Striker Marek Netusil scored Thistle’s first goal from the penalty spot and left midfielder Lukas Ricard scored the second.
The Jags’ best on the day were Netusil, Ricard, central midfielders Martin Kubik and Noy Paull, rightback Shai Avni and centreback Chris Spurr.
For Wainui, Jake Theron (2), Ollie Aldridge, Jaiden Ibbetson, Dan Willock and Tomas Campos Saez scored the goals. Defensive midfielder Andrew McBride and striker Ibbetson were the standout performers in a workmanlike team effort.
In other Division 1 games, Heavy Equipment Services Gisborne United Firsts beat Thistle Vintage 6-1 and lead the competition on goal difference, Coates Associates Wainui Demons beat 1st Class Decorators Wainui Salty Dogs 4-3 and stay level top on points, and Thistle Youth had their first win, 6-2 against QRS Wairoa Athletic.
With no game for the Thistle Federation League side tomorrow — it’s a Chatham Cup weekend, and they were eliminated last month —local football interest will focus on the Eastern League.
Division 1 games will probably go to form, notwithstanding the ability of teams to go bonkers and surprise everyone with their brilliance or ineptitude.
Division 2 has an interesting clash. New team High School Old Boys have won all four of their games convincingly, the latest (against HES United Thirds) 8-0. Tomorrow they play the only other unbeaten team in the division, Gizzy Bobcat Services Thistle, on Childers Road Reserve No.2.
Thistle co-coach Steve McCarthy says his team must be regarded as underdogs, as they have drawn one of their four games, and the scorelines of their victories have been much closer than those of HSOB.
Thistle beat Ngatapa Brandt Silkies 6-2 on Wednesday last week, and McCarthy was pleased with the team’s progress. He and co-coach John Stirton have a mixture of youth and experience spread throughout the team.
“We blend people in, so the experience of the older guys rubs off on the younger guys,” McCarthy said.
Centreback Andrew Brown, in his third year with the team, was player of the match, with defensive midfielder Josh Blair not far behind.
Simon Powell gave a wholehearted performance at rightback, alongside steady central defender Michael Rogers.
Pitching in with experience to burn were Kieran Grealish in goal and Nic Somerton on roving commission.
In other Division 2 games, Smash Palace Shockers beat HES United Seconds 7-0, and Neighborhood Pizzeria Wainui Sandbar drew 1-1 with Tatapouri Bohemians. Tumu Thistle had the bye.
In the Women’s Eastern League, Bohemians beat Gisborne Girls’ High School 2-1, and Gisborne Laundry Services Wainui Riverina beat Tatapouri Marist Thistle 4-0. Campion had the bye.
