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One dream attained by University, another beckons
One dream attained by University, another beckons

Otago Daily Times

time03-07-2025

  • Sport
  • Otago Daily Times

One dream attained by University, another beckons

THEY dared to dream — and dream they did. University proved what can happen when you have a little bit of belief in yourself after making the quarterfinals of the Kate Sheppard Cup for the first time. After a memorable 1-0 victory over the Dunedin City Royals last month, University make the trip to Christchurch to meet Cashmere Technical at English Park on Sunday afternoon. "It's an absolute dream, to be honest," coach Hamish Philip said about making the quarterfinals. "All the hard work that we've been putting in this season and all the foundation work we put in prior coming to fruition, it's immense." Philip was proud to see the way his side had come together. "For us, it's actually the belief in what we're trying to do. "I know that's such a cheesy thing to say, but it's that trust the system of what each player brings ... it's shown on the field, to be honest." Cashmere Technical, who won the South Island league last season, are always tough — but University beat them 2-1 in the league in March. "We've beaten them earlier in the season so I said to them, 'why not again?'." Making the playoffs has not come without its challenges. Only half of the team remained in Dunedin earlier this week due to students heading home for the university break and several American players returning home after the semester. The club had been running a Givealittle page to raise funds to help them get to Christchurch. Some players will be getting some "big opportunities" this weekend, but Philip said they would never back down from the challenge. "We're thankful some of our players are from Christchurch, so we've got those. "Some players are actually flying back for the game because they understand the importance of it, so they've made themselves available and that's thanks to the community helping out. "As a core group, I believe the team is still there. "I will make zero excuses. We are prepared for it. We are a university club and it's a matter of how we deal with it." In the other quarterfinals, Waterside Karori play Phoenix Reserves, Auckland United face West Coast Rangers and Franklin United are home to Eastern Suburbs. In round four of the Chatham Cup tomorrow, Wanaka are home to Christchurch United, and the Royals host Nelson Suburbs.

Royals, Wānaka win tight Cup encounters
Royals, Wānaka win tight Cup encounters

Otago Daily Times

time15-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Otago Daily Times

Royals, Wānaka win tight Cup encounters

The Dunedin City Royals and Wānaka have emerged victorious in thrillers to advance to the Chatham Cup's round of 16. Wānaka held their nerve in a penalty shootout, beating Otago University 3-2, having finished extra time in Dunedin with the score at 0-0. Wānaka settled quicker and Louis Wickremesekera created the first chance on 10 minutes, when Marcus Simmons-Godinet was clear through, but University keeper Hayden Cooper dived bravely at his feet to save. Five minutes later Cooper again saved a strong Jake Thompson header. Midway through the first half University's first chance fell to Blake Allison — but with the goal at his mercy he blazed over the bar. Just after the half-hour mark Wānaka were dispossessed in their own half and Allison sprinted away, forcing Wānaka keeper Josh Shackleton to parry away his strong shot. University Skipper Flynn Crocker was yellow-carded for a cynical foul on the edge of the penalty box, but was adjudged not to be the last man, so was lucky not to see red. Both teams had chances in the second half, but were able to cancel each other out defensively, sending the game to extra time at 0-0. From there chances were at a premium, and neither team was able to connect on those that did come. With both teams not having their shooting boots on, it was no surprise that three of the first six shots were missed as the match went to penalties. Wānaka held their nerve to win the penalty shootout 3-2. In the evening match the Dunedin City Royals snuck two late goals past Northern to claim an extra time win at the Caledonian Ground. Luca Mandich and Nick Treadwell could not quite finish on early opportunities for Northern, before the Royals settled and had multiple chances through the middle of the first half. Northern responded with their best chance in the 38th minute, when both Treadwell and Rory Hibbert attacked the same freekick in the box. The Royals controlled more possession and created chances through the second half and nearly snatched it with two minutes to play when Connor Neil's shot hit the woodwork. The Royals continued press in extra time, but were unable to finish, and it was not until the second half of extra time they broke the deadlock. Jack bent his shot past Northern keeper Eli Urwin to make it 1-0 in the 112nd minute. Northern nearly equalised in the last minute, when Hibbert just failed to get a touch as the ball was played across. They pushed everyone forward for a corner, but the ball was cleared to Neil, who shot from 50m. While that was saved by desperate defence, Jack Julian finished after one of his surging runs to make the game safe. In the other South Island Chatham Cup matches, Christchurch United beat Cashmere Technical 3-1 and Nelson Suburbs overcame Ferrymead Bays 5-3 in extra time. — Neville Watson

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