Wairarapa clubs join capital contests

Wairarapa will have three teams playing in the Capital Football inter-club competitions next year.

Masterton AFC announced yesterday its Trevs Sports-sponsored side which won the Wairarapa championship last season will be competing in the Capital third division series next year.

They will be the lone Wairarapa-based team in that grade with Douglas Villa competing at second division level and Wairarapa United seconds in the fourth division.

Trevs Sports Masterton spokesman Doug Gardner said his side had won the Wairarapa championship title in six of the last 10 years and had been offered the chance to play against most Wellington-based teams in the Capital competitions on numerous occasions. It was not until now, however, that the time felt right to make the move.

"Most of last season's team have indicated they are in support of what we are doing and that was a key factor for us," Gardner said, adding that with Wairarapa having three teams playing in Capital competitions there was plenty of scope for the district's younger talent to compete there at a level with which they were comfortable.

Gardner also noted that the defection of his side, which played here under the Masterton Athletic banner, would not impact on the number of teams playing in the Wairarapa championship as Athletic intended to remain part of that competition as well.

Meanwhile, it seems that Wairarapa United's search for a suitable home ground next season may be at an end. The Chatham Cup holders are believed to have been given permission by Carterton District Council to play their home games at Carrington Park next year.