Eight clubs from around the Mainland Federation area will be chasing glory in the NZ Football Foundation Kate Sheppard Cup when Round 1 kicks off over the weekend.

In the all New World Women's Premier League match-up, previous Cup Finalists Coastal Spirit SAS are away to Universities at Ilam Fields at 11 am on Saturday. At 2 pm, Christchurch United, who are unbeaten in the Women's Championship, host Cashmere Technical at the Christchurch Football Centre, with Nomads facing FC Twenty11 at Tulett Park. On Sunday, as part of a doubleheader, Nelson Suburbs take on Richmond Athletic at Saxton Field at 2 pm.

Round 1 of 95th Edition Of Chatham Cup Underway

The 95th edition of the historic Chatham Cup will start over the weekend as Round 1 matches are contested with some chances of an upset when five clubs from lower divisions squaring off against Southern League (SL) sides around the Mainland region.

On Friday evening at Ferrymead Park at 7.15 pm, FC Twenty11 will be first up for the 'upset' when they take on Ferrymead Bays. At 2 pm on Saturday, Waimak, who is sitting in third place in the New World Canterbury Premier League (CPL), meets Coastal Spirit, who is 5th on the SL table, at English Park. Leaders of the SL, Christchurch United, take on Universities, from the (CPL) at Ilam Field, with United clear favourites to advance. Burwood, who sits on top of the CPL table, will face Selwyn at Clare Park, with Selwyn not having won in the SL in 2022. In the all SL clash, current Cup holders Cashmere Technical host Nomads at Garrick Memorial Park, with Nomads currently at the foot of the SL. One CPL will advance into the next round with Halswell entertaining Parklands at Halswell Domain. 

On Sunday in Nelson, Nelson Suburbs meet Richmond Athletic at 11 am at Saxton Field, with FC Nelson facing Tahuna at Guppy Park at 2 pm. 

Written by Gavin Searle
Article added: Thursday 12 May 2022