Pink is the colour; football is the game

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A top-of-the-table showdown in Eastern League football on Saturday will be splashed pink, and the Barbie film has nothing to do with it.

Second division pacesetters High School Old Boys will play close rivals Smash Palace Shockers in a match that will double as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness.

HSOB co-coach Matt McFatter said club members had talked among themselves about doing something for cancer awareness, and Shockers had agreed to take part.

The teams will wear something pink — HSOB bought pink socks at the start of the season for just such an occasion — but it could be any article of clothing or accessory coloured pink.

McFatter said they would also invite the referee to take part.

“Just about everyone in our club has had a family member or friend affected by cancer, and this seemed like a good way to show our support,” he said.

“We’ll have a collection at the game, and all the proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.”

Spectators are also invited to take part. As well as the uplifting atmosphere, they should also be treated to a cracking game.

HSOB — a newly formed team who revived the name of a prominent Gisborne side of the 1970s and ’80s — are unbeaten in Eastern League 2. But Shockers are only a point behind them.

Both teams have played 11 games for 10 wins. HSOB have had one draw and Shockers, one loss.

The game is set to be played on Harry Barker Reserve No.1 — in front of the grandstand — at 2.30pm.

Admission is free of charge but take some cash.