31/05/2026
The Pioneer Brand Products NZ Wainui Sharks made the trip south to take on Wairoa Athletic with a depleted squad, knowing they would need a big effort from every player available to secure the three points.
The Sharks started brightly, moving the ball well and stringing together several promising passages of play despite the sodden conditions. While the football was encouraging, the final touch was missing and frustration began to creep in as chances went begging.
Wairoa grew into the contest with their direct counter attacking style, winning key 50/50 battles and creating opportunities of their own. However, it was the Sharks who struck first. A dangerous cross from left winger Oliver Aldridge found Josh Baty, who made no mistake, blasting home to give the visitors a deserved lead.
The advantage was short lived. A midfield error allowed Wairoa to regain possession, and their attacker punished the Sharks with a superb long-range strike that found the bottom corner to level the scores.
The match remained scrappy as both sides battled the conditions, but Josh Baty took matters into his own hands. Beating several defenders, he unleashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner to restore the Sharks' lead heading into the break.
Half Time: Wairoa Athletic 1 - 2 Pioneer Wainui Sharks
The Sharks received a stern reminder at halftime about sticking to their style of football, and the response was immediate. The visitors dominated the second half, creating chance after chance, with the Wairoa goalkeeper producing several excellent saves to keep his side in the contest.
The pressure eventually paid off when a corner delivered by Baty found Ibbetson, who rose highest to power a header into the net.
Five minutes later, another Sharks corner caused problems. This time Ryan Zent's delivery evaded everyone and drifted straight into the far corner to extend the lead.
With the result becoming more comfortable, Oliver Aldridge capped off another strong performance with a surging run and dangerous cross. Stand-in captain Korbi "The German Steam Train" was on hand to tap home and seal the result.
Despite travelling with a depleted squad, the Sharks showed tremendous character, depth, and quality to produce a dominant second-half display and return home with another valuable three points.
BDO Gisborne man of the match: korbi Schallinger
Thanks to our sponsors:
Pioneer Brand Products NZ
BDO Gisborne
Droneworx Tairawhiti
TBI Health Group New Zealand
Vogue Kitchens
Reef Electrical
