Clarke helps Wairarapa United seconds to massive 12-0 win

Michele Clarke helped the Wairarapa United seconds to a massive 12-0 win in the plate section of the Wairarapa men's league Knockout Cup competition last weekend, and just days later was included in the New Zealand women's soccer team to undertake a brief tour of Australia.
Clarke, 24, is one of 16 players named to play two tests against the Aussies and must now be a strong contender to be part of the New Zealand team to contest the Women's World Cup in China in September
Her selection for the Australian trip comes on the back of her involvement in a two-test series against Canada last month and after she was advised by New Zealand management to play in the local men's competition rather than for Upper Hutt in the central league women's competition.
That advice was given on the basis that playing regularly against the men would provide a more physical edge to her game, as well as enhance her fitness.
For Clarke wearing the Wairarapa United colours is nothing new as she first made her mark on the international scene when playing as Michele Keinzley then for them when they were such a big force on the Wellington and national inter-club scene through the late 1990's and early 2000's.
Meanwhile, the Wairarapa United men's team will be hoping there is no let-down from the highs of their stirring 2-1 loss in extra time to holders Western Suburbs in their Chatham Cup fifth round match last weekend when they meet Tawa in a Capital premier division game at the Pugh Sports Bowl tomorrow.
Tawa currently sit third on the competition table with 21 points, three points ahead of Wairarapa United, who are seventh but, importantly, Wairarapa United have two games in hand.
Therefore if they can win tomorrow and remain unbeaten for the rest of the club season they could finish as high as second themselves.
Wairarapa United manager Phil Keinzley considers the fact Tawa beat his side 3-2 the last time they met after Wairarapa United led 2-1 at halftime will provide the motivation for his players to repeat their heroics of last weekend.
"It might have been more difficult had we been playing one of the lower-placed sides but Tawa gives us a chance for revenge and that spur should be enough to have everybody totally focused," he said.
The loss of Lai Gataurua through the one match suspension he received after being unluckily sent off against Western Suburbs last weekend means Andy Robertson will start at striker alongside Pita Rabo tomorrow with Rabo intent on playing in spite of breaking a rib in the Western Suburbs game.