Wānaka Football Club (WFC) competed in the annual Alexandra Blossom Festival 7s tournament last weekend, winning both the men’s and women’s open grades.

The competition, which began in 1978, is contested over Saturday and Sunday involving teams from all over the South Island.

Wānaka sent three teams (Masters over 35, and Women’s and Men’s Open Grade). 

On Saturday (October 14) Wānaka AFC topped its group, with the team unbeaten during the first day of play and securing a spot in the last 16 on Sunday.

A comfortable victory early on Sunday morning paved the way for a testing game against Queenstown in the quarter finals. In a tight, scrappy, physical game Wānaka again ran out the winners with a score of 3-1.

Next up was Falcons in the semi finals who were dispatched with ease, setting up a tasty final with Queenstown-based Lakes United.

This game was played at a slightly slower pace, testament to the eight games both teams had played over the weekend leading to the final.

Wānaka, led by Al Carmichael (who was looking for his sixth win in 10 years of competing in the men’s division), proved a bit too strong in the end, eventually winning 3-0 and taking home the trophy and cash prize.

Player of the tournament for Wānaka was Daniel Lourenço, who dazzled throughout the weekend.

WFC’s women’s team were one of 12 teams in the women’s division, and they were undefeated on day one in the pool matches. 

The second day started with successful quarter and semi final games which opened the gate to the final. 

Wānaka was matched against the youthful ‘University Gold’ team, and the Wānaka women made sure they were first to the ball and played a very tidy passing game, allowing them to knock the first goal of the game in. They kept the pressure on for the entirety of the game and took the final 4-1.  

PHOTOS: Supplied