Plenty of action for the Wellington Phoenix academy, both at home and on the international stage.
Madison Sharkey featured in all five matches as the U-16 Football Ferns lifted the OFC U16 Women’s Championship.
The team had a perfect record, beating Tonga, Solomon Islands, and American Samoa in the group stage before overcoming New Caledonia in the semifinal and the hosts Samoa in the final.
As well as being an ever-present in the side, Sharkey got on the scoresheet in the 6-0 win over American Samoa.
Meanwhile, the U-16 All Whites have topped their group in the OFC U-16 Men’s Championship as they look to defend their title.
Phoenix academy players Ben Trenberth, Joseph Chalabi, Willem Des Tombe, Jack Clegg, Cailean Hamilton, Marley Hunt, Joe McIntyre, and Cruz Pietersen are all in the squad.
Des Tombe and Trenberth both scored in the opening 5-0 win over Samoa, while Pietersen and Des Tombe again bagged goals against Solomon Islands.
Their semi-final against Papua New Guinea will take place at 6pm NZT on Wednesday evening, and will be streamed live and free on FIFA+.
Back at home, the men’s reserves drew 2-2 with North Wellington.
Despite dominating the early proceedings with goals to Anaru Cassidy and Ryan Watson, two late goals meant the Nix had to settle for a share of the spoils.
The women’s reserves also drew, 3-3 against Petone. Ella McMillan, Katie Pugh, and Lily Brazendale all netted for the Nix.
The U18 men had a crushing 7-0 win over Wellington Marist AFC. Jack Perniskie scored a hattrick, with Jacob Kleinsmith getting two. Samuel Law and Harrison Kowalczyk also found the net.
And the U18 women enjoyed a similar result, beating Miramar 5-0. Bridie Christie grabbed a hattrick herself, Ruby Barber and Anahera Easton rounding out the scoring.
An early Bosley Dome goal couldn’t stop the U16 boys from falling 4-1 to North Wellington, while the U16 girls drew 0-0 with Western Suburbs.
This weekend sees the final round of Central League, with the men’s reserves and women’s U18s travelling to Waterside Karori.
The U18 men and U16 boys also face Karori.
The women’s reserves play Island Bay, the U15 boys go to Upper Hutt City, and the U14 boys host Wellington Olympic.
Cover photo credit: AW Media
