Last Saturday the Central Otago Football League kicked off with a revamped competition due to the recent lockdown. COVID-19 caused some teams to pull out of this year's competition, so instead of the usual two divisions the decision was made to have just one division made up of the remaining eleven teams resulting in a mix of division one and two teams.

On a beautiful afternoon the Wanaka Associated Football Club 2nd team (WAFC Seniors) played the club’s 3rd team (WAFC Youth) at the Wanaka Recreation Centre.

This was always going to be a tough game for the youth team, who will now be playing mainly teams that would be in a higher division.

They managed a very good account of themselves and played some good football. They never gave up and their keeper Kevin Yoo had an excellent game and kept the scoreline respectable. Jack Lanigan and Red Simpson also had strong games for the Youth team.

The Senior team played well, their midfield controlling the game with good support from their back three. The Youth had their chances and put in some good attacking plays but were mainly kept at bay by their older and more experienced club-mates. Scott Mitchell had an excellent game for the Seniors along with Lee Eaton and Kieran Burke.

The end result was a 4-0 victory to the Seniors.

This week the WAFC Seniors take on Wakatipu United from Queenstown at the QT Event Centre at 2:45pm, and the WAFC Youth head to Alexandra to take on Alexandra A at Molyneux park, also at 2:45pm.

Wanaka's finest, the WAFC Premiers, play their first game of the season this Saturday. The ODT Southern Premier League begins and they take on their Central Otago rivals, Queenstown AFC at home at the Wanaka Recreation Centre at 2:45pm. This will be an exciting game with some very good football to entertain spectators. Head down and support your local team in the top Otago competition.

PHOTO: Toa Roode