A Strong Start for the Junior Girls
The winter season kicked off with excitement on Saturday, 2 May, as sixteen of Mercury Bay’s junior girls laced up for their first away game against Whangamatā. For many, it was their debut season; for others, their first taste of the full 11 aside format. Nerves were high, but so was the energy.
Whangamatā came out firing, securing a 3–0 lead by halftime. But the Mercury Bay girls weren’t about to let the scoreline define their day. After the break, something clicked. They found their rhythm, pushed forward with confidence, the pressure paying off with two well earned goals from Cieara Colmer and Jania Hawkins, narrowing the final score to a spirited 3–2.
Every player left the field with something to be proud of, but this week’s Players of the Day honours went to Emma, Marie, Anna, and Johanna – four international students who train with the team each week but aren’t eligible to play in official matches. Their commitment and support at training helped prepare the team well.
Enjoying a bite to eat after the game at Whangamata Sports Fishing Club.
Ben of Mercury Bay Seniors gets a clear run at the ball.
Senior boys
The MBAS Senior Boys football team beat Hauraki Plain College Senior Boys 8-1 after leading 5-0 at halftime. With six players debuting for the team, everyone had the chance to play in multiple positions in the first grading game of the season. Beau Marshall, Louie Jensen and Curtis Treherne all showed skill and aggression throughout the game. Goal scorers were Curtis Treherne with a hattrick, Joel Iggulden, Shanti Wilson, Lui Yamada, Louie Jensen and an own goal.
Junior Football 2026
Bay Boys Overpower Thames in Clinical Opener
The Mercury Bay Junior Boys sent a clear warning to the league on May 2nd, securing a dominant 3-0 victory over rivals Thames. In a rematch of last year’s title decider, the Whitianga side relied on defensive heroics and superior conditioning to settle the score.
The match began with high tension as Thames pressured early. Captain Alfie proved vital in goal, maintaining a clean sheet with a spectacular double save. The deadlock broke just before half-time when Tylar coolly converted a penalty following a Thames error in the box.
As the sun emerged in the second half, the Bay’s intensive pre-season training became the deciding factor. Trym doubled the lead midway through the half, finishing a sharp team move. The defensive line—comprising Alfie, Milian, Cooper, Farai, Zen, Mekhi, and Kyota—stood firm against every counter-attack.
Relentless pressure from Luke, Jesse, Trym, Zeke, Hunter, Reef, Tylar, Isaac, and Kayleb eventually forced a second penalty in the closing minutes, which Cooper slotted home to seal the result.
Reflecting on the win, Coach Taddy credited the squad’s fitness and collective work rate, fueled by holiday sessions with Dean, Chris, Terri, Carl, and Michael. “I’m incredibly happy with everyone’s performance,” he said. “It was a total team win.”
