Manurewa women ready to get season underway

Manurewa women ready to get season underway

The Manurewa Premier women’s side heads north to take on Silverdale at Silverdale War Memorial Park in what will be their first proper match in the Coleman Shield this season.

The 2021 champions picked up a walk-over first round win in the form of a default so will get their first taste of the action against the North Harbour outfit on Saturday.

“I want to see our side go out there and have a go and enjoy it,” coach Leilana Perese told Counties Sports Hub.

“We have a young side this year, so we're so excited to blood some new talent into our club and see them express themselves and have a go. Obviously winning is the ultimate goal but as long as enjoying their footy is at the forefront and sticking to our systems, the result should follow suit.”

Silverdale are a new team to the grade this season and are something of an unknown quantity, but Perese is insisting that doesn’t mean Manurewa can take them lightly.

“I know Silverdale are new to the competition and are a very exciting and fit team,” Perese said. “We know they broke the Auckland Marist line putting points on the board for them so we take nothing away from them and are taking them very serious.

“This competition is very exciting because of the flood of new players which we have not seen and cannot afford to be complacent and be in cruise control. So, we are preparing ourselves to play a very fit, energetic and competitive Silverdale side, which we know will be up for the challenge, especially with their first home game.”

Papakura will chase their first win of the season when they host an impressive North Shore outfit at Massey Park on Saturday.

North Shore will pose a big challenge for a Papakura side that are trying to establish themselves at Premier level this season.

Pukekohe will be in for a battle when they host big guns Auckland Marist at Colin Lawrie Fields.

They performed admirably against a very strong College Rifles side in their opening game of the season so will be hoping for an equally strong showing as they chase their first win.