Wanaka AFC played its first pre-season matches on Saturday (February 20) with the Premiers losing to Cromwell A 5-7 and the Premier Reserve side losing 1-3 to Otago University AFC 3rds.

Played in hot sunny conditions at the Wanaka Recreation Centre, the matches were divided into thirds to give sides the opportunity to hydrate, make changes and try different combinations.

“Wins would have been nice but the most important thing was players got and had their first hit out for the season and for many of them it was their first time playing together and for Wanaka,” a senior club representative said. 

Wanaka Premier Player Steve Pleskun challenges for the ball against Cromwell.

Asked if they were disappointed in the results the spokesperson said: “No, not at all. Preseason results don’t really mean much. It’s all about trying things out from training and finding combinations and things don’t always work straight away. We also had players away on both teams. We will go back to training and work on things and after our next two preseason games against South City Royals from Dunedin things should start to click.”

This Saturday (February 27) both Wanaka teams will travel to Dunedin for a home and away series against the new team in Dunedin the South City Royals and then on Saturday March 6 they play at the Wanaka Recreation Centre.

PHOTO: WAFC