Wairarapa beaten but unbowed

Keinzley Agvet Wairarapa United might have been beaten 1-0 by Miramar Rangers in their Hilton Petone tournament soccer match at Petone on Sunday but they gave one of the country's highest-profile club sides more than they bargained for.
A nervous start saw Wairarapa United on the back foot for the first 10 minutes but once they settled into their game plan they more than matched their opposition in both territory and possession. And, what's more, they also had the greater number of shots at goal.
"Nobody would have quibbled had we drawn, or even won," spokesman Phil Keinzley said.
Player of the match for Wairarapa was cental fullback Guiseppe Cagliari who often turned defence into attack with some clever touches.
Outstanding too was central midfielder Merrick Tvaroh whose aggressive approach on defence was always evident while player-coach Pita Rabo was an inspitation up front, continually troubling the Miramar Rangers defence with his incisive running and ball skills.
Also pleasing for Wairarapa United was the input of youngsters Aaron Spierling, Anarua Te Rangi and Nicki Keinzley, all of whom are just 17 years of age. They coped well against experienced opponents.