“Lytton Old Boys (men) and Paikea (women) have merged this year, so that accounts for the new Lytton Paikea name for the club,” Scragg said.
“Traktion will want to get the season off to a good start, so I think we can expect plenty of goals.”
The Saturday programme starts at 12.30pm with a women’s game between YMP A and Lytton Paikea Sports Club Emerre Hathaway Insurance.
“The YMP squad will welcome back Nancy Tarewa and Courtney Onekawa, who often feature in our goal-scoring ranks.”
Scragg said YMP will be keen to make a statement as they look to regain the premier women’s crown won by GMC Green last year.
Gisborne Girls’ High School plays PPG Wrightson Ngatapa at 2pm in what Scragg predicts will be the highlight of the women’s opening round.
“Both teams have got good numbers of players but the students may well have the edge fitness-wise over the country team.”
Men’s games complete the day’s play.
Reigning premier champs YMP A clash with Lytton Paikea SC Resene Masters at 3.30pm.
“It’s always a tough ask for the Masters to come up against the defending champions,” Scragg said. “I think we can expect a busy defensive afternoon for the Masters.
“YMP A, on the other hand, will be hungry for goals.”
The final game pits Waituhi against Gisborne Boys’ High School first XI at 5pm.
“That’s the men’s game of the round, in my view,” Scragg said.
“Boys’ High have the advantage of having had hit-outs against other out-of-town school teams. The Wade Manson-coached students should come into the game with plenty of confidence.
“But Waituhi, by making the men’s final in 2023, proved they are a force to be reckoned with.
“We’re all really excited to have our season under way.”
