Wainui Sports Club - Since 1989

FULL TIME | Pioneer Brand Products NZ Wainui Sharks 1–1 Thistle Bobcats

The final league game of the season saw the top two teams go head to head, with the Pioneer Wainui Sharks looking to finish a strong 2026 league campaign on a high.

With such a new team coming together this season, the boys have worked hard from day one to set standards both on and off the pitch. Heading into the final league game, the Sharks were determined to finish strongly and continue playing the football that has brought them so much success throughout the season.

From the outset, the Sharks piled on the pressure, launching wave after wave of attacks from all areas of the pitch. Phil Watson was causing plenty of problems down the flank, making some great runs and delivering dangerous crosses into the box, but the Sharks just couldn’t quite find the finishing touch.

Korbi, the German steam train, was then put through one-on-one with the keeper, only for his shot to be scuffed at the final moment.

The Bobcats had a few chances of their own, but whenever they threatened, keeper Mark Langdon was there to mop things up. Both teams went into the break with the scores locked at 0–0.

At halftime, the message was simple: work for each other, enjoy the game and keep playing our football.

The Sharks came out firing in the second half, and it didn’t take long for the breakthrough. A great cross from Ryan Zent found Korbi, who made no mistake in burying his effort into the back of the net.

From there, the Sharks continued to load on the pressure, winning set piece after set piece, but credit to the Thistle keeper, who did well to disrupt the deliveries and keep his side in the game.

With around 10 minutes to go, the Bobcats found their equaliser, scrambling the ball into the net to level the scores.

The Sharks dug deep and defended well to see out the final stages of the match. The best late chance fell to Thistle from a free kick on the edge of the box, but Mark Langdon pulled off a brilliant save, diving to his far post to tip it away.

Full time: 1–1.

The Sharks finish the league campaign in 2nd place and undefeated against the champions Bobcats, with both teams proving exactly why they have been the top two sides in the competition this season.

Now, attention turns to the cup. Next week, the Sharks have drawn fellow clubmates the Salty Dogs, and the boys are fired up and ready to carry on the football they displayed today.

BDO Gisborne man of the match David Salmon for his work in the middle.

Thanks to our sponsors
Pioneer Brand Products NZ
Droneworx Tairawhiti
BDO Gisborne
Vogue Kitchens
TBI Health Group New Zealand
Reef Electrical

The final league game of the season is here, and what a way to finish it!

The two top teams go head to head in what is sure to be a tight and hard fought battle. The Pioneer Brand Products NZ Sharks have yet to be defeated by the league leaders this season, and the lads will be determined to head into the final whistle keeping that record intact.

After a long season, the Sharks are proud of the football this new squad has produced. With a team still coming together, the boys have continued to raise the standards both on and off the pitch, and the progress throughout the season has been something to be proud of.

Now it’s time to finish the league campaign with one final push. Let’s get behind the boys and finish the league season strong!

We thanks our sponsors

Pioneer Brand Products NZ
Droneworx Tairawhiti
BDO Gisborne
TBI Health Group New Zealand
Vogue Kitchens
Reef Electrical

A perfect day for football. After a few frustrating weeks of disrupted fixtures, the Pioneer Brand Products NZ Wainui Sharks finally got back out on the pitch and were ready to enjoy their football.

The lads started strongly, dominating possession, winning first balls and creating plenty of chances. The first big opportunity came from a Josh Baty cross, with Jaiden Ibbetson’s volley narrowly missing the target.

It didn’t take long for the Sharks to find the breakthrough, though. David Salmon picked up the ball and unleashed an unstoppable bullet into the bottom corner to put the Sharks 1–0 up.

The boys went into the break happy with their first-half performance keeping the ball well, creating chances and setting the standard.

Vintage came out in the second half and found an equaliser after a well timed run and square pass allowed for a simple tap-in.

But the Sharks didn’t let the setback phase them. Just as Vintage started to build some momentum, the Sharks snatched it straight back.

Jaiden Ibbetson was brought down out wide and floated a dangerous free kick towards the back post. Phil Watson rose highest and headed it back across goal, where Sam Martin was on hand to tap home and restore the Sharks’ lead.

And Martin wasn’t finished there.

The Sharks earned another free kick after a handball just outside the box, and Martin stepped up once again powering the free kick home to make it 3–1.

The Sharks continued to press, lifting the work rate and seeing the game out to secure all three points.

A well-earned 3–1 victory and a great feeling to finally be back out on the pitch doing what the lads love.

⚽ David Salmon
⚽ Sam Martin
⚽ Sam Martin

Big effort from the boys and a welldeserved three points!

BDO Gisborne man of the match: Mal furlan

thanks to our sponsors
Pioneer Brand Products NZ
BDO Gisborne
Droneworx Tairawhiti
TBI Health Group New Zealand
Vogue Kitchens
Reef Electrical

MATCH DAY – Pioneer Brand Products NZ WAINUI SHARKS

After another disjointed week of football following a last minute postponement, the Sharks are hoping to finally get back on the pitch and enjoy a full weekend of football!

With the final few league games approaching and the Cup still lingering in the background, the boys are staying focused and looking to keep the standards high as we enter the business end of a long season.

With a fully fit squad available, the coaches have plenty of options to choose from for our final home league game against Thistle Vintage.

It’s set to be another good battle, and the boys will be looking to put in a strong performance in front of the home crowd.

Get down, get behind the lads and help us finish the league season strong!

We thank our sponsors
Pioneer Brand Products NZ
Droneworx Tairawhiti
TBI Health Group New Zealand
Vogue Kitchens
Reef Electrical
BDO Gisborne

🌧️⚽ Pioneer Brand Products NZ WAINUI SHARKS VS THISTLE BOBCATS ⚽🌧️

It’s shaping up to be a wet and muddy affair this weekend as the Pioneer Wainui Sharks take on league leaders, Thistle Bobcats.

After suffering their second loss of the season last week, the boys will be hungry to bounce back and put on a big performance against the top side.

With the conditions set to be tough, expect plenty of hard challanges as the Sharks look to adapt and play to the conditions.

get down and support the boys.

Thanks to our sponsors
Pioneer Brand Products NZ
BDO Gisborne
Droneworx Tairawhiti
Vogue Kitchens
TBI Health Group New Zealand
Reef Electrical

FULL TIME | Pioneer Brand Products NZ WAINUI SHARKS

Pioneer Brand Products NZ Wainui Sharks came out on the front foot from the opening whistle, controlling the first half and throwing wave after wave of attack at Shockers Gold. Their keeper was called upon time and time again, making a number of important saves to keep his side in the contest.

Halfway through the first half, the Sharks finally found the breakthrough. Jaiden Ibbetson found space down the wing, took on multiple defenders and delivered a perfect ball across the box for Josh Baty, who made no mistake, smashing it into the roof of the net.

The Sharks thought they had added another shortly after, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

1–0 Sharks at the break.

The Sharks started the second half strongly, continuing to apply plenty of attacking pressure but unable to find the finish to extend their lead.

Then the tables turned.

Shockers pushed more numbers forward and found the equaliser on a quick counter attack. Just minutes later, another fast break and goalmouth scramble saw Shockers take the lead.

With the game slipping away, the Sharks pushed hard for a way back and found the net again — only for a fourth goal in two weeks to be disallowed.

Shockers then caught the Sharks on another quick break and tapped home to seal the result.

Full Time: Pioneer Brand Products NZ Wainui Sharks 1–3 Shockers Gold

A frustrating result for the Sharks after dominating large periods of the game and creating plenty of opportunities. The boys will look to the drawing board for next week.

BDO Gisborne man of the match jamie G

Thanks to our sponsors
Pioneer Brand Products NZ
BDO Gisborne
Droneworx Tairawhiti
Vogue Kitchens
TBI Health Group New Zealand
Reef Electrical

The Top Four split is here, and the business end of the season begins.

This weekend the Pioneer Brand Products NZ Wainui Sharks take on Shockers Gold in Round 1 of the Top Four, with both sides eager to make an early statement.

The Sharks finished the opening two rounds joint top of the table on points, while Shockers Gold secured third place, setting up what promises to be a tight and competitive contest.

With home advantage behind them, the boys will be looking to continue their strong run and kick off the Top Four campaign with three important points.

Get down, get loud, and back the boys as they look to defend home turf!

As always we thank our sponsors
Pioneer Brand Products NZ
Droneworx Tairawhiti
BDO Gisborne
Vogue Kitchens
TBI Health Group New Zealand
Reef Electrical

A cold, rainy afternoon greeted the Pioneer Wainui Sharks as they arrived at Awapuni, but as the first whistle blew the sun broke through, setting the stage for the final match of Round Two.

The Sharks started brightly, moving the ball well and creating plenty of opportunities. Unfortunately, that was where the frustrations began. Despite wave after wave of attacking football, the final pass and finishing touch just wouldn't fall their way. Credit to Shockers Marist, who defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the counterattack, only for the Sharks' backline to stand firm.

The breakthrough finally came when Jake Apeldoorn made a brilliant run from fullback, racing forward to finish neatly at the near post. The Sharks thought they had doubled their lead shortly after, but the goal was ruled out for offside, sending the teams into halftime with the Sharks leading 1-0.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Sharks dominating possession but struggling to find the decisive final connection. Another Sharks goal was chalked off, this time for a suspected handball after the teams had already reset for the kickoff.

The Sharks kept pushing and eventually got the reward they deserved. Josh Baty found space and calmly picked his spot to extend the lead.

Marist refused to go away, though. A corner was met with a powerful header that was spilled by the Sharks' keeper before being tapped home, setting up a tense finish.

The final five minutes became a real battle in the middle of the park, with the Sharks defending strongly to see out the match and secure all three points.

While the result was pleasing, the Sharks know there is plenty to improve on. The stop start nature of the past month and the disrupted run of football showed at times, making this an important learning curve for the squad.

With Round Two complete, the Sharks now look forward to the league split, taking confidence from another three points while knowing there's another level still to come.

Final Score:
Pioneer Wainui Sharks 2–1 Shockers Marist

Scorers:
Jake Apeldoorn
Josh Baty

BDO Gisborne man of the match: korbi for his work rate through out the match

Thanks to our sponsors
Pioneer Brand Products NZ
Droneworx Tairawhiti
BDO Gisborne
TBI Health Group New Zealand
Vogue Kitchens
Reef Electrical

The Sharks are finally back!

After another weekend without football, the Pioneer Brand Products NZ Wainui Sharks are ready to get back out on the park as we take on Shockers Marist this weekend.

These two teams share a great relationship, with former Sharks now pulling on the Marist jersey, as well as the connection built through our pre-season fixture back in March. That sets the stage for what promises to be another exciting contest between two quality sides.

The boys are eager to get back into action and put on a performance after the break, so come on down, get behind the team, and help create a great atmosphere from the sidelines.

See you there!

Thanks to our sponsors
Pioneer Brand Products NZ
BDO Gisborne
Droneworx Tairawhiti
TBI Health Group New Zealand
Vogue Kitchens
Reef Electrical

Match Report | Pioneer Brand Products NZ Wainui Sharks 6–3 Thistle Vintage

A beautiful sunny day and perfect football conditions set the scene for this week's clash between the Pioneer Wainui Sharks and Thistle Vintage at Childers Road.

The Sharks were slow out of the blocks and took some time to settle into the match. It was Thistle who struck first after the Sharks lost possession in defence. A well timed through ball caught the back line, who stopped with their hands raised appealing for offside. Thistle played to the whistle and calmly slotted home the opening goal.

The Sharks gradually found their rhythm, creating plenty of chances, although many of their early efforts were straight at the goalkeeper. Eventually, the pressure paid off when Jaiden Ibbetson rose highest to meet a cross, powering a header into the far corner to level the scores.

The momentum quickly swung the Sharks' way. A surging run from David Salmon ended with his effort trickling over the goal line to give the home side the lead. However, Thistle's experience showed as they capitalised on another defensive lapse to restore parity.

Rather than panic, the Sharks stuck to the game plan. Fresh legs from the bench made an immediate impact, and the tide turned once again. Charlie David grabbed his first goal of the afternoon after perfectly timing his run to beat the offside trap before tapping home. Soon after, Josh Baty finally got the reward his relentless shooting deserved, finding the bottom corner to send the Sharks into the break with a 4–2 advantage.

The second half picked up where the first left off, with the Sharks continuing to create chance after chance. David Salmon added his second of the game after the goalkeeper managed to get a hand to his shot, but couldn't keep it from crossing the line.

Thistle pulled one back with arguably their best goal of the afternoon, a powerful finish from a well delivered cross, but the Sharks continued to attack with confidence. Several well worked moves went close before the goal of the day arrived. Charlie David completed his hat-trick in spectacular fashion, unleashing a longrange strike that flew into the top corner to put the result beyond doubt.

While the Sharks will be delighted to come away with all three points, they'll know there are still defensive areas to improve heading into the next fixture.

BDO Gisborne man of the match Charlie David

Thanks to our sponsors
Pioneer Brand Products NZ
Droneworx Tairawhiti
BDO Gisborne
TBI Health Group New Zealand
Reef Electrical
Vogue Kitchens