid engine room and Tomas needed a hydration break.
A quick reshuffle and Eduardo moved into the middle to allow the late arriving Kevaldinho to warm up on the left wing. What a warm up though, 'Slick as Schick' drove into the FC box and cut the ball back, somehow evading the flailing legs of the FC defenders to the onrushing Kevaldinho with a first touch of the game to make it 3-0. FC were looking like stunned mackerel and it didn't get any better for them.
Not long after the restart Kevaldinho found Diego 'Costa' advancing towards the FC box. He unleashed what can only be described as a trundler towards goal which the keeper couldn't get down quick enough to keep out. 4-0 TFC and barely half an hour on the clock, what kind of cricket score would this become?
Sadly for Tahuna that was the end of the scoring but respect to FC Nelson for shoring it up and not letting it run away any more than it already had. The game surged back and forth for the remainder with a solid defensive display not giving FC Nelson a sniff.
Notably Gaz 'Butcher' Clarke minus the bloodied head bandage dominating in the air and on the ground. Perhaps a disjointed disorganised pre-game routine with a missing manager is the secret to a complete Masters performance. We'll test that theory next week as Kevaldinho tries to venture abroad with his dodgy passport... Match Report by Anon
Comments