2 May 2026
- May 4
- 11 min read
Updated: May 8
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 1-0 FC Nelson
Location: Tahunanui S1
Goals: Luc Gellatly
Match MVP: James Owen
Top of the table, and deservedly so. Let’s set the scene… A glorious day at 3 Point Park. The sun was shining, the grass was humming, and close to a thousand people filled the surroundings granted, about 950 were there for a different sport, but the atmosphere? Still absolutely buzzing.
In true Tahuna fashion, we rolled in with a starting XI… and not much else. Thankfully, the 2nds had already put in a shift, so we borrowed three of them each fresh off 90 minutes (call it an extended warm-up). From kickoff, it was exactly what you’d expect: fast, physical, and fiercely contested. The midfield was a battleground, with both sides probing for openings but finding little joy early on. Still, there was a feeling from the sideline something was building. Tahuna were up for it. Loud. Fired up. Determined. Down the left, Nick and IT, with Danny in support, were relentless. Wave after wave of pressure led to a string of corners each one inching closer to breaking the deadlock but FC Nelson held firm. The first 30 minutes weren’t without drama. Van found himself on the wrong end of a friendly fire incident—launched into an FC player courtesy of his own teammate (investigation ongoing), earning himself a $25 souvenir. Jepo followed up with a yellow for what was generously described as a “professional foul.”
At halftime, it was 0–0. Solid defending from Joe and the boys in blue and white keeping things level. Second half, different vibe. The rugby crowd disappeared, and the park belonged to Tahuna once more. The intensity remained, but fatigue started to creep in. The early effort had taken its toll, and while attacking chances slowed, the midfield dug deep tracking, pressing, and holding shape. Ethan’s calves waved the white flag, and Dan stepped in for his 91st minute of football for the day, putting in a tidy shift.
Then came the moment. 75th minute. A free kick just inside our half. Jepo sends it long into the box. Big bodies rise… and Luc rocking the #7 “header jersey” meets it perfectly. A calm nod backward, over the stranded keeper… GOAL. The sideline erupts. Absolute scenes. Smiles everywhere. Pure chaos in the best way.
With 15 minutes left, the message was simple: stay composed, no mistakes. …which lasted about as long as it takes to say “don’t use your hands.” Van, perhaps mistaking the ball for a pokie machine spin button, handled it and earned himself a second yellow. No jackpot just an early shower. Final 10 minutes, squeaky bum time. The defence stood tall. James and Jepo owned the middle sliding, blocking, cramping, doing whatever it took. Franco and Jonny locked down the right. Nick and IT controlled the left like it was their backyard. Everything that came in was cleared, smashed, or sent packing. FC thought they’d found an equaliser a bicycle kick heading top bins—but not today. Not with Joe in goal. A flying, twisting save that had everything. Unreal. Then… the whistle.
Full time: 1–0. A massive win over a quality FC Nelson side—something Tahuna hasn’t managed in 4–5 years. Huge effort across the board, and even better scenes in the sheds after. Proud. MOTM: The birthday boy, James Owen Match report by Seth
2nd XI 0-1 Suburbs Seals
Location: Tahunanui S1
Goals:
Match MVP: Will Murphy
TFC seconds were looking to bounce back after last week's loss by avenging last year's cup final defeat to Suburbs Seals.
What could've been a grudge match was more of a slow burn as Suburbs were happy to drop deep and allow us time and possession. Despite some nice looking play we were unable to really threaten, the closest chance courtesy of Ross from a corner. When Seals decided not to boot the ball 500 yards into touch to rest their lungs, they were dangerous on the counter.
The experienced Suburbs side had enough quality to kill any chance of a comeback giving us back to back defeats. Big thanks to the masters gents who bolstered our threadbare squad. Onwards and upwards.
Match report by Joseph W
3rd XI 0-7 FC Nelson Karenni
Location: Tahunanui S2 Goals:
Match MVP:
A beauty of a day at Tahuna S2 as the 3rds took on Karenni.
Tahuna knew it would be a challenge against a side who realistically should be playing in the 1st division. Non the less Tahuna looked to cause a possible upset.
The game kicked off without a registered referee, seems a lot of that happening at the moment...
Karenni quickly set about the tempo of the game with some neat 1 and 2 touch passing, Tahuna weren't having a bar of it and quickly began banking their players behind the ball inviting Karenni to attack, they did with gusto but the Tahuna backline on multiple occasions looked impervious with Oli and Eric marshalling from the back. Every time Karenni came forward, Tahuna would bank their lads behind the ball, Sayha, Stefano and Wayne dropping back to assist on more than one occasion.
The lads knew the task at hand, a number of times Tahuna managed to break through across the halfway and Sobi even managing to get a shot off which went wide was a testament to the way Tahuna were playing, constant tracking back, communications that would not look out of place in a Chatham Cup game.
Karenni though pressed on and after about 25mins managed to get the goal they were after, some incredible passing and movement allowing them to get through a tiring Tahuna side that had been constantly defending since the first whistle. 1-0.
As the half wore on, Stu making his first start of the season subbed off for Ryan, pushing Panith into the RM position with the former taking the RB spot, Sayha moving to his preferred ST position. It was very much constant defending with some beautiful glimpses of passing as Tahuna tried to match Karenni before the halftime whistle.
No negatives at halftime as Tahuna went into the break knowing the task at hand. The main thing that was reinforced was to make Karenni have to work for it and hope to catch them on the break.
Second half kicked off and Tahuna immediately set about continuing the lovely football they had been playing in the first half. Every time Tahuna lost the ball they would immediately drop back into defensive positions inviting Karenni to come forward. Ryan and Panith combining very well on the right. With about 15mins on the clock of the second half, Panith came off for Matty to go into a roaming defensive role, Tahuna knew it would take something special to get a goal. The aim being to just have fun and enjoy the experience.
Tom Dunn making some awesome saves and the communications between Tom and the CBs was spot on, a long cry from the week before.
Karenni then were given a bit of space on the left and their LB managed to roam in and take his shot, Tom at full stretch managed to get a finger to it as it went into his top right, goal of the season contender. 2-0.
Stu came back on as Tahuna switched to a 4-4-2, Sobi and Eric switched and it almost made an immediate difference, Tahuna broke and Eric managed to pull off some insane trickery to go past 2 Karenni players before laying off to Sayha, his shot sailing over the keeper only to be denied by the post!
Tahuna kept pressing, Stu making life difficult for the backline as he started charging down and holding Karenni players off. The lads continued playing really good passes to feet and brilliant off the ball movement. Tahuna broke as Stu sent a perfect through ball to Wayne to latch onto, Wayne let fire only to be denied by an incredible save from the Karenni keeper who knocked it out for a corner. The subsequent corner was easily dealt with by Karenni as the ref blew for the final whistle.
All in all a fantastic game of football from both teams, a couple of the Karenni players mentioned after the game how impressed they were at Tahuna's defending, will take a compliment like that any day of the week!
Up next for the lads, a date with destiny as Tahuna 3rds take on Tahuna 2nds...
El Tahunico!!!
Expect flares, fireworks, Campbell Rollo screaming about how playing 5 at the back is the only formation needed in football and the smell of KFC lingering in the air, subsequent pints in the Sprig Tahuna afterwards, along with sub par slurred speeches.
Match report by Stu
4th XI 1-1 Wakefield 2nd XI
Location: Tahunanui S3
Goals: Keris
Match MVP: Gabe
Players got out there and worked hard from the start. It was a bit strange adjusting to the S3 pitch, a bit wider and shorter than the team are used to.
Wakefield adapted faster and put Tahuna under a bit of pressure. Tahuna sorted their game plan out and won a corner. Floated in by Adam and landing at Keris's feet, he managed to tuck it away for a 1-0 lead. Shortly after, Wakefield are through with some tidy midfield play and they score 1-1.
Halftime came and went. Second half was rendered goalless, but with plenty of action at either end. Tahuna took an injury hit with Zac coming off with what appeared to be a leg injury (no-one will be surprised to read this). Get better soon Zaccy.
Again, another result that the 4ths could have tucked away, but didn't. Shout out to Wakefield for their sportsmanship. Always a good competitive game. Happy with the point this time around, but next time we expect to make it 3. MVP: Gabe, for his insane work rate in the midfield
Match report by Adam
TFC Womens XI 8-0 Richmond Swans
Location: Tahunanui S2
Goals: Sophie, OG, Amiee (2) Roxy (2) Ruby (2)
Match MVP: Aimee
The Tahuna Women's side turned on a dominant performance on a sunny Saturday afternoon, claiming an emphatic 8–0 win over the Richmond Swans at Tahuna S2.
The ladies started strongly and quickly found their rhythm, using pace out wide and sharp passing to create chances. Ruby was a constant threat down the right wing, and it was her delivery that helped open the scoring, crossing for Aimee to finish well.
Ruby then added a goal of her own, driving down the right wing before calmly chipping the ball over the Swans goalkeeper. Tahuna continued to press, and Roxy rose well to head home a goal from a Ruby corner.
The pressure kept building, with Ruby smashing a penalty awarded 20 metres out straight into the back of the goal area.
Roxy grabbed her second after finishing another cross from Ruby, before Aimee also completed a double, attacking down the left and scoring with a well-taken shot. With the score sitting at 6–0 at half-time, Tahuna took a well-earned breather after an outstanding first-half display.
The second half saw Richmond come out with stronger defensive play, making Tahuna work harder for their chances and limiting the Breakers to two further goals. Sophie provided one of the highlights of the match, chipping the ball neatly over the goalkeeper to extend the lead.
In the 78th minute, EJ delivered a dangerous corner into the box. After a rebound, the ball ended up in the net for an own goal by the Swans, rounding out the scoring at 8–0.
While Tahuna’s attacking play caught the eye, the clean sheet was just as important. A big thank you goes to Alysha for holding the goals and keeping the score to zero. On the occasions Richmond did break through, Jenna, Michelle, Rebecca, and EJ were strong in defence, shutting down danger and helping protect the lead.
Nik and Grace also played an important role with their fast running, creating quick attacking plays and delivering good crosses into the centre to help set up many of the goals.
Player of the Day went to Aimee for her strong, confident play and well-timed crosses from the left wing. Alongside her two goals, she was a constant threat in attack and showed great composure throughout the match.
It was a complete team performance from Tahuna, combining sharp attacking movement, excellent wide play, strong defence, and a well-earned win. Ruby was especially influential with goals and assists, while Amiee and Roxy both finished with two goals each.
A commanding win for Tahuna Breakers Women and a performance full of teamwork, confidence, and quality across the pitch.
Match report by Cris
TFC Masters 6-1 Nelson Suburbs Phoenix
Location: Tahunanui S3
Goals: Thomas, Pete B, Paddy, Kev (3)
Match MVP: Kev
After last weekend’s disappointing loss, Tahuna Masters arrived kitted out in the trademark blue and white, at our favoured S3 pitch. It was shortly pointed out, that Nelson Suburbs were wearing their all blues. We’d asked them to switch to Tahuna for club day, so it was up to us to switch kits by the sidelines. “Oh noooo,” groaned Gaz. “You’re gotta be kidding,” “not the socks too, why, WHY, WHY!” Grumbled Goody. Like a delayed dinner at the RSA, emotions were stirring.
Suburbs were in a worse state. They could only count 10 players, so Ben kindly agreed to start for their team. Suburbs dutifully started Ben on the subs bench. On the pitch I spotted some of the suburbs players introducing themselves to each other after the whistle blew. It showed on the pitch. They were playing like strangers and struggled to pass beyond the halfway line. “Use the wings!” Kev screamed early. It paid off and Thomas stole into the box from the side, rode a couple of challenges and tenaciously slotted past their keeper, 1-0 Tahuna.
Paddy and Thomas overlapped on the right and Paddy sent a looped bobble cross into the box. Kev attacked with his experienced Scottish noggin; there was only ever going to be one winner between him and the keeper. 2-0 headed goal to Tahuna. Ben got on the pitch and contributed by shoving Paddy over. Just like being at training. My wife and youngest turned up around now so I was keen on a bit of goal action too. There was a gaping hole in the centre of the Suburbs defence. I shrieked for a through ball and Goody delivered. I managed to control and simply pass it beyond their rushing keeper into the side of their goal, 3-0.
When a team is struggling, a common reply tactic is to give it to the big man. He seemed to ride about three consecutive tackles with each deflection bouncing back into his path. The attack found him 1 on 1 with Ollie and in fairness he finished well, dragging one back. Was the game back on? It stirred our team again. I had a run down the left, the cross was battled in the box and fell to Goody who fed Kev and he slotted in another, 4-1 Tahuna.
Kev wanted our team to show more fight in the second half, particularly out of possession, “you need to take it seriously.” Cunny decided to have a go, he ran through Paddy’s zone, ghosted past 3 suburbs players and tried to curl one into the left side of the goals, only just grappled away by their keeper. Kev used his shiny forehead again to feed Gaz with a chance. Bernie was going back at it in midfield, winning the ball and making some driving runs too. Even Gwyn had a dash forward and a shot from afar. Sam had his best game so far connecting dots with some nice 1,2s time and time again. Not to go unnoticed Cam has a gifted nut and a strongly headed corner seemed goal bound. Paddy tried to apply a cute deflection, but the keeper parried this well on his goal line. Thomas had a shot just wide before finally our pressure showed and Kev, courtesy of a large snicko chop to the slips, slotted one into their goal. That locked in his hat trick and Tahuna’s fifth. Kev celebrated by subbing himself.
All these goals and none by the Canadian. Paddy amended that with a classic run down the left and a smash shot from the corner of the box, 6-1. Ollie revealed he only had 2 shots against him all game. We’re going to have harder games than this. But today was a good confidence boost if anything else and confirmed how using the width of S3 is a winning ploy. Match Report by Pete B
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