The annual pre-season Stop Out Women’s tournament took place 16th and 17th March 2013 at Hutt Park, Lower Hutt. Our Women’s first team didn’t make it through to the final unfortunately, but it was an excellent opportunity to see how the new players were settling in, finalise our team selections and to build confidence in the younger girls heading into the new season.
Upper Hutt’s first game was against BNU, last year’s relegated Central League side, and we were unlucky to come away with a 0-0 draw. Next up was Stop Out and another draw, albeit with goals this time, for a 2-2 result. The last game for our ladies on the Saturday was against Vic Uni and although we were up at half time, we ran out of steam and eventually lost 3-1.
We made a great start on the Sunday, with a 4-0 win against North Wellington – a great confidence booster going into our final game against Marist. This turned out to be a fast and physical contest which we dominated in the first half, and it took a lucky goal just before full-time to give Marist the win. We saved our best performance for the final game and it bodes well for the Central League.
Marist eventually lost on penalties to BNU in the Division 1 final. Wairarapa beat North Wellington in the Division 2 final.