29/08/2026
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