Bates banter

Today we welcome Manukau United, who sit level with us on points (3), and like us, have lost a lot of keyplayersfrom2022.

Manukau have been demanding opposition for us for a number of seasons, most notably in 2017 when they narrowly pipped up for promotion to northern premier ranks And in the corresponding match here last April, Manukau won 1-0, to break up a Melville run of two wins beforehand and then sixwinsafterwards.

The good news for Melville is that there is every chance we will be back on Gower No 1 for our next home game, against Bay Olympic on April 29 y

In terms of facility development, plans to install new LED light son Gower 6 have been delayed The lights were shipped from Italy but ended up being sent via New Caledonia, Tahiti and the United States, making Customs curious and triggering forensicinquiries.

Congratulations to the Melville Premier Reserves on their first win of the season, 3-1 away over Manurewa. Skipper Thomas Cave potted two goals in the first seven minuteswhileMaxGurnickgotanotherbeforehalftime

A reminder that our women's first team begin their W-League campaign at home to Otumoetai on Gower 6 at 1pm on Sunday Growth and participation patterns can be unpredictable in women’s football, but in such a big year for the female code with the World Cup here, it is surprising that Melville and Waikato Unicol are the only Waikatobasedteamsinthisleague,withtheothersallcomingfromTaurangaorRotorua

Batesy