From the Farm to the Mountain

1983 Fourth Division North: to stay on as player-coach, and that his white suits. Digger Douglas was
CHAMPIONS is where it all started. But it had to there to, especially during some of
be player-coach as playing was the the tough times in the early days
From the New Zealand Soccer important thing for me. when the club doubted me.
Annual: “Onehunga Mangere have
rarely set the soccer world on fire but •1 remembered the best things that “There were some great times and
their effort in going through their had happened when I played under some fine memories of those days
18-match program unbeaten was Bruno Boeckli at Mt Wellington, with so much success. Graham
perhaps the most commendable the way that he coached so well Lowe, the Kiwi league coach, helped
effort of the season, a fitting tribute and got to personal terms with his me at one stage and I followed
to their coach (former Mt Wellington players, getting to know them on some of his promotional ideas.
national league player Peter Lepper) and off the pitch. He also had social
who took them to a seven-point events and a team discipline. “One of the seasons we went
triumph in the fourth division,” over through unbeaten, and the players
Grey Lynn. “Although I persuaded lain Hastie to were so confident of themselves.
play one year, we did not import any They wanted to win just as much as
The arrival of the super league with players, just taking the young talent I did.”
its new divisions was not a problem and some of the older men. lain was
to the Mountain Men. Unfortunately, a huge help in getting the defenders Peter Lepper was offered the
the administrators did not forward organized and he did wonders with Papakura job at the end of his
the full details of the 1983 triumph to Andrew Bowman. Onehunga Mangere spell but
the annual. went to Otahuhu United for half a
“David Phillimore came through season before joining Billy McClure
The side kept six clean sheets and and so did Peter Stone who became at Papakura. He is now starting his
had eight wins in nine home games one of my favorite players. He was a second season of coaching Eastern
with the other match a draw. The hard case guy who “Digger Douglas Suburbs.
best home win was 4-2 v Albany was there too, especially in some
Wairau with the 6-1 away victory at tough times when the club doubted He will always be remembered for
HSOB the best of the season. The me in the early days. great things the golden days on the Mountain,
record: P18 W13 D5 L0 F38 A14 for the club. Ross Cowan was an the days when soccer seemed to be
influential player too. We had our the center of the universe.
NEW COACH SWEEPS CLEAN. way of getting together and of quiet
motivation. we moved from the 1984 Division Three:
Peter Lepper had been around in fourth division to the first division CHAMPIONS AGAIN
soccer before he came to OM to play very quickly.
for his old Mt Wellington teammate There was joy on the mountain when
Dennis Tindall, the team coach. He “After one season coaching in the the side not only gained promotion
had been with the Mount in the first division, and the team finishing but also grabbed the title in a race
years before the national league in mid-table, I found it was time with Kelston with the sides usually
when the team ended up with two to go, time for the team to have a only one point apart. The win came
provincial titles and one of the top fresh influence. I wanted to play and down to goal difference and a better
qualifications for the new Rothmans coach and that was becoming too defensive record. It was the second
League. hard at that level. Although I might title in two years.
have been able to just coach, or just
Then he played with North Shore, play, but I did not want to do that at Coach Lepper’s addition of his old
then Courier Rangers, in the first OM. friend lain Hastie to the defensive
division, when their imported team unit paid off, especially with his
won promotion to the national “They were wonderful days, moving advice to the up-and-coming
league. He had played with top men up the grades, often meeting at my Andrew Bowman. Once again
and been coached by experts. He house for lunch before the games. Rietveld played every league match,
still wanted to play, and he did not My wife Margaret supported me in along with Lepper and top scorer
like to lose. my efforts and my son Ben was with Paul Smit.
us at football on Saturdays or being
“At the start of that season I had looked after by one our many friends Season record was P18 W13 D3 L2
intended to do marathon running: at the club. F33 A15
Peter remembers. “But Dennis asked
me to play so I decided to do both, “Different people had to be coached 1985 Division Two:
and somehow the running got left in different ways as I wanted them
behind. all to have their strengths. But there The squad faded in the run-in
were other things to it, such as for third place, ending up fifth.
“He had some great ideas, but OM going back to the clubrooms after Claudelands Rovers and Kelston
was not the right club to enable him Thursday training to meet. with the had the cash to buy top players and
to put them into practice. Dennis supporters, and to the other clubs’ the results were seldom in doubt.
would have liked to have signed rooms for a few drinks after the But allowing Waikato Unicoi and
more players but could not. away games. Clendon to sneak ahead of them
made for a sad end of season.
“When he decided to leave at the “When I look back there were some Reitveld and player coach again
end of the season, Dave Lucas, the wonderful people, such as Dave played every game along with top
president at the time, went around Lucas and Val Payne, always there scorer Peter Stone and John Lynch
to the players to get support for me to support me. Dave Townsend was P18 W7 D7 L4 F30 A22.
my manager for a while and he was
quite a character, especially with

MAKING IF OFFICIAL. The following season saw OMU hang returned for six games while Andy
on for third but any of the top four
During the winter of 1985, Sid Foster teams could have won the title. Mt Douglas made his senior debut long
presented a new concept to the Albert Ponsonby held the lead for a after giving up the idea of top team
football committee. This involved time, but Rotorua Suburbs sneaked play.
a completely new club structure, ahead at the end. Onehunga had
with a Sports’ Club Board three games in hand near the finish Onehunga went down with Eastern
of Management becoming the but four wins from four games was Suburbs after having a 3-2 win
overall governing body of the too much to ask of the gallant team. over the former National League
club and premises, with football champion club.
and softball becoming sporting Their 48-24 goal record was very
sections of the club. The Board creditable with Rietveld once again a 1990 Relegation again.
would comprise of the football and certain starter, along with Des Dudley
two softball representatives, with and David Twiname. After a year in Second Division,
the chairperson being one of the Onehunga and Huntly went down,
football representatives. It would take Peter Lepper was coach. Three with the Mountain club in 11th spot
over all responsibilities regarding teams were pro moted that year, so with Clive Campbell coaching. The
the clubrooms, pay costs out of bar it was First Division for 1987. record was: 22-4-2-16- 29-56-14pts.
profits, with any surplus monies Champions Eden really rubbed it
lodged in a building fund. This would 1987 Division One: in with two 7-1 wins and there were
enable the sporting sections to seven goal games at Tokoroa (4-3)
concentrate on administering their The end of the 1987 season saw and Cambridge (3-4) and a 3-3 draw
individual sports and reduce meeting OMU seemingly relegated to the at Ngongotaha in a season with
time. second division. At the end of the plenty of travelling.
season everyone found out that the
Of course, none of this was possible battle the bottom was irrelevant as 1991 In the Third Division,
under the existing constitution so a they did not get relegated anyway
sub-committee was formed to write through the revision of the leagues. Clive Campbell, the former World
a new constitution encompassing the Things were tight at the bottom and, Cup star and a player who could
new concept. The sub- committee although the team conceded only 30 have played for the club as a junior,
comprised of Murray Clarke, Pat goals in 18 games, they did not score did many fine things with the young
Nelson, Sid Foster and Blair Robson, enough (23). Almost a third came in players, driving th e side on. There
with Brian Neill and Harry Bellamy high scoring games v Metro (3-3 and were some amazing feats, such as
coopted at a later date. After two 2-3) and v Whangarei (2-3). the 7-4 win over Avondale, 5-1 over
years of fortnightly meetings, a new Clendon and 4-1 against Rotorua
constitution was handed to the club Perhaps it was because Rietveld Suburbs.
did not have an easy life but his played only eight games for player-
ball work was amazing and he did coach Lepper, who managed But there were three times when
solicitor for perusal and approval. only nine himself, with two as OMU conceded four goals, twice
During this period Sid Foster substitute. Brett Hjorth played against Te Atatu and once at
had taken over the books for the every game. Playing record: champions Melville. The seasons
clubrooms and with the assistance of 22-7-4- 11- 23-40-25pts. record was 22-10-3-9-45-39, for fifth
the sub-committee, ran the affairs of place.
the clubrooms, to give the concept a 1988 Division One.
fair trial. 1992 Third Division.
The team ended up ninth in a 12-
At a special general meeting on 31 team league. They did manage to OM sat in seventh place while
August 1987, the new constitution beat champions Central home and Onehunga Sports (the former
was presented to members of away though. In 2 exciting matches Cornwall club) became champions
the football and softball clubs in front of large crowds of very of the Second division. Clive
and accepted with four minor parochial Central supporters OMU Campbell again took the side which
amendments. prevailed 2 -1 away and 3 – 2 at home. three times thrilled the supporters
with six go al hauls, twice against
The first Board of Management After the defeat on the Mountain Otumoetai and against Rotorua
appointees were Digger Douglas, Centrals player coach, ex pro Luka Suburbs.
Steven Tee and Brian Neill Bonisich was belted with umbrellas
representing football with Val Payne by his own supporters on the way But there were also some big losses
and Warren Harlick representing back to the changing rooms. · “ · and finally promotion was won by
softball. Waitemata.
1989 Division One.
The constitution was registered
by the Department of Justice in Relegation was inevitable, it seemed,
pursuance with the Incorporated as new coach Dave Twiname took
Societies Act. It is a comprehensive the side. There was a severe shortage
set of rules, setting out the duties and of players and Dave Hanney, after
responsibilities of all committees, years in retirement with the Hustlers,
office bearers and club members.

1986 Division Two:

Clubrooms upper level under construction

Clubrooms in 1986 Clubrooms in Centenary Year 2021

Club president 1986 David Lucas, Patron RT. Hon, David Lange,
“Digger” Douglas, club secretary 1986 Trish Lucas and Bob Lindsay

relax on the balcony at the club.

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

SENIOR TEAM 1983

Unbeaten Championship Winners of Country Foods 4th Division North 1983

Back Row: Murray Clarke (Club Captain), Des Dudley, Stan Khan, Brett Fiddes, Paul Smit, Gordon Flynn, Dave Lucas (President)
Second Row: Albie Alexander, Ross Cowan, Dave Townsend (Manager), Rob Rietveld (Captain), Peter Lepper (Coach), Anthony Smit

Front Row: Dave Phillmore, Tony Deli
Absent: Andy Revell, John Lynch, Bobby Craig, James Fuller, Steve Fitzgerald. Record: Played 18, Won 13, Drawn 5, For 38, Against 14.

ONEHUNGA-MANGERE ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

SENIOR TEAM 1984

Championship Winners of Country Foods 3rd Division

Back Row: Allen Parsons, John Lynch
Second Row: Murray Clarke (President), Ian Hastie, Paul Smit, Ross Cowan, Andrew Revell, Gordon Flynn,
Front Row: Albie Alexander, Andrew Bowman, “Snow” Jessen Masseur, Bevan Phillimore (Manager), Gavin Frost, Anthony Smit,

Des Dudley, Rob Rietveld, Dave Phillimore, Peter Lepper (Player-Coach), Murray Brown (Club Captain)
Absent: Steven Johnston. Record: Played 18, Won 13, Lost 2, Drawn 3, For 33, Against 15.

ONEHUNGA MANGERE ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

SENIOR TEAM – 1986

PLACED 3RD IN COUNTRY FOODS 2ND DIVISION – PROMOTED 1ST DIVISION

Back Row: Trevor Dudley Masseur, Peter O’Sullivan, Brett Hjorth, Gordon Flynn, Rob Rietveld, David Twiname, G Smith, Bevan Phillimore (Manager)
Front Row: John Lynch, Dave Phillimore, Trevor Browne (Captain), Peter Lepper (Player/Coach), Peter Stone, Des Dudley
Record: Played 22, Won 14, Lost 4, Drawn 4, For 69, Against 33

ONEHUNGA-MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

NORTHERN LEAGUE 1ST DIVISION 1988

Back Row: Kevan Loftus, Peter Stone, Vaughan Campbell
Second Row: Grant Stubbings, Ian Fearns, Simon Wedde, Steve Fletcher (Player/Coach)
Front Row: John Cross, Tony Garrett, Michael Foster (Captain), Nick Wedde, Cameron Sigley
Absent: Dave Phillimore, Barry Wooller, Paul Whelan, Wayne Benson, Andrew Bowman

OMU AND THE CENTRAL
AUCKLAND BEAT by Jeremy Ruane
My work for the Central Leader since sitter! magazine as well as the Central avoid relegation. •
1992 has involved following the pro- Leader, and it’s hard writing a match
gress of the 12, now 13, clubs in the report from a neutral standpoint The 22-8-6-8-45-46-30pts record
Central Auckland area, including reg- when one of the teams whose pro- was middle of the road stuff and the
ular match reports on their progress. gress you regularly follow is involved team finished sixth, again with six
The frequency of coverage each in such a crucial match! goal hauls at Rotorua and Otumoetai,
team gets largely depends on their So, to Brian, Ted, Digger and all the
league status. The higher the league crew at OMU, have a great 75th 1994 Third Division, under new
status, the greater the entitlement to birthday and I’ll certainly catch up
exposure in the paper. with you at some stage during the coach Ted Ansell, the team missed
season. Meantime, Division Two, here promotion only on the computations
While those in the Smoke free Super- we come! at the end of the season and finished
club League might get four or five, fifth. As Jeremy Ruane wrote: “North-
OM in the second division warrant- 1993 Third Division. ern League third division Onehunga
ed two or three match reports. Mangere’s mission on Saturday is
Once again, Dave Hanney stepped fairly clear- cut - win or say goodbye
Occasionally OM has had to miss out in to take the team. “I’ll do it if you to any hopes of promotion this sea-
due to scheduling conflicts but, rest can ‘t get anyone,” he said, and got son. The task facing Ted Ansell’s team
assured, the other nine clubs whose the job, of course. The side finished isn’t an easy one, however. OMU take
first-team’s results I seek first each in mid table with Peter Stone in and on fellow promotion hopefuls Taupo
Saturday have also missed out on out because of injury. The four Loftus at Mangere Domain, with the visi-
match coverage for the same reason. boys came together in a top-grade tors also out to win to maintain their
team for the first time with young Mi- chances of finishing in the promotion
However, in the four seasons I have chael, still at school, making his start frame.
been writing for the city’s premier with some part games.
suburban paper, I have made a hand- “Fifth-placed OMU are five points
ful of trips up Mt Mangere to cover Jamie Fitzsimmons was a stalwart. adrift of second-placed Taupo with
the fortunes of OMV and their nu- Dave Townsend returned from Ota- three rounds remaining, so a victory
merous promotion- chasing quests. huhu to take over as manager. In the is vital.
It is a trip which I always look forward last game of the season,
to. There’s a great atmosphere at the “Club president Brian Hart says,
club and it’s a very friendly environ- Avondale beat OM to take the title. ‘OMU’s life in the third division is in
ment to work in. And there’s the Avondale wanted to win more. As their own hands and has been for
bonus of a great view to admire on Jeremy Ruane reported on 7 August, the past five games. It would be nice
the odd occasion when I find I’m “An injury-time equalizer from to think we could make it but our
in need of a description which Navy scuttled OM’s hopes of promo- hopes are dependent on our record-
captures the essence of an attack!! tion as the teams shared six second ing maximum points from our last
half goals. three games and each of the three
I was amazed to learn, on my first other promotion candidates, Taupo,
visit up to the mountain, that I was “It was third time lucky for OMU’s Otahuhu and Forrest Hill- Milford
the first soccer writer to tum up at Peter Stone when he beat the United - losing.
the ground for many years. I got goalkeeper to open the scoring.
the impression the players were a The provider of this goal scored one Taupo were defeated 2-1 but FHM
bit shocked at fi rst - and who can himself on the hour. Having, in be- secured promotion on the final day.
blame them? - when they realized tween times, hit the crossbar with a OMU needed a win in their last fix-
that they were going to get a men- chipped effort, the impressive Barry ture but fell to defeat away to Albany
tion in the local paper, as well as the Wooller slotted home into an empty after top scorer Kevan Loftus was
late, lamented Soccer Express. net, after Peter Thomas had done sent off 20 minutes into the first half.
all the groundwork on the left flank, But teams must make things hap-
Since then, the first team has certain- Navy pulled one back soon after. pen earlier, as the coach said. It was
ly provided us with a roller­coaster “Wooller restored the two-goal ad- a year of varying results, a record
ride, particularly in the 1994 and vantage two minutes later, latching club Northern League win of 12-1 over
1995 seasons, but I’ve never left the on to Andy Bowman’s measured Northland was secured with Kevan
ground feeling dissatisfied with my through ball before chipping the Loftus setting a scoring record of 5
afternoon’s viewing, win, draw or keeper once again. goals in a match,
otherwise.
“With the points all but assured, OMU Seasons. Recor d: 18-10-3-5-37-26-33.
So, I was delighted for the club last lost concentration and how they POY: Jamie Fitzsimmons
season when “Ansell’s Army” clinched were punished. One came direct Top scorer: Kevan Loftus
that long- sought-after promotion to from a comer and then the same
Division Two of the Bluebird North- player used the wind to score from
ern League. I was covering the play- a free kick. Navy used the point to
off against Forrest Hill- Milford for

ONEHUNGA MANGERE ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

NORTHERN LEAGUE 3RD DIVISION
1993

Back Row: David Phillimore, Bruce Loftus, Michael Loftus, Craig Bowden, Richard Trowbridge
Second Row: Mark Loftus, Fritz Van der Heijden, Kevan Loftus, Barry Wooller, Charles Crawford, Dave Townsend (Manager)

Front Row: Jamie Fitzsimmons, Andy Bowman, Dave Gibbons (Captain), Peter Thomas, Peter Stone
Record: Played 22, Won 8, Lost 8, Drawn 6, For 45, Against 46

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION 3
1994

Back Row: D. Thompson, M. Loftus, P. Thomas
Second Row: B. Hart (Chairman), G. Woolford, C. Sigley, C. Lockett, F. Van der Heijden, P. Wilson (Manager)
Front Row: J. Fitzsimmons, B. Loftus, K. Loftus (Vice Captain), C. Bowden (Captain), D. Phillimore, R. Trowbridge, T. Ansell (Coach)

Record: Played 18, Won 10, Drawn 3, Lost 5

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

1995
PLAYOFF WINNERS – PROMOTED TO SECOND DIVISION

Back Row: Joe Kinsey (Trainer), David Phillimore, Brian Hart (President), Steve Mateljan, Kel McGregor (Manager)
Second Row: Craig Bowden, Michael Loftus, Mark Loftus, David Gibbons, David Thomson, Tony Sims, Frans Van der Heijden

Front Row: Bruce Loftus, Don Kennedy, Kevan Loftus (Captain), Jamie Fitzsimmons, Peter Thomas
In Front: Shane Pascoe Mascot. Absent: Andy Bowman, Cameron Sigley, Scott Siebert, Chris Lockett, Brett Jeffares, Ted Ansell (Coach)

Record: Played 21, Won 11, Drawn 7, Lost 4, For 47, Against 37

COACH TED
Ted Ansell has been around in the “In my heart I feel that we can go
coaching circles and has his Oceania to the first division with this tea m.
and New Zealand badges, plus the My other club job is to be director of
motivation to keep up his coaching coaching, not just premier -
career. I h a d retired when Brian Hart coach. It is important to set a trend
rang me, said Ted. “He was asking if and style for the pattern of coaching
I knew in the club and to get rid of kick and
a qualified co ach and I volunteered. rush. It is also important to
All I get our young players back and to
wanted was a chance to put some attract those coming through. They
discipline int o the squad, and a should not be sitting on the bench at
parking place, which I got, under the some top club, learning nothing.
building. “If we go up this year, I would be
“Not being one to predict wonderful keen to carry on for another year.
things, I still have a feeling about this After that it will be time to try to run
coming season, about the group of a complete club in a
players we have now. We profession al way. That is the next
need promotion again. It will be an challenge. In the meantime, first divi-
attraction for the future. sion beckons. •

REFORMAT THIS PAGE
THE OFFICE IN THE VILLAGE.

Since the switch to Mangere the with a list of names and addresses to
club has had a firm base in Mangere be added to the ever-growing roll,
Bridge, the urban oasis which is a the Reunion Secretary with a bank
Sleepy Hollow now that the new slip for a signature and it is Val who
Mangere Bridge has taken the airport meets the people who must get into
and south traffic over the hills and far the clubrooms for health, safety, fire,
away. liquor license or key for a private
In the hamlet there is a football of- function. What an asset in a club.
fice, masquerading as a flower shop, Val is the welcomer, adviser and
run by the club’s staunch supporter smiling reassurer of those who are
Val Payne. needing help. In the event of inva-
Apart from the odd flower arrange- sion. Val’s shop would be the perfect
ment and order, Val is dealing with place for the headquarters of the
club matters. When the loc al Underground.
menswear shop closed, where else to
buy club socks? There have been so
me shy and puzzled customers but
sometimes i t is a frantic senior who
has mislaid a pair and is due at some
far- off field.
Seeing the clubrooms were unoccu-
pied all day, the shop is the logical
place to drop off and collect the
hand towels from the clubroom
toilets. And why not drop off the pies
there too?
If sweet sales are part of the fund
raising, then there are plenty of
sweets available on the counter and
Val is available to sign up a youngster
who has missed the enrolment day.
As well as that there are questions
about the Reunion, a life member

THE MAN AT THE TOP

BRIAN HART (CLUB PRESIDENT 19?? – ????LIFE MEMBER)

Brian Hart did not play soccer Until the mountain Men section started at the club.

He was a rugby player who came in 1988 to support his son David and daughter Katie and was given the job of looking
after the juniors. “I made e· very mi stake in the book in the first year and made things hard for myself. he said. “The
second year was better. It was very important in those years to develop the junior section and to make them feel an
important part. We have worked hard at that, and in supporting the family as the base of the club.

Many have played for years but too many do not come back after going off to school football. We need to give them
a feeling of belonging and a place to come back to when they leave school. There are very few people there for the
juniors, but we are now on a new wave of enthusiasm. As with so many other people on the mountain, he has the total
support of his wife Sue who works hard in the soccer and softball sections. After being injured at rugby and not playing
for eight years. Brian revived his sporting spirit and is enjoying playing with the Mountain Men. He is truly one of them.

The Loftus Family. Kevan’s first team debut was in Michael is the youngest player to
1987 and his last game was in 2006, start for the first team, making his
The Loftus families first involvement although he spent a number of years debut a couple of weeks before his
with OMU goes back to 1975 when at other clubs in the 90’s he ended 16th birthday. He would go on to win
Dad Michael played in goal for the up with 170 appearances and 40 2 Chatham cups with Central and
team that gained re-entry into the goals for the club. represent NZ under 23s before he
Northern League. The family moved was 20 years old. He returned as a
back to Scotland not long after that, Mark’s senior career was player-coach for the first team after
when they returned all 4 boys signed unfortunately cut short, suffering a many years in the premier league.
on for the 1983 season and they have very bad leg break against East Coast
been involved with the club nearly Bays in 2002. He has not let it stop The family can still be seen regularly
ever since. Moving through the youth him though and still turns out in up the mountain where a new
grades they would all eventually end goals every week for the Hustlers. generation is coming through the
up playing for the first team. youth ranks. Michael and Kathleen
Bruce is a one club man, and he enjoy watching their grandchildren,
Kevan, Mark, Bruce and Michael holds the club record for most first Jack. Kevan (Jr), Ellen, James and
amassed over 600 first team team appearances with 247. When Kaley turning out for the club. Jack
appearances between them and for the club could not find a keeper in as the eldest has already had a
a period between 1993 -96 all 4 boys 2003, he stepped between the sticks, taste of first team action. A third-
played in the first team together. performing so well he stayed there generation involvement started way
for three years. back in 1974.

Onehunga Mangere promotion playoff winners 2 – 0 v Forrest Hill-Milford

1995 Third division. Promoted Celebrations Start Early for remained with the club virtually ever
for 75th Jubilee Year. OMU. By Jeremy Ruane since. While Mark and Bruce held
the defense together in the play-off,
The team won the hearts of the Onehunga – Mangere United began making some telling interceptions,
supporters but especially the reunion their 75th birthday celebrations Kevan and Michael, playing further
committee giving the club something early on September 23rd with a forward instigated many an attack,
to celebrate in the clubs 75th year. 2–0 win over Forrest Hill-Milford in and were ultimately responsible
OMU beat Forrest Hill-Milford in the the Northern League 2nd Division for OMU’s goals. The opening goal
play-off final with goals from brothers promotion play- off at Keith Hay arrived in the 36th minute. Mateljans
Kevan and Michael loftus sealing a Park. OMU’s birthday bash is not shot was blocked by the legs of
2-nil win and a rise to division 2 for scheduled until Easter weekend FHMU keeper Grant McKavenough,
the first time since 1990. The team next year but Ted Ansell’s team Michael Loftus latched onto the
ended 3rd in the league but would ensured the club would celebrate rebound and controlled the ball,
have won the title if they had not the milestone as a second division before gloriously chipping it over
surrendered a two-goal lead away member for the first time since 1990. the bemused goalkeeper from 25
to Mt. Maunganui in a 3 – 3 draw. While their triumph was a team yards. In the second spell Siebert
The point earned was enough to effort, a couple of individuals are pulled off a couple of fine saves from
seal the title for Mt. Maunganui deserving of special mention for their Donald Allison and David Booth. The
instead pushing OMU into the playoff part in OMU’s rise. Club Secretary, Mt. Mangere based club meanwhile
position. Dave Phillimore has played for the were stringing together some lovely
first team since 1983. Peter Thomas, flowing moves. Peter Thomas saw
Season’s record: P22 W11 D 7 L 4 Andy Bowman and Peter Stone have his header cleared off the line, while
also been loyal servants of the side Kevan Loftus, at the culmination of
Player of year: Kevan Loftus over the years. The backbone of the one of the game’s best attacks, fired
team, however, is provided by the just wide of goal with McKavenough
Top Scorer: Steven Mateljan Loftus brothers. Kevan (25) Mark (23) all that stood between him and glory.
Bruce (20) and Michael (18). Born The disappointment of missing a
locally, but brought up in Scotland’s chance which could have sealed the
granite city, Aberdeen, the boys game spurred OMU’s captain on, and
joined OMU’s junior ranks upon the when another opportunity came his
family’s return to NZ and they have way in the 74th minute, he did not
let his side down.

1996 Second Division. 6th. 1997 Third Division. 11th. place in the division. Scoring goals
was not a problem but keeping them
The new season started with a real All change at the club with the out was with 94 conceded in 26
sense of optimism as the promotion fallout from the previous seasons games. In a very high scoring division
winning team from 95 was bolstered political maneuverings resulting in Champions Taupo scored 178 goals
with some very good player signings. a mass exodus of players. The new in their 26 games while bottom two
Jim Ashford, Tony O’Connor, Aaron arrivals followed Kevan Loftus and clubs North Shore and Glen Eden
Taberner, Sinan Sertkayali and Paul brother Michael to Manukau city conceded 107 and 146, respectively.
Smit joined the team, and they started where they formed the nucleus of
the season very well with an 8-2 win a team that would go from second season record P 26 W 7 D 2 L 17
over Tokoroa and a 6-2 victory away to division to premier league in 3
Mt. Maunganui highlights of the first seasons. Something that OMU had POY was shared by S. Mateljan, and
round. Unfortunately, problems were been dreaming of the season before. C. Montgomery and top goal scorer
developing off the field with Tensions New Coach Steve Yates was on a was S. Vea.
between Coach Ted Ansell and the hiding to nothing with player stocks
committee. A special general meeting thin on the ground and a long hard 1999 Third Division. 1st.
was called, and a large turnout voted season ended with OMU coming CHAMPIONS.
down Ted’s proposal to change the second from bottom.
clubs constitution enabling him The Micky Hunn era began in
to serve on the committee while season record P 22 W 6 D 5 L 11 emphatic fashion by delivering the
still coaching. He did not take this clubs first title in 15 years. It was
decision well and it began to affect POY was Bruce Loftus and top goal a great piece of business by the
performances on the field with the scorer was Frans Van Der Heijden. committee bringing in Mick and
coach falling out with several players. his right-hand man Adrian day.
the performances and results dropped 1998 Third Division. 11th. Mick brought nearly a whole team
away ending in a disappointing mid with him from Fencibles United
table finish. Another league restructure saw the with many of them beginning a
old 4th division scrapped and the long association with the club. With
1996 also marked the end of the 3rd division expanded to 14 teams fourteen wins and two draws from
Super club era, with the clubs in that adding 6 weeks to the season. It was their eighteen matches, they took
competition returning to the Northern another tough season for the club. out the title by three points from Mt.
Premier league and a flow on effect Vaughn Campbell stepped up as Albert-Ponsonby and finished eleven
resulting. The second division would player coach with stalwarts Steve points clear of third-placed Rotorua
now be called the third division for the Mateljan and Jim Ashford adding Suburbs in a campaign which saw
1997 season. some much-needed experience to the team go through the season
the lineup which consolidated its unbeaten at home – eight wins and
season record P 22 W 10 D 2 L 10

POY was Aaron Taberner and Top
Goal scorer was Jimmy Ashford.

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

BLUEBIRD NORTHERN 2nd DIVISION
1996

Aaron Taberner Jimmy Ashford
David Glbbons Ashley Buist Sinan Sertkayall Steven Mateljan Mike Loftus Kelli M Gregor

David Phillimora Eruce Loftus KevanLoitus(Captain) Jamie Fitzsimmons Tony O’Gonnor
Shane Pascoe (Masco1)

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

FIRST TEAM 1999
WINNERS OF BLUEBIRD NORTHERN 3rd DIVISION

3rd Row: Brian Hart (President) Richard Herangi Peter Thomas Liz Wright (Secretary) James Ashford Matt Forgarty Tom Facenfield (Physio)
2nd Row: Mick Hunn (Coach) Nick Herschfeld Steve Mateljan Dean Jackson Trent Nielsen Richard Coles Paul Davis Adrian Day (Manager)

Front Row: Tony Davis Marcus Addy Tony Simms David Hunn (Captain) Mike O’Connell lan Campbell Cameron Sigley

a draw. The biggest win of a season Rameil were key signings added Northern League. He told us that
in which 48 goals were scored was a to the return of top defender Nick Onehunga Mangere was looking for
7-0 pummeling of Pukekohe, while Hirschfeld. The club were heading a 1st team coach. So, we applied for
five goals were fired past Forrest Hill- back to the first division for the first the vacancy, went for an interview
Milford United and both Albany and time since 1989. and few weeks later was told we had
Huntly were hit for four in a season the job.
which saw six goals shared with MAP season record P 22 W 14 D 4 L 4
at Anderson Park and an odd goal I brought several guys from Fencibles
in seven loss in Rotorua. The new POY was Andre Rameil and Top Reserve team, and some were quite
millennium would begin with the scorer was Dean Jackson. young players like Marcus Addy
club back up in the Second Division 17 and Meang Lim 17, Dave Hunn,
and a new sense of optimism 2002 First Division. 7th. Mike O’Connell, Nick Hirschfeld, Ian
returning to the Mountain. Campbell, Paul Davis, Tony Davis,
2002 would unfortunately be Mick Matt Fogarty, Trent Neilsen, Richard
season record P 18 W 14 D 2 L 2 and Adrians final season at the club Coles, and Dean Jackson.
after taking them from Div 3 to Div
POY was Nick Hirschfeld and Top 1 in only 3 years. This season saw a Daryl Wildbore, Bradley Hunn Mark
scorer was Marcus Addy. mid-table finish achieved, as OMU Keenan and Philip Addy came the
recorded their then-highest finish in following year.
2000 Second Division. 4th. Northern League football since 1968’s
fourth placing in the same division. We had 4 really good years at the
The team made a solid return to Mick Hunn and his great friend club, in the first season we won the
the second division finishing 4th Adrian Day had brought good times 3rd Division Championship which
and only missing out on promotion back to the mountain and been an was special. The following year we
by 4 points. The loss of standout unqualified success. They left the came 3rd in Division 2.
Goalkeeper Tony Davis and key club in far better shape than they
defender Nick Hirschfeld were big found it and the 2002 campaign was In 2001 we achieved another
blows with coach Mick thinking they the first of a further three seasons in promotion as runners up getting
could have made the difference in a the highest Northern League division back into the first division 2 years
couple of tight games where points in which Onehunga-Mangere United earlier than planned. 2002 was my
were dropped. Steve Mateljan and has competed. Mick’s record of final year and we had a solid mid
Tony Simms played in every game success is on par with OMU’s other table finish in a tough 1st division.
while Bruce Loftus, Dave Hunn and highly respected coach of the great
Dean Jackson only missed a couple 80’s teams, Peter Lepper. We were able to attract some big
of games each. sponsorships in our time at the club.
The new campaign saw the return Copper Joes and Profreight in the
season record P 22 W 12 D 4 L 6 of Kevan Loftus from premier first 2 years which paid for our team
league Manukau City, he brought gear.
POY was Bruce Loftus and top goal teammates Greg Garlick and Tony
scorer was Dean Jackson. O’Connor with him. The Club also At the beginning of our 3rd season,
signed ex professional Geoff Cooper we secured sponsorship from our
2001 Second Division. 2nd who would begin a long association friend Adrian at The London Shed
with the club as both player and with 2 payments of $20,000 and
Promoted to Div. 1 The 2000 season coach. It was a very tough division $44,000. This was how the club’s
laid the foundations for a strong with Summer National League kitchen and toilets got refurbished.
and ultimately successful promotion clubs Waitakere and Mt. Wellington The committee were so happy with
challenge in 2001, as Micks team populating their winter teams with this that they used to hold their
clinched a second-place finish in national league players and taking committee meetings in the London
Division Two, comfortably clear of the top 2 places in the division. Shed.
third-placed Birkenhead United and
runners up to champions Tauranga The season record was P 22 W 7 D 5 In my years at the club, I really
City United. For the third year in L 10 enjoyed working with the players.
a row, OMU maintained a strong There were no favorites, every single
defensive record, conceding exactly POY was John McDevitt and top one of the guys who played in my
a goal a game on average. That was scorer was Phil Chadwick. time as coach was a valued member
the base on which promotion was of the team and played with great
secured, with 43 goals scored in a Mick Hunns overall record: P 84 W passion and loyalty for us and
season which saw fourteen wins and 47 D 15 L 22 F Onehunga Mangere Football Club.
four draws recorded in the 22-game Having said that, in our 1st season
campaign. 5-0 wins over Manurewa 150 A 106 Tony Sims was an outstanding team
and at Three Kings United marked player, he got Players Player of the
the biggest wins of a campaign in Mick Hunn remembers Year, Coaches’ player of the year and
which nine wins were recorded on Club player of the year.
home turf – with form that solid, you I had coached Fencibles reserve
are bound to be in the conversation team to a runner up spot in Northern Throughout mine and Aidy’s time at
at the business end of the campaign, League Div 3 but the following year the OMU we received great support,
and so it proved for The Mountain that team was pulled from the especially from the Hustlers and
Men. Goalkeeper Alex Hurstfield, competition. the Committee, backing the team,
forwards Mark Dunford and Andre following, and supporting us to most
I was looking for a 1st team to coach our games.
and my manager and friend Adrian
Day, contacted Alan Frazer at the We had many hard games over the
years but the toughest were always

against Mt Albert Ponsonby as it produced certificates for his team 50 years of OM memories –
was always us or them vying for each week. The following year Jim David Phillimore
promotion. One match that stands Hayde persuaded me to become the
out was a 3 all draw at Anderson Midget Convenor and that’s when I have been involved with Onehunga
Park. it all began. The year after I became Mangere since 1969 aged 6 years
Midget and Junior Convenor along old. Thanks, Jamie Fitzsimmons,
Another memorable match was with Registration Officer. I was also for kicking your ball around in your
against Birkenhead at their ground Club Secretary for a year as we Parent’s back yard & introducing me
where, Tony Sims was sent off for couldn’t find anyone else to do it. to the best game. As a midget
Hand Ball which did not go down player I remember playing half field
with Aidy and subsequently Aidy was Every year the club runs the 8th & 9th games at Seymour Park, wearing
sent off. Eventually I also got sent off Grade Digger Douglas Tournaments plastic boots and an oversized green
and the consequences of this was which I organized for quite a few shirt with a large V-neck, more like a
Aidy and I were fined $100 each and years along with the help of the dress than a shirt. Some smart- arses
a week’s suspension. committee. say I played midget soccer all my life!

Our last game in 1999 against In 2011 I became a Life Member of My final year playing eleven a-side
Hibiscus Coast when we secured the the club; this was a great honor. at OM was 2016, playing over 40’s
Championship and the coach drive Division 2, sadly the final season of
home back to the Clubrooms was a In 2013 I resigned from the the Relics team, a great bunch of
very joyous time. committee but stayed on as blokes, many hard case times had as
Registration Officer till early 2018. a team.
When we arrived back at the
Clubrooms along with all the When Mick Hunn and Adrian Day I was a First team player for OM for
supporters, the bar opened, the started coaching the 1st team, I 14 seasons, from 1982 to 1996 and I
music went on and everyone had began to take a greater interest in am proud to be listed as the second
a fantastic celebration lasting till the senior team and began following highest capped first team player for
extremely late in the night. them. OM, pipped by Mr Bruce Loftus. If
you ask me how many caps I have,
Winning the league in 1999 was great In 2005 I became the 1st team I honestly can’t remember, as old
but getting promotion into the 1st Manager when Tony Sibley & Gordon age has kicked in! The number is
division in our 3rd season was against Vize were coaching the team. I on the 100-club board up the club
all the clubs’ expectations and this is stayed on as manager of the first & I would like to congratulate ever
where Brian Hart said to me that he team until 2016, only taking a couple player listed. I did toy with a come
had wanted to be in the 1st Division of years off while Mark O’Donnell was back next season to try & play one
within 5 years of me being coach and coaching at the club, as he had his more game that Bruce, however after
Aidy the Manager. own Manager. watching the first team boys top of
the table performances this season,
Reflecting on my time at the club Even though I am no longer at the I realized It was during a dream this
I have made many long-lasting club due to moving to Pokeno in thought occurred! Congratulations
friendships and thank you all for December 2016 and taking on the to all involved with the First & under
your loyal support during my time as Manager’s role at Franklin Utd in 23 sides this season, I have enjoyed
Coach. 2017, Onehunga Mangere will always watching some great football &
be my club.” witnessed some great goals!
Finally, I must make special mention
of the great support I received from Brett was also dedicated to the club, During my last 4 years playing
Adrian Day who was manager, he started coaching our son Ryan first team, I spent 3 seasons as a
supporter, organizer, and a fantastic in 1996 till 2006, he then started committee member, 1 season as
friend. Without him and our loyal playing for the Over 35’s Hombres club secretary. This was during Bryan
partners we probably would not have until 2019. Hart’s long term as club President.
achieved so much in such a short Hats off to everyone who has gone
time. Brett joined the House Committee in the extra mile over the years to
2006 as Chairman, he also took on volunteer as a committee member,
Barbara Lindsay & Brett the roles of Secretary and Treasurer, every one of you are the reason
Lindsay OMU life Members he stayed on the House Committee the 100- year celebration happens
until 2015. In 2016 Brett became a this year. 3 cheers to all committee
Barbara Lindsay is the sort of Life Member of the club. members past & present!
member that every club would love
to have. A selfless volunteer whose A typically humble and understated I have experienced some great highs
hard work behind the scenes goes retelling of the years of service and some miserable low’s playing for
unnoticed by the majority but is Barbara and Brett provided to the OM.
greatly appreciated by her fellow club over the years. The Lindsay
committee members. Barbara wore family, Brett, Barbara, sons Marc
many different hats over the years and Ryan are greatly missed up the
and fulfilled each role with aplomb. Mountain.
As Barbara recalls…
OMU’s loss has been Franklin UTD’s
“My journey with OM started in gain though as Barbara shows the
1994 when my son Marc started same commitment to her new local
playing for the club, the 1st year I club as she did for so many years at
just supported my son’s team and OMU.

A couple of highs. 2003: First Division. 10th. representing NZ on 84 occasions.
Tony came down to watch the
First team player in the Northern There were big boots to fill after team after his son Ricky signed on
League that climbed from Division 4 Mick Hunns departure. Geoff cooper and ended up as coach. 2005 also
to Division 1 in four seasons, stepped up into a player coach role saw the arrival of top striker Dean
with the team. With 20 years as a Delaney. He would go on to score 73
Highest winning margin professional footballer, playing under goals in 99 appearances for the club
remembered 11-0 verses Waiouru, noted managers such as Martin becoming OMU’s highest goal scorer
Chatham Cup game, possibly 1984 or O’Neill and Barry Fry, he had a wealth in the Northern League era.
1985. of experience to call on. Most of the
players who had followed Mick to the The team fell just short of an instant
Two players stand out for me over club had now moved on with only return to the First division finishing
the years I played, John Lynch and Nick Hirschfeld, Ian Campbell and 3rd equal on points with Papatoetoe.
Peter Stone, two extremely talented Andre Rameil remaining. They won half the games they played,
players. most memorably a 4-0 home win
2003 saw relegation comfortably over Waitemata and three 3-0 wins
I have made many lifelong friends at avoided, but a tenth-placed finish over Manurewa, Claudelands and
Onehunga Mangere and sadly lost a in a twelve-team competition was Western Springs. Three 3-0 losses
few. nevertheless cause for growing proved critical however, as all three
concern. Six of OMU’s seven wins of them were inflicted by the two
RIP: Glen Babich, Jack Mead, Peter were recorded on home turf, the teams which gained promotion,
& Phil Harrison, George Hamilton, other triumph a memorable 4-0 including Lynn- Avon United, who
Snow Jensen, Dave Townsend, Murray mauling of Mt. Albert-Ponsonby at had accompanied OMU down
Clarke, Sid Foster, Chris Payne, Steve Anderson Park. They got revenge by into Division Two at the end of the
Fitzgerald, David Hart, David Gibbons, the odd goal in seven at Mangere previous campaign.
Paul Davis, Trevor Dudley, Noel (our Domain.
Irish barman), Adrian Day. Seasons Record P 22 W 11 D 4 L 7
Season record P 22 W 7 D 3 L 12
I brought my first House as close to POY was Darrell Wildbore, and Top
the Mountain as possible, close to the POY Was Nick Hirschfeld and Top score was Dean Delaney.
clubrooms & training. Enjoyed many scorer was Andre Rameil.
a late night at the clubrooms & didn’t 2006 Second division 7th.
have far to travel home, a few times 2004 First Division 11th.
walking home across the mountain A frustrating season for the club
& slipping in cow dung my excuse for Only 6 wins from 22 meant with a real sense of what could have
loss of balance. OMU’s three-year tenure in the been. The season had started very
division concluded in relegation brightly with the team winning the
Sorry Arsene Wenger, Onehunga- in a disappointing Season. Coach prestigious Cambridge preseason
Mangere United is my Favorite Geoff Cooper left halfway through tournament for the first time,
football club, a truly friendly & family the season and his assistant Tony defeating Melville United in the final.
orientated club & because of that Christian who stepped up was
the only club I have ever played for. completely out of his depth, also Around 100 goals were scored in
COME-ON HUNGA! departing at the end of the year. matches involving The Mountain
Crucially at Oratia, in the penultimate Men in 2006, as they secured a mid-
game of the season, had the 4-3 table finish in the Second Division.
score line favored the visitors rather There was high-scoring games
than the home team, OMU would aplenty, draws at Takapuna (4-4)
have retained their First Division and Manurewa (3-3), a 9-1 thrashing
status at the West Auckland club’s of Waitemata at Mangere Domain,
expense. Such are the fine margins and wins over Cambridge (5-3),
between success and sadness on Claud elands Rovers (6-0 away) and
occasions, but it meant a return to champions Papatoetoe (3-1 at home).
the Second Division for The Mountain The team were the second highest
Men. scorers in the league, but defense
would prove their Achilles heel.
Season record P 22 W 6 D 0 L 16
Teenagers Hayden Cleere and Charlie
POY was Scott Siebert and Top Rewha came into the side for the first
scorer was Michael Loftus. time, both would go on to make over
100 appearances for the club. Kevan
2005 Second Division 3rd Loftus made his final appearance for
Equal. the first team, scoring the last goal in
the last game of the season 19 years
2005 saw the club gain an after making his debut in 1987.
outstanding coach in the figure of ex
New Zealand captain Tony Sibley. A Seasons record P 22 W 9 D 6 L 7
legend in this country playing many
years for the great Mt. Wellington POY Was Dean Delaney and top
teams of the 70’s and 80’s and scorer was Dean Delaney.

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

FIRST TEAM 2001
NORTHERN LEAGUE DIVISION 2 RUNNERS-UP

SPONSORS, LONDON SHED; COPPER JOES; BBA PROFREIGHT

3rd Row: Mark Keenan Kart Addy Mark Dunford Scott Siebert (Physio) Bradley Nunn Phillp Addy Meang Lim
2nd Row: Brian Hart(President) James Cairney Steve Mateljan Russell Mckenzie Nick Hirschfeld Andre Ramiel Tony Sims Karen Barry(Secretary)
Front Row: Mick Hunn(Coach) Darrel Wildborn Bruce Loftus (Vice-Captain) David Hunn(Captain) Lan Campbell(Vice-Captain) Marcus Addy Adrian Day(Manager)

Absent: Alex Hurstfield Mike O’Conne’l Dean Jackson

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

NORTHERN LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION

2002

3rd Row: John McDevitt Paul Hooper Karl Addy
2nd Row: Brian Hart (President) Mark Loftus Nick Hirschfeld Steve Mateljan Mike O’Connell Liz Wright(Secretary)
Front Row: Adrian Day (Manager) Meang Lim Darryl Wildbore Kevan Loftus (Captain) Tony Sims Andrew Newmarch Mick Hunn (Coach)

In Front : Jack Loftus (Mascot)
Absent: Geoff Cooper Greg Garlick Lan Campbell Breadley Hunn Tony O’Connor

2007 Second division 8th. 2009 First division 5th. years old, there was no Over 30
leagues at that time, so we played in
The entertainment value was toned A year later, a much-improved the Open Division B until an Over 30
down a tad a year later, but that is showing in the First Division saw the division was formed.
because there were six fewer games men in red clinch a fifth-place finish
played, with the Second Division in a free-scoring campaign, which Although Peter would not admit it,
comprised of just nine teams in 2007. featured a 7-1 rout of Tauranga City the Hustler name came from the
OMU finished eighth, well clear of United, a 5-2 win at Western Springs, Hustler magazine that Pete used
bottom-placed Otahuhu United, four four-goal wins, and two matches to keep under his mattress. Peter
whom they defeated home and away, in which OMU’s four-goal hauls were Harrison did most of the organizing
with the 12-2 triumph at Mangere either matched or bettered by their of the original team, so in essence
Domain equaling the most goals in opponents. without Peter Harrison there would
a game scored by OMU – their record have been no Hustlers.
league win remains a 12-1 rout of There was a 4-4 draw at Papakura
Northland United in 1994. City, while Mangere United edged The Hustlers immediately became
Onehunga-Mangere United by the internationally recognized when
Ron Warbrick was appointed coach, odd goal in nine in a wild affair at they travelled to Fiji late in 1982 to
A teacher at Onehunga High and Centre Park. Had the visitors won participate in the Bula Ball, and
coach of a successful school team 5-4, OMU would have finished fourth in 1987 when they went to the
for many years, Ron had taught and at Mangere’s expense. Ron’s young Golden Oldies tournament in Surfers
coached many of the young local charges were hitting their straps. Paradise.
boys coming through at the club. Kyosuke Kitano came into the team
and formed a devastating goalscoring In these politically correct times, every
The first team had been aging and partnership with Dean Delaney, ably organization must have a Mission
it was time to give youth a chance. supported by the ever-dependable Statement. The Hustlers was a simple
There was a strong team spirit in Stevie May. This was one of the one.
the squad as many of the team had strongest squads OMU had had in
grown up together. Glen Pascoe years with fully 18 of the team being “To be competitive on the field with
came into the side for the first time. homegrown products. a mix of very average and bloody
He would go on to make over 200 hopeless players. To support the
appearances for the team, one of only Season’s record was P 24 W 12 D 5 L 7 Onehunga Mangere Club and
four players to do so. support the bar of any club we play
POY was shared by Dean Delaney against. “
Season’s record was P 16 W 4 D 1 L 11 and Murray Saunders Top scorer
was shared by Dean Delaney and I believe the Hustlers have achieved
POY was John McDevitt and Top Kyosuke Kitano this objective every year. More than a
scorer was Dean Delaney. few have commented that without
THE HISTORY OF THE the input of the Hustlers fund raising
2008 Second division 8th. HUSTLERS. As recalled by and supporting the club over the
HRH Geoff Faithfull years Onehunga Mangere would not
2008 saw the withdrawal from the be in the position it is today.
Northern League of clubs from north History is always an interwoven series
of the Harbor Bridge – the other one, of events, and the formation of the Brian Dickey was voted the first
not our fine local structure – as they Hustlers is no exception. Hustler captain and under his
bizarrely opted to restrict teams to stewardship we never won a
playing within their own federation. The Hustlers were formed in 1982 championship or tournament. In his
It was a short-lived exercise, but from an idea by Peter Harrison who honor we continued this tradition for
it meant a promotion for OMU to discussed the proposal with a few a further 27 years.
Division One in the next season. players one Thursday night at the
clubrooms. The first Hustler goal was scored by
The team finished in eighth place Andy Douglas who was on a free
– out of eleven –, with 4-0 home Many of the original Hustlers were ex transfer from every club at the time.
wins over Cambridge and Pukekohe first team players who had decided to This was against North Shore and
among the highlights, so, too, a step down to a less competitive grade as they had no clubrooms at the
2-2 draw at eventual champions as we were considerably older than time, and due to the social nature
Manurewa, who extracted ample the opposition teams we were facing, of the team, we all headed off to
revenge on a black day atop the and to give young and upcoming the Masonic Hotel in Devonport
mountain, handing OMU a 9- 0 players in the club experience in the afterwards to celebrate.
hiding – to that point in time he next season of playing in the club’s
club’s heaviest ever home defeat in premier side. As expected over the years there have
the Northern League. been many retirements through age
There were around seven players at and injury of the original players, so
Season’s record was P 20 W 6 D 3 L 11 the original meeting. in 2010 a mainly younger version of
the Hustlers appeared on the scene.
POY was Charlie Rewha and top Peter Harrison, Brian Dickey, Murray Once again mostly consisting of ex
scorer was Stevie May. Brown, Murray Clarke, Des Speechley first team players who were stepping
and HRH Geoff Faithfull were among down. This new team were more
the original attendees. competitive, and consequently won
the Over 35 Division 3 in 2010.
Although most of us were over 30
This was followed by winning the
Over 35 Division 2 championship in

2011 and in 2012.During this time, player at 80 years old still playing watching a game being played. The
it should be noted that in 2010 the competitive soccer in New Zealand. ref blew his whistle for halftime, both
team scored 86 goals, in 2011 they He was even on television concerning teams headed to the sideline for
scored 98 goals and in 2012 it was 76 this. a break. I noticed members of the
goals. team in red partake in a beverage a
As the years roll on, we have a roll of few even sparking up a cigarette...The
The main goal scorer during this honor for Hustlers who have passed Hustlers! “That’s the team I wouldn’t
period was Ian Whippet Campbell away since the inception. mind playing for when I come of age”
who netted an amazing 65 goals. were my words at the time.
In second place was Steve Mateljan These are: Peter Harrison, Phil
with 46. This also deserves a mention Harrison, Des Speechley, Murray I even dabbled in overseeing junior
because he was not wanted by the Clarke, and Adrian Day. & 19th grade teams which was
Croatian national team or any other enjoyable and seeing these players
team in Croatia. All are fondly remembered. progress through the club, many
going on to represent the club at first
Since this time, they have finished My Time at OM…By Steven team level, Brooke Lockett, Charlie
2nd in the league in 2016 and 2018 Mateljan, former El- Rewha, Hayden Cleere, Sangster
and were champions again in 2019 in Presidente’ and life member Crawford, Chris Judd, Ben Marumaru…
the recently formed Over 40 league, to name a few.
Division 2. My first memory of OM was of my
friends in the Mangere Bridge area As my First Team playing days neared
Approximately 25 years ago Peter that attended MBS and Waterlea an end, I was convinced to join the
Harrison passed away playing the School all playing for OM and football committee, hesitantly I
game he loved. His son Phil Harrison continuously bragging that their agreed and got to see the club run
also tragically passed away in a club was better than my club from within. I served 13 years on the
motorcycle accident a few years later. Central. I also knew of a certain David football committee, 11 as President. A
Phillimore, as both our mothers special mention to Peter Judd, Mason
The Harrison Memorial Tournament worked together, and mum would Dale & Suzanne Waddell who were
was played in his honor. mention about Muriel talking about leading members of the committee
Dave’s exploits on the footy field. during my time and helped me
Not only did Peter start the Hustlers, Due to my Croatian heritage and my greatly. Then when Brett Lindsay
but he was a great servant of the club father being involved at Central, I was stepped down as Chairman of the
for many years and is sadly missed. committed there and came through House Committee, I put my hand up
the junior ranks at the club, so never to somehow try to replace him. Brett
Peter and Phil were the first father had the chance (or wasn’t allowed) to was immense and bought the club
and son to play for the Hustlers at the play for the local club. back from debt and is a major reason
same time. why the club is where it is today. My
I suppose thanks goes out to a certain time as Chairman was just a few years
They were followed by the Hunn Mark Loftus, who I had played with but was an experience in itself.
family, with Mick, David and Bradley at 19s and senior grade at Central,
all playing at the same time. for finally convincing me to come It is great to see the generations of
across to the “local” club and try for families that have been involved at
Over the last few seasons, we have the First Team. After some thought OMU, that’s what this club is about. I
Wayne Innes playing, who is the son and blessing from “The Don” to leave can now proudly watch my two sons
of one of the originals John Innes. Central, I took the leap of faith…26 play for the club and hopefully one
Also, Stafford Page and his son Chris years later, well. day they may even turn out for the
have played. First Team, just like their old man did.
Where to start? I have many great
So, the Hustlers have grown into memories and have met many great Peter Thomas.
quite a family affair. people being involved with this
club. I played for the First Team for 11 Peter Thomas has been involved at
There have also been some sets of years, of which my fondest memory every level of the club since 1967 as
brothers playing over the seasons, was winning the Northern League a player, coach, committee member,
the most notorious being Dave, Chris, 3rd Division in 1999 (hopefully the President, and supporter. He now
Mike, and Ian Lockett, and the Hunn wait will end for another league follows the first team where his son
brothers Dave and Brad as well as this season) & The “God Fathers” Charlie is a key member of the squad.
the Loftus clan with Mark, Kevan, and Hustlers for 10 years. I call many past Here he recalls
Bruce all regular players. teammates my closest friends and
stay in touch with a majority of those Autumn 1967, Dad, and I sat on the
The above actually inspired me to that I played with and was coached bank that separated the upper and
write a Hustlers Match of the Day by. lower fields at Mangere Domain
report. This was a no holds barred among a reasonable gathering of
report on my view of each game. This One story I have mentioned before local parents and their children.
report had feedback from as far away was my first memory of witnessing Dad would listen to a man named
as England. Unfortunately, I won no the Hustlers in action. I was in my first Bruce Bartlett, I think Bruce was
international awards for this, but did year at the club and we arrived at the president at that time, he would
receive a lot of abuse. ground to prepare for a First Team talk of the season of football that
match. Prior to being summoned lay ahead and the need for coaches
We have also had the privilege of to the changing room we were for the junior grades, I didn’t listen.
Ernie Hall playing for us for many
years.

Ernie was at one stage the oldest

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED SOCCER CLUB

FIRST TEAM NORTHERN LEAGUE 2nd DIVISION - 2006

WINNERS OF CAMBRIDGE TOURNAMENT

3rd Row: Hayden Cleere Scott Paterson Geoff Cooper Rose Berry
2nd Row: Tony Sibley(Coach) Charlie Rewha Rick Sibley Steve Matheljan Mark Joftus Barbara Lindsay(Manager)

Front Row: Lan Campball Dean Delaney Bruce Loftus (Captain) Darrel Wildbore Keven Loftus
In front: Jackluftus

Absent: Chris McBride Andy Gibbs Andy Gibbs Andy Mclaren

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

SENIOR MENS FIRST and RESERVE SQUAD - 2007

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY THE ENGLISH CORNER SHOP

3rd Row: Peter Jude(Secretary) Sultan Mohammed Chris Flaherty Barbara Lindasy(Manager) Andrew Allan Marc Lindsay Steven Mateljan(President)
2nd Row: Ron Warbrick Grant Fa’aali Hayden Cleere Michael Judd Daryl Judd Charlie Rewha Tom Gleeson Geoffrey Cooper(Coach)
Front Row: Darren Smyth Lionel Kum Bryce Loffus(Captain) Glen Pascoe(Keeper) John McDevitt David Rattenbury Rick Sibley
Absent: Bobby MacDonald Damian Rogers Dean Delaney Ian Campbell Jan Korhomklang Scott Ellis Scott Paterson Steve May

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

1st Division 2009 - Senior Squad

Rear: Geoff Cooper (Coach), Charlie Rewha, Koji Taneda, Lionel Kum, Tom Gleeson, Carl Shields (Reserve Coach)
Middle: Peter Judd (Secretary), Sam Burdett, Lewis Black, Abraham Turner, Shaun Lynch, Glen Pascoe, Steven Matelian (President)
Front: Ron Warbrick (Coach), David Carron, Simon Morrissey-Brown, Murray Saunders (Capt), Michael Judd, Adam Sommerville, Marc Lindsay, Meang Lim (Treasurer)
Absent: Hayden Cleere, Sangster Crawford, Dean Delaney, Hellon Dos Fleherty, Haidar Jabir, Kyosuke Kitano, Steve May, Sultan Mohammed

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

Northem Regional Football League Division 1 - 2010

Rear: Sam Burdett, Murray Saunders (Coach), Steve Mateljan (President), Michael Loftus (Coach), Glen Pascoe
Middle: Barbara Lindsay (Manager), Nilesh Kumar, Chris Judd, Winston Shacklock, Peter Judd (Secretary)
Front: Sangster Crawford, Sammy Negash, Koji Taneda, Marc Lindsay, David Carron, Hayden Cleere
Absent: Meang Lim (Manager), Michael Kenji Umetsu, Joel Facon, Abraham Turner, Justin Eiman

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

NRFL Division 2 First Team-2018

Rear: Glen Pascoe, Hayden Cleere, Ben Marumaru, Adam Foley, Jonathan Finch
Middle: Steven Mateljan (President), Mark O’Donnell (Head Coach), Sagar Kumar, Izaz Hussein (First Team Manager), Muntaz Shah (Assistant Coach)

Front: Macauley Norris, Marc Lindsay, Mark Withers, Charlie Rewha, David Carron, Tom Knight, Brandon Heremala-Dale
Absent: Rob Winfield, Scott Cameron, Nathaniel Lucas

Once Mr. Bartlett had finished, he a quick kick around the back yard, pages that vacated my socks! There
suggested that all the kids that a juggling competition and then be came a time where mum informed
were in attendance should form ushered into the Mark 1 Zephyr, we dad that young Peter had outgrown
two teams regardless of age and once had 9 players and the coach on having comics down his socks, I was
have a fun game of football. As it a return trip from playing. The Zephyr age nine I think, mum gave me two
turned out I didn’t think it was that ended its days by being squashed copies of the “Women’s Weekly”! As
much fun, I tried my hardest to at by a trolley bus across the road from shin pads were not yet compulsory
least get one kick of the ball and I the R.S.A in Onehunga, it could be to wear, I took mums offer but never
didn’t, and I cried. I think that was seen by all at Lens’ car wreckers at tucked them into my socks – true
my first introduction to any sort of the end of the Mangere Bridge, most story.
competitive football or indeed any embarrassing passing by it on the
sport. My older brother Mark was school bus twice a day, surely Len The years rolled on by, my football
already playing, I must admit I have had room for the car at the back improved. As mentioned, I had been
no recollection of watching him play of the yard out of sight. Dad liked a selected to play for Auckland U12
junior football at the club but can beer at the R.S.A after the game if we representative team in 1972, Dave
recall his teenage years playing. So, were playing close by in Onehunga, Monty was the coach, a very fond
football was the sport chosen for me he would give us four or five boys fifty memory of stepping off the NZ
and I would not play another code cents to spend at the dairy while he Railways bus at the Auckland train
competitively to this very day. had an ale, after a couple of hours we station, being met by our parents
would get bored and just walk home and families and holding the shield
Dad and mum were English, dad a to Mangere Bridge, Dad would be aloft. At the same tournament I was
Manchester City supporter and mum home eventually. selected to trial in a North Island
from Middlesbrough. I was a mix verse South Island game but for
from Ngapuhi and Liverpool courtesy Seymour Park, frost on the fields, we some reason that game never took
of my birth parents Dick and Jackie. sometimes played barefoot. It wasn’t place. The team came together
Mum could take football or leave so much that our feet would be to play Otago in a 1 off game due
it, she left it, I think she only ever numb but back then our age group to be played at Newmarket Park,
watched me once that I remember, played with a plastic ball, a very hard unfortunately the park was closed
I had made the Auckland Weir Rose plastic ball, not one that was inflated due to wet weather so transferred
Bowl under 12 representative team with air but a hard plastic ball that to Auckland Domain. Otago players
that would play in Rotorua winter was molded in one piece. As a result were given accommodation with the
of 1972, I was so glad she came and of the manufacturing process the families of the Auckland team, the
stayed the week and watch Auckland balls had a plastic knob or nipple on Otago goalkeeper from Green Island,
jointly win the trophy with Hutt the ball’s exterior, believe me this did (a suburb of Dunedin), stayed with
Valley. you no favors if you encountered it my family. I had progressed to leather
when kicking or heading the ball – it boots by this stage, several pair in
I recall a knock at the door one would draw blood! As we progressed fact. The goalkeeper from Green
evening, a gentleman well dressed through the age groups, we received Island, with my permission, ended
in an overcoat and carried some our first leather ball. Alas, this came up with a pair of my boots to play
boxes, in these boxes were brand with its own draw back, the ball had the game in. The next day we played
new football boots! Once a pair were a rubber bladder encased in leather, Otago; I scored the winner by header
selected for me, (I had no input in to keep the bladder within the ball after a cross from Ross Carter. I never
this process), I can remember putting it had a lace similar to a boot lace saw the goalkeeper from Green
them on and running up and down on the balls exterior, when wet, the Island or my boots again. Some
the hall – my first pair of boots. They ball would become waterlogged, would call it a draw. That was to be
were precious to me, I treasured (more ‘’Dubbin” required!), it was the my only involvement with playing
them. I had seen other boys and my equivalent of trying to kick a sack of representative football. The teen years
brother putting “Dubbin” on their spuds round the field and if it wasn’t were kicking in and there would be
boots, it was a leather treatment and wet, yes, more blood drawn if the more interesting pursuits………….
aided with water proofing, had to be forehead met the lace. I look at what
worked in with “elbow grease”. Well, I sports gear has been available for I decided to take a break from
sat on the back porch for some time some years now and conclude that football, this break lasted 7 years. I
with my new boots waiting, waiting the young ones have it pretty good was part of a close group of friends
for mum to supply the ‘’elbow these days. that decided it was time to put a
grease’’, no tin of it was forthcoming. team together and return to playing
The “Dubbin” was applied with some On the subject of football gear, football, I was now 21. We were
enthusiasm. Come match day there I clearly recall my shin pads and entered into what was the called
I was, boots gleaming, although the how they evolved. Some of us may open grade division, competitive
“Dubbin” hadn’t really soaked in – the remember “Commando Comics” enough for us at the time. After
boots were molded plastic! great reading for us young ones back several seasons with some good
in the 60’s, not only great reading results our team was approached by
My early games were played either but, according to dad, the perfect the club to see if any players would
at Mangere Domain, Waikaraka Park, size to slip down young Peters’ socks be interested in playing for the
Cornwall Park and Seymour Park. My as shin pad substitutes! So here I am Men’s 1st team as they were light on
dad, Edward Henry Thomas (Ted), making my way up the field, socks numbers due to players leaving, I had
would be my team coach along with slipping down and pages of the a go at it, it was 1988 and I was 28
many of the neighborhood kids for comic blowing across Seymour Park, years old. In my First season with the
several years. Most of the team would funny to look back on but funnier still top side the team was in first division,
meet at our house in Sullivan Ave, as I picture some opposition players during my twelve-year playing career
early on frosty winters mornings, have stopping mid game to read the I went from division one to division

four then finally ended up back in by those that have gone before us, 2011 First Division 12th
division two, an interesting journey. those of us that have carried on Relegated.
In 2000 at age 40 I had played over through to the present and hopefully
120 games for the clubs’ top side, those that will carry on when were Just three wins all season,100 goals
I had been player coach for the gone. conceded, and a 10-1 loss to Albany
reserve grade, coached junior teams, atop the mountain which equaled
coached the ladies, served on the 2010 First Division. OMU’s record defeat – inflicted by
committee in various positions and Central in 1977. Yes, 2011 was a year
was president for a season. Some of The 2010 season was a bit of a best forgotten. How things had
this I found very easy and some of logistical nightmare for the powers changed. Coaches Saunders and
it was hard work. During this whole that be, as the Northern Federation Loftus had left, a lot of experience
period, I was surrounded by very realized the errors of their ways, had gone out of the team and ever
good people both on and off the thus all their teams returned to the younger local talent was thrown in at
playing field. The last game for the Northern League. Cue a grading the deep end.
top side was against Manukau City, round, that for the First Division
Geoff Cooper the coach had asked comprised fifteen matches, with Heavy defeats abounded, 9-0 at
me to go on the bench just in case, the top six placegetters earning a champions Eastern Suburbs and 8-0
20mins to go and Bruce Loftus had place in either Division 1A or 1B, it at Birkenhead the worst ones on the
an injury and would be substituted, was complex, but somehow, they road, where two of three wins were
Geoff told me to warm up, just go muddled through, and the Northern also recorded – 1-0 at Ellerslie, 2-1 at
out and have fun. As it turned out League was ultimately reconfigured Lynn-Avon. A 3-2 win over Papatoetoe
I didn’t think it was that much fun, in time for the following year! was the only memorable occasion at
I did manage to get a couple of Mangere Domain in what was a very
touches on the ball this time though. Finishing in the top six was an lean year. Relegation sent OMU down
The game ended, a draw, I think. I ambition OMU realized following to Division Two once more.
came off the field and nearly cried. their grading round exploits, which
It was time to take a backward step included a 7-1 pummeling of Season’s record was P 22 W 3 D 0 L
and slowly withdraw to the over age Pukekohe and a host of odd-goal 19
leagues and ultimately to enter the wins which proved sufficient to earn
arena of the spectators. The body is the club a shot at securing another POY was Glen Pascoe and top scorer
good now. No need to ask for help top-six finish in their group to secure was Amarildo Carvalho.
to pull the undies on, no football First Division football next season.
aches and pains, no pulled muscles, 2012 Second division 11th.
or corked thighs. No shuttles to run, Shipping five goals at Onehunga
no more racing myself to the top Sports and at home to Lynn-Avon Mark O’Donnell was appointed by
of the mountain, a fractured eye United certainly didn’t aid the cause, the club to arrest the slide. He had
socket, cracked ribs and I have no but a 1-0 win at Birkenhead and a been around the traps coaching
ACL ligament in my left knee. I miss 3-3 thriller at Albany United did, as several Northern league sides and
playing the game. did our friends from Ngaruawahia, he oversaw a slight improvement
who fielded an ineligible player in in fortunes along with a much-
It has been a wonderful journey, so their 2-2 home draw with OMU, an improved effort on the goals front
many more memories and names indiscretion which saw them retain – the previous season’s tallies were
that I can put on paper at this time. their First Division status for 2011. doubled and halved respectively,
The journey continues. My wife and they only just avoided relegation
four children have all played for Ron Warbrick had stepped from the Northern League, finishing
Onehunga-Mangere at different down after 4 years where he had eleventh in a division which saw
levels and I am very proud of them introduced a lot of young local talent the team which occupied last
all. The proudest moments for our to senior ranks of the club. He was spot, Papakura City, inflict an 8-2
family as far as football goes have replaced by his protégé at Onehunga defeat upon OMU up the mountain.
come from our youngest son Charlie, High Murray Saunders. A former pupil Western Springs inflicted the other
Weir Rose Bowl U12 rep for Auckland, who Ron had taught and coached, hiding – 6-2 – received that season,
U17 rep for Auckland winner national Murray was now a teacher and coach but there were moments of joy –
tournament, U19 Napier tournament at Onehunga high too. Tauranga and Waiuku were beaten
winner, NZ U20 rep winner Oceania at home, Warkworth and local rivals
tournament, played in Vanuatu, Joining Murray as Co Coach was Mangere among those to bow to
which got the team through to the returning player Michael Loftus, OMU on the road.
U20 world cup in Korea. Charlie Michael had moved around in the
chose to pursue his university studies preceding years, winning Chatham The team was again made up of
consequently did not travel to Korea. cups with Central, having a successful predominantly local talent with Glen
spell at Manukau city and joining Pascoe, Dave Carron, Hayden Cleere
Charlie is a member of the current from Premier league club Onehunga and Brandon Heremia-Dale leading
first team on the cusp of being Sports. the way.
promoted to division one in the
Northern League as this book goes to Season’s record was P 22 W 10 D 3 Season’s record was P 22 W 6 D 3 L
print. We wish him and the team all L9 13
the best.
POY was Glen Pascoe and Top scorer POY was Colin McDermott and top
Congratulations to Onehunga- was Joel Facon. scorer was Marc Lindsay.
Mangere, reaching one hundred
years of football only made possible

2013 Second Division 7th. Mangere Domain. Fencibles’ 5-3 win Conceding the most goals in the
at Mangere Domain saw them finish division did not help. Heavy defeats
An improvement in fortune was ahead of OMU by a solitary point. at home, by Northland (7-2) and
needed and in 2013, satisfaction Claudelands and Manukau were Takapuna (8-1), and on the road
aplenty abounded from a mid-table both hit for four in another goal- – champions Fencibles won 8-0,
finish in a campaign which saw the laden campaign. A big factor in the Takapuna 6-0, Ngongotaha 6-2 – set
club rediscover their capacity to upturn in fortunes was the arrival the tone for a campaign in which
entertain at both ends of the park, of coaches Warren Parke and Nick bottom-placed Papatoetoe were hit
with 108 goals finding the net in the Russo from Ellerslie. 2015 also saw for four both home and away, two
games in which they were involved. ex junior Shane Pascoe finally make of the four wins OMU enjoyed all
his first team debut after a successful season.
The second worst goals against career with Auckland City and
record in the division was not Onehunga Sports. Fielding an ineligible player at
aided by heavy defeats from Oratia Waiheke did not aid the cause, but
United (7-2), Mangere (6-2), Waiuku Season’s record was P 22 W 11 the game was up for Onehunga-
(7-3 at home) and champions D2L9 Mangere United. Finishing four points
Western Springs (5-1 at home). But adrift of Te Atatu meant that for the
interspersed with these were some POY Was Shane Pascoe and first time since 1975, “The Mountain
memorable wins – Warkworth (5-3 top scorer was B James Men” would not be gracing the
and 4-2 away), Oratia (4-2), a 3- 3 Northern League in 2018.
draw at Waiuku, and home and away / C Aldridge / N McHale / W
wins over Manukau City, who were Batts Salvation was at hand, however,
relegated. thanks to the amalgamation of two
2016 Second division 6th. of our South Auckland neighbors
Mark O’Donnell again coached the during the close season, Mangere
side with local talent again leading Mid-table was once more OMU’s lot United and Manukau City merged to
the way. Tom Knight came into the in 2016, a campaign which saw AFC form Manukau United, which meant
team while Rewha, Carron, Heremia- Fury withdraw from Division Two there was now a vacancy in the
Dale, Pascoe, Cleere, Lindsay and Ben after just three rounds, meaning Northern League Second Division.
Marumaru all played key roles. there were two bye rounds in the
season. Papatoetoe were hit for six Season’s record was P 22 W 4 D 4 L
Season’s record was P 22 W 9 D 3 L by the men in red on home turf, 14
10 while there were four-goal wins at
champions Manukau and Albany. POY Was Carl Bickerton and top
POY was Mark Withers and Top Had an odd goal in five defeats by scorer was Carl Bickerton.
scorer was Mark Withers. Fencibles been an odd goal in five
win, The team would have concluded The Prestige. Established:
2014 Second Division 9th. the campaign in fourth place, rather 2015
than sixth.
There was a drop to ninth place in By 2021 Captain Hayden Cleere
2014, a campaign in which Lynn- 2016 was the first season in which
Avon, North Force and Waiuku were two teams were to be relegated from First Captain: Daniel Cleere, First
all hit for four up the mountain. There the Second Division, so avoiding Coach: Dave Lovegrove, Assistant
was numerous odd-goal score lines eleventh or twelfth places was Coach: Bevan Upchurch.
either way and a 3-3 thriller at Albany. imperative from now on.
The first Prestige team was put
Season’s record was P 22 W 6 D 6 L Warren Parke and Nick Russo again together by combining former
10 coached the team while young members of the undecorated 9th
Jaiden Van Der Heijden had his first grade kiwis of 1999, Player One team
POY was Ben Shaw and top scorer taste of senior football, Glen Pascoe, and The Grizzlies. Our fearless leaders
was Will Batts. Dave Carron and Carl Bickerton Ethan Brierly and Nathan Sims,
played in every game bar one. scraped around Wednesday night
2015 Second division 5th. summer footy to collect the elite of
Season’s record was P 20 W 9 D 2 L 9 elite players of OM. The first training
For the first time in six seasons, was at Waterlea School (If you were
OMU scored more goals than they POY Was Andrew Wallace, and top a junior at Onehunga Mangere
conceded in 2015, an effort which scorer was Andrew Wallace. in the 80’s and 90’s you probably
clinched a fifth-place finish in started your career on this wonky
Division Two – two further points 2017 Second Division 11th. mud patch) with Ian Brierly and Tony
would have earned them third place! Sims coming out of retirement due
The rollercoaster nature of the season Warren Parke and Nick Russo to low numbers. 15 minutes into
can best be summed up in their returned to Ellerslie and the club training, both hamstrings gone, they
clashes with champions Papakura, made the ultimately disastrous quickly went back into retirement.
who prevailed 8-1 at Mangere decision to appoint John Bennett as Once all our i’s were dotted and our
Domain, only for OMU to gain sweet head coach. Sadly, 2017 would see t’s crossed, “Prestige Worldwide” was
revenge by hitting City for six at OMU drop beneath the relegation formed. That changed in a matter of
McLennan Park, a feat they repeated trapdoor. hours when the lads realized their
when trouncing North Force 6-2 at football prowess was so “prestigious”
it came only second to their drinking

ability. Or maybe it was that AFF enjoyed football more than playing management decided for the 2021
didn’t allow the “Worldwide” on the for Prestige. This team personifies season a division change would be
end of our name. The truth is as the O.M spirit and mana. This team necessary. Our rear ends were as red
much a mystery as the premature makes football about more than as the shirts we wore for long enough
baldness associated with our team. sport. A friendship, a brotherhood, a now. The team mainly made up of
This team was founded on the laugh, and a bloody good time! members in their early 30’s to early
shoulders of kids that either kicked 40’s was too old (slow & unfit) to play
their first football when they were Thirst Xl-OMU’s newest elite open men’s and too young to play
4 years old on the maunga or had senior team over 40’s. So over 35’s would surely be
never kicked a ball until Prestige. We a good fit!? HOW WRONG WE WERE!
were formed from a group of lads 2020!!!!!! A year most people would
that were good enough to play first love to forget BUT it was in this We are now in the Thirst Xl™’s second
team or reserves, but smart enough chaotic year a glimmer of hope and season of existence and have still yet
not to. goodness emerged, The Idea of the to win a game. Heck, even draw a
Thirst Xl™ game! But the team still turn up every
Much the same as the first team, week with the same enthusiasm as
The Prestige has always been the Founded by Ben Cross and Chad we did in our very first game.
bridesmaid, never the bride. In our Piggott the Thirst Xl™ was thought
seven-year rich history we are yet to up to be a collective of individuals 2021 members are: CAPTAIN-Dan
bring home the big cheese. Some where “ability” and “talent” were not a Cleere, GOALKEEPER-Ben Cross,
might say that our previous season requirement but more of a hindrance Chad Piggott, Paul Jelicich, Anthony
ending away trips are so legendary and lame. Thrush, Jonathon Avis, Kelvin Davies,
that it takes its toll on our preseason Grant Fa’aali, Phil Stewart, William
training. However, we have always Ben and Chad saw that there were Spenley, Chris Bierens and Diz Hay.
finished each season strong once we a few lads previously or already Dean Kriletich became a full member
figure out the best position to put involved with the club looking for a and we gained new recruits-Jimmy
our x-bodybuilders, prop forwards team. Then to fill the gaps, Dads of Johnson, Kevan Loftus, Max Prescott,
and second-five eighths. This current junior footballers at the club who also Shane Rehm, Joel Reichardt and
season is much the same. After a wanted to have a crack at the game. Luke Hedley.
wobbly start we are undefeated Yeah, that would be the best place to
since our fourth round and are sitting start drafting. The Thirst Xl™ would like to thank
poised to knock off the bigger clubs. our manager Victoria Piggott
The recruitment drive began not (Gumby) for organising this mess of
Team and club culture has always long after the idea was floated, and a team. Thanks to our team sponsor
been at the forefront of Prestige. it was a success. A team to play in Freightworks also for sponsoring
Since the beginning Prestige has with no expectation of winning but our after-match gear. With each
embraced a strong family, tight- an environment where fun is still had week we improve and are just weeks
knit bond with each other and has been the key to that success…. away from our first positive result….
have created a brotherhood for life. And the fact that most of this team Honestly…. Don’t cut our funding.
With all the wives/partners always like a social beverage and only go
side-line enjoying the laughs and to trainings and games to go to up And MOST importantly all the wives,
often expressing “I would have put the club for beers and talk nonsense partners and kids that turn up and
that top bin” or “Even I am faster afterwards. support us, even if you are all just
than that muppet” they decided to gossiping on the sideline or playing
create their own women’s team The first season for the Thirst Xl™ was games not actually watching us.
“The Scarlets” which is a close sister a tough year in the AFF MENS DIV
team of prestige. Many of us were 10 with most of the players learning
once juniors at Onehunga Mangere the rules of the game as it played
receiving Play of the Day awards and out, Covid interruptions, a $500 good
shaking the hands of senior players. behavior bond and all whilst against
So, carrying on the traditions of this opposition that were almost half the
club is close to our hearts. Many age of our boys. The Thirst Xl™ kept
members of the team have served their heads up and kept turning up
and are currently serving on the each week for more…… Beer that is.
committee for our great club. Other
members have played first team and 2020 original members were:
reserves, coached juniors, and senior CAPTAIN-Dan Cleere, GOALKEEPER-
teams within the club, worked the Graeme Ross, Ben Cross, Chad
bar, help stock the bar, emptied the Piggott, Paul Jelicich, Anthony Thrush,
bar and refereed. Our team is loyal Jonathon Avis, Kelvin Davies, Grant
and committed to supporting O.M Fa’aali, Phil Stewart, William Spenley,
in all the different ways a club needs Richard Toft, Simon Hughes, Brook
support. Some might even say “We Lockett. Being plagued with injury
are the over worked liver of the O.M we did a mid-season recruit and
digestive system”. picked up Luka Forman, Diz Hay and
Chris Bierens. As well as fill in’s Dean
After playing for this club since I was Kriletich & Tom Gleeson.
four years old, playing at just about
every grade and age group our club After the first season, team
has on offer, I can say I have never

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

NRFL 1st Team Division 2 - 2018

Rear: Connor Aldridge, Andrew Wallace, Jaiden van der Heijden, Martin (Paddy) Thomas, Sangster Crawford
Middle: Steve Matelijan (President), Yvonne Walden (Assistant Manager), Mason Dale (Club Captain), Glen Pascoe, Barbara Lindsay (Manager), Nick Russo (Coach)

Front: Werren Parke, Greg Crestanello, Carl Bickerton, Shane Pascoe (Captain), David Carron, Neil Heron, Paul Hooper (Coach)
Absent: Nick Parke, Alexander Clark, Nathan Palmer, Lukas Blaza, Matt Hylla (Physio), Luca Ortali, Niall McHale

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

First Squad and Reserves 0 2018

Rear: Brandon Heremaia-Dale, Jack Loftus, Stefan van der Heijden, Ben Marumaru, Alex Witteveen, Andy Annable, Henry Muller, Leon van der Heijden,
Hayden Williams Third Row-Steve Mateljan (Club President), Malcolm Twiname (Team Manager), Lance Stubbings, Jacob Shepherd, Ben Cross,
Richard Toft, Fergus Connolly, Dave Taylor (Coach), Brian Tumer (Coach)

Second Row: Karla McGoram (Gear Steward), Max Frear, Haydn Forbes-Dawson, Dave Carron (Captain), Max Kwan, Carl Bickerton, Tom Knight, Erin Chen
(Physio) Front-Kevan Loftus

Absent: Michael Bruce, Sangster Crawford, Sean Newey, Ashitosh Kumar, Mason Dale (Club Captain)

ONEHUNGA MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

NRFL Senior Team Squad - 2019

Back row: Jason Heather (Coach), Fauzul Ahmed, Brandon Heremaia-Dale, Charlie Heather, Matthew Metzger, Salesh Kumar, Nooruldeen Oglah, David Carron, Max Kwan, Jozef
Fleming (Physio), Kevan Loftus (Reserves Coach)

Middle row: Steve Mateljan (Presidenti, Geoff Cooper Bead Coachi, Jack Loftus, Laurence Kennel, Ben Tucker, Brody Turkington, Ance Stubbings, Mark Thompson, Ben Allen,
Ash Kumar, Poasa Tubuna (Reserves Coach)

Front row: Abraham Khalil, Tom Knight, Leighton Heremala-Dale, Alex Witteveen, William Burdon, Henry Muller. James Lloyd, Simon Morrissey Activate Windows
Absent: Andrew Annable, Nick Brennand, Haydn Forbes-Dawson, Ally Gill, Darcy Knight, Dinesh Lingham, Ben Marumaru, Reghan Nicol, Dan Rowe, Gino Vuksanlekaj, Frederick

(Webb Manager), KarlaMcGoram (Kit Manager)

2018 Second Division 10th.

OMU had been handed a lifeline in the form of a two- legged pre-season play-off against Beachlands Maraetai. The club
also caused a bit of a stir by appointing two legends of New Zealand football as Coaches. Brian Turner and Dave Taylor
had been NZ teammates together combining 29 years of international experience between them. Brian Had been to
the world cup as a player and a coach and Dave had previously been NZ coach of the year,

Unfortunately, after the previous seasons disastrous showing the club was not an attractive proposition for most players.
Dave and Brian cast their net far and wide assembling a competitive squad at very short notice for the all-important play
off matches.

The first leg out east saw a 1-1 draw result, meaning everything hinged on the second leg on March 11. At half-time,
the deadlock remained, but second half goals from David Carron and Tom Knight clinched a 2-0 win for OMU, 3-1 on
aggregate – the boys were back in the big-time!

POY was Fergus Connolly and top scorer was Stefan van der Heijden.

2019 Second Division 8th. team for OMU. 2020 Second division. First
equal. League abandoned.
Some fresh blood was needed, Dave Eighth place was OMU’s lot in 2019,
and Brian had moved back into four points clear of relegation danger, 2020 will be synonymous with one
retirement and the club turned to Ex although they did dice with the drop thing – the global pandemic known
player coach Geoff Cooper. Geoff had until late on in the campaign. The key as Covid-19.
been coaching Northern League ever results, however, came in low-scoring
since he left and had a lot of contacts encounters with Franklin United. A 1-1 Among many other things, it forced
with players. He persuaded several draw there and a 1-0 win at Mangere the abandonment of the Northern
to follow him to the club refreshing Domain saw OMU collect four points League campaign after eight rounds
the team at just the right time. from those matches, and that was of action. When the plug was pulled,
There were players coming through the difference between the teams on OMU shared the league lead with
the youth ranks at OMU, but they the table. Hibiscus Coast, whom they had
were still very young. Teenagers Abe overcome 4-3 up the mountain prior
Khalil, Leighton Heremaia Dale, Leon Season’s record was P 22 W 7 D 4 L 11 to thrashing Bohemian Celtic 6-1
Van der Heijden, Max Kwan, Lance under the Bill McKinlay Park lights.
Stubbings, Darcy Knight, and Jack POY Was Tom Knight and top scorer
Loftus all got a taste of senior football was Alex Witteveen. Geoff Cooper returned as coach, but
with Jack following in the Steps of his the team had benefitted big time
grandfather and father playing first after the amalgamation of local clubs
Onehunga Sports and Three Kings

united. This meant there were a lot senior playing depth at the club has
of quality players in the area looking never been so strong. Having flirted
for a team to play for. The club with bowing out of the Northern
gained several of these in the form of League in recent years, winning the
the Lewis brothers, Scott and Glen, Second Division title has been a great
Gilberto Souza, Osman Rastager, achievement. All the more pleasing
Usaamah Hakim and Marco Stevens. for coming in the clubs 100th year.
They have added real quality to the
team and the depth is coming from The future looks very bright for the
the local youth who are getting older club.
and more experienced every year,
The team also added ex club junior COME ON THE MOUNTAIN MEN
and NZ rep Charlie Thomas, son of
former player and President Peter. POY was

Interrupted seasons record was P8 W Golden Boot was Gilberto Souza
6D1L1
Gilberto was also top scorer in
POY Was Fergus Connolly and top Division 2
scorer was Gilberto Souza.

Bugger that Covid

2021 Second Division.

CHAMPIONS in our Centenary year.

Here we are in our centenary year,
the new Season started with a new
coach. Brian Murphy came from
Ireland and is an ex-professional
playing several years in England. He
is a highly qualified and enthusiastic
coach who was looking to work with
a club and not just a team.

The bulk of last year’s senior squad
returned and were joined by some
exciting additions in Maxsim Manko,
Andrew Campbell, and Josh Chemis.
Charlie Thomas finally got to make
his debut after signing for the club
just before Covid curtailed the 2020
season. He follows in the footsteps of
his father Peter who played over 100
games for the first team.

The season was ended early again
due to another Covid lockdown but
with 19 of the 22 fixtures completed
OMU were 5 points clear of Fencibles
in second and eleven points clear of
Beachlands in third.

With only 2 losses in 19 matches
and featuring five- goal defeats of
Hibiscus Coast and Cambridge, “The
Mountain Men” stormed to their
first championship title in 22 years
winning the Pascoe Shield, the
symbol of Northern League Second
Division supremacy.

The senior reserves also did well
finishing runners up to Fencibles
who they beat home and away
inflicting that teams only defeats of
the season. The reserves are stacked
with young talent who have come
through the OMU junior ranks, The

2021 league table Centenary year P W D L F A GD Pts

Onehunga- Mangere United 19 13 4 2 56 24 32 43
Fencibles United 19 12 2 5 46 22 24 38
Beachlands Maraetai 19 9 5 5 33 23 10 32
Franklin United 19 8 6 5 40 29 11 30
Hibiscus Coast 19 9 3 7 32 36 -4 30
Cambridge 18 9 0 9 43 47 -4 27
Northland 19 8 3 8 33 42 -9 27

2021 Results

DIVISION TWO BM C CR FeU FrU GC HC N OMU OU P UMBC

Beachlands Maraetai 5-2 DNP 5-1 1-3 0-1 0-0 DNP 0-0 1-3 1-0 1-0 1-1
Cambridge 0-2 2-1 0-3 DNP 2-5 7-1 3-4 1-5 3-2 1-0 DNP
Claudelands Rovers 0-2 DNP 2-1 DNP 4-2 3-3 5-1 2-1 DNP 5-2 9-1
Fencibles United 2-2 4-3 5-1 0-2 4-1 5-0 1-1 1-0 5-1 3-1
Franklin United 1-3 4-1 0-0 0-3 0-1 DNP DNP 5-5 3-1 1-1 7-0
Greenhithe Catimba 0-1 2-3 DNP 1-3 0-3 0-2 0-3 3-4 DNP 5-2 9-1
Hibiscus Coast 0-3 1-4 2-1 0-0 2-1 DNP 3-1 1-0 1-2 1-2 2-2 3-2
Northland 2-2 3-1 2-1 DNP 4-4 0-5 DNP 3-2 5-1 1-1
Onehunga-Mangere 6-0 4-0 2-1 3-0 4-1 0-2 3-1 1-1 2-1 DNP
United 5-0
Oratia United
Papatoetoe 2-1 1-0 3-0 4-3 0-2 1-1 1-4 2-3 3-2 DNP 3-0
Uni-Mount Bohemian
Celtic DNP 1-4 2-1 0-1 2-3 2-1 1-2 2-1 DNP 1-1 4-0

2-5 2-3 3-3 DNP 2-2 2-4 1-4 1-2 0-1 4-4 3-2

2021 – 100 years to be continued….

By Brian Murphy (Head Coach and

Director of Football) be part of this great club’s history.
It was an honor to be named Head a 7-year-old. Then we had a 2-1 win
Coach of Onehunga Mangere United away at Hibiscus Coast to put us 5 If there is one piece of advice, I
in such an important year. And points clear at the Top of the LOTTO have taken on over the past few
what a year it’s been so far. A year NRFL Division 2 with 5 games to play. years from another coach called
that’s shown so much character, Des Buckingham is to be yourself
unity, moments of brilliance from There has been several moments and surround yourself with good
incredible goals to incredible saves, in this season that have defined us. people and I have had that here at
to demolitions of teams to fighting Losing away to Greenhithe 3-2 with Onehunga Mangere United. Culture
back from the depths of defeat. It’s 10 minutes to go in Round 4 and is everything a special mention with
truly been a football rollercoaster ending winning the game 4-3 in Ben Hill and Ethan Siegal who have
and it’s not finished yet with 5 games stoppage time with a wind-assisted been awesome sounding boards this
to go. The season where we’ve sat goal from Josh Chemis after seeing a season and excellent coaches and of
at the top of the table since Round perfectly good goal ruled out in the course my captain Fergus Connolly is
2 that has offered so much could 90min. Or battling back to a 5-5 all has been an outstanding leader on
be the season of all seasons. We are draw against Franklin who led 3-0 and off the pitch.
18 games in where we’ve won 12, at half time. It was a game Franklin
drawn 4 and lost 2. It’s all to play for could have won twice over after Thank you for making myself and
with 4 games to go. We currently sit we pegged them back to 3-3, only my wife Selma and our daughters
5 points clear of our nearest rivals, to go behind 5-3, have our keeper Saoirse and Quinn a part of the OM
Fencibles, and another 11 points clear sent off and conceding a penalty family. 2021 has definitely been a year
of third place Franklin United. with 10 minutes to go only to see to remember
our 3rd choice keeper at the time
The season started with a 2-1 win over Vaughan Somerville save it and the
Fencibles at home and a stunning OM mountaineers responded by
free kick by Osman Rastagar who scoring twice in 8 minutes to clinch
has been a standout player this an all-important point in the race
season for the club as a dead ball for promotion. There also have been
specialist. That saw us go on a 6- many magic moments for the club’s
game unbeaten run with 5 wins first team, including David Carron
and 1 draw, plus a hat trick from getting capped for the club 150
Gilberto Souza, the league’s golden times, Henry Muller’s outrageous
boot winner in a 5-0 home win flying volley against Greenhithe and
over Hibiscus Coast. An away trip Maksim Manko’s stunning hat trick
to Claudelands Rovers in Round 7 against Takapuna in our Chatham
saw us come unstuck for the first Cup win over the Division 1 side or
time this season, where we went even his stunning volley away to
down 2-1. However, it’s hard to keep Beachlands or Lance Stubbing’s
down a good team and we bounced goal keeping performance in the
back the following week against same game, one of many this season
Papatoetoe to win 2-1. We began including a match winning save
a 7-game unbeaten run, with a 5-1 against Uni Mount BOHS. Lance is
demolition of Cambridge in their another young man along with Henry
own back yard and another stunning Muller who has been at the club
hat trick from Maksim Manko, who since a kid. In fact, there are several
is having an outstanding season, his players who have been at the club
first for the club. This run saw us go as a child Lance Stubbings, Brandon,
5 points clear only to go down to and Leighton Heremaia –Dale, Tom
Oratia United 3-2 at Parrs Park and and Darcy Knight, Leon Van Der
Fencibles United closed within two Heijden, Charlie Thomas, Charlie
points. But if this season has taught Rewha, Jack Loftus, Jarrod Gordon,
me anything as Head Coach of this Kemen Zulaika and Ash Kumar this
amazing bunch of players, they just is what makes this club so special.
don’t know when to give up. Since The clubs have a real community
then, we have gone on to record two feel to it and it is somewhere I feel
back-to-back wins, firstly at home to right at home. The mix of home-
Greenhithe winning 4 – 1 with two grown talent and players who have
goals from Abe Khalil off two assists played their junior football elsewhere
by Darcy Knight, another young man has brought a great culture to the
who began his career at the club as dressing room. I feel so privileged to

Onehunga Mangere
women’s football -
The Beginning

Women’s football has been an The original under 18 In 1982 the first Onehunga-Mangere
important part of the fabric of team was made up from: Club Women’s team was formed.
Onehunga Mangere for many years
now. Julie Marcus The Players were:

There are large numbers of girls Fiona Beatson Sharon Jopson
playing in the juniors and 3 senior
women’s teams representing the Rhonda Fitzpatrick Yolanda Van Den Bend
club. The “scarlets” OMU’s top ladies’
team is currently well clear at the Karen Foster Mary Marsh
top of Division 2 and on course for
Division one football next year. But Paulette Jeffaries Saskia Van Den Bend
let’s go back to the start.
Denise Foster Dot Speechley
Margaret Foster recalls how it
all began… Sandra Knight Denise Foster

In about 1979 Karen and Denise Joanne Treherne Lee McGrogan
Foster (16 and 13yr old’s) were
asked by Dave Matthews to play Fiona Roberts Julie Douglas
for a women’s team in the
Auckland Women’s competition. Patricia Clifton Sheryl White
It turned out to be the NZ Women’s
Cricket team... Dave coached a boys’ Linda Kemp Karen Foster
team for OM at the time and may
have been on the committee. Sally-Ann Ough Shari Reeves

In 1980 a very well-known figure in Patricial Carswell Sandra Knight
Women’s Football Margaret Hodges
formed a School Girls Soccer League V Simon Joanne Rowbotham
for 16- and 18-year-olds. This was a
brilliant League as the girls were Gordon Gray was the coach and Sonia Cross
playing girls of their own age and
ability. The team travelled to West Margaret Foster Manager. The Coach was
Auckland, South Auckland, and the
North Shore. Unfortunately, the Auckland Football Frank McGrogan
Association objected to this league
being formed as it was not affiliated Manager Linda McGrogan
to them and asked OM to withdraw.
We put up quite a fight to keep the They played in the ladies Jubilee
girls playing but the big boys won. Division and were Winners of the
They threatened to ban Onehunga- Jubilee Cup and the Jubilee Division
2 Cup. Teams followed on from this
Mangere from all Association games and we always had a women’s team
so therefore we had no option but to playing in the Auckland Football
withdraw, we tried to get these age Association.
groups into the Association, but they
weren’t interested. Girls could play in
boys’ teams up until they turned 12
and after that had to go to Women’s
Football. It certainly made sense to
have a School Girls League to fill in
the gap between 12 and playing with
adult women.

ONEHUNGA – MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

Under 18 Girls – 1980

Back Row: M. Foster (Manager), P. Clifton, F. Roberts, J. Treherne, G. Gary (Coach)
Front Row: J. Marcus, F. Beatson, R. Fitzpatrick, K. Foster (Captain), P. Jeffaries, D. Foster, S. Knight

Absent: L. Kemp, S. Ough, P. Carswell, V. Simon

Onehunga Mangere Soccer Club

INTRODUCING THE FIRST SENIOR WOMENS TEAM
PLACED 3RD IN FIFTH DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIPS

Back Row: Mary Ward, Dot Speechley, Julie Robinson
Second Row: Lawrie Marsh (Manager), Joanne Brazendale, Martha Wooller, Phillippa Waters, Wally Williamson, John Innes (Coach)

Front Row: Julie Marcus, Jill Richardson, Mary Marsh (Captain), Tina Chamberlain, Sheryl Innes
Absent: Kay Gordon, Cathie Renata. Record: Played 18, Won 12, Lost 6, Drew 0, For 40, Against 23.

Onehunga Mangere United Association Football Club

LADIES JUBILEE DIVISION TWO 1983
WINNERS JUBILEE K.O. CUP – JUBILEE DIVISION 2 LEAGUE CUP.

Back Row: Sharon Jopson, Yolanda Van Den Bend
Second Row: Mary marsh, Saskia Van Den Bend, Dot Speechley, Denise Foster, Lee McGrogan
Front Row: Julie Douglas, Sheryl White, Karen Foster (Captain), Shari Reeves, Sandra Knight, Linda McGrogan (Manager)
Absent: Frank McGrogan (Coach), Joanne Rowbotham, Sonia Cross. Record: Played 18, Won 13, Lost 2, Drew 3, For 53, Against 14.

ONEHUNGA MANGERE SOCCER CLUB

SENIOR WOMENS PREMIER 2ND DIVISION TEAM
1985

Back Row: Julie Sims, Sandra Knight, Sharee Reeves, Denise Churchill
Second Row: Maree Russell, Linda Pert, Dot Speechley, Mary Marsh, Jill Graham
Front Row: John Innes (Coach), Denise Donnelly, Christine Walters (Capt.), Lee McGrogan (V/Capt.), Sharleen Speechley, Sheryl Innes (Manager)

Absent: Martha Wooller, Karen Foster

ONEHUNGA MANGERE SOCCER CLUB

SENIOR WOMENS PREMIER 2ND DIVISION TEAM
1985

Back Row: Julie Sims, Sandra Knight, Sharee Reeves, Denise Churchill
Second Row: Maree Russell, Linda Pert, Dot Speechley, Mary Marsh, Jill Graham
Front Row: John Innes (Coach), Denise Donnelly, Christine Walters (Capt.), Lee McGrogan (V/Capt.), Sharleen Speechley, Sheryl Innes (Manager)

Absent: Martha Wooller, Karen Foster

ONEHUNGA-MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

WOMENS REGIONAL 4TH DIVISION 1987

Back Row: S. Innes, D. Collier, C. Marsh, J. Watson
Second Row: M. McKenzie, J. Chatfield, C. Seymour, M. Eagleton, G. Cini, A. Douglas

Front Row: C. Chatfield, A. Harrison, V. Speechley (Captain), I. Harrison, N. Parsons

ONEHUNGA-MANGERE UNITED ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB

WOMENS PREMIER 2ND DIVISION 1987

Back Row: I. Harrison, R. Collier, S. Innes
Second Row: J. Canavan, B. Kerrigan, J. Chatfield, A. Harrison
Front Row: S. Harrison (Coach), M. Williams, S. Thomas (Manager), R. Thomas, M. McKenzie
Absent: M. Russell (Captain), T. Jackson, F. Hall, D. Speechley, J. Speechley

Renata Thomas recalls her several more babies between us. The Club- My OM family. By
football journey with OM I remember it didn’t matter what Rochelle (Oscar) Searancke
team or level you played we always
I went overseas in 1982 and when I went away twice at the end of the I moved to Mangere Bridge from
returned, my boyfriend Peter Thomas season. The girls went on the boy’s Hamilton (get all the jokes out of the
had put his footy boots back on and trips and vice versa. Off course this way now), after playing for Tauranga
was playing open grade with his changed once the babies came City, Greerton and reps in the Bay
mates. Maybe that year or the next along as someone needed to be of Plenty. I hadn’t played footy for a
season I started playing. Most of home to look after the kids. It then couple of seasons because of work
Peter’s mate’s girlfriends played, so I became boys only and girls only trips. commitments and injury, but the
joined in. I didn’t have a clue how the best way to make friends in a new
game was played, never growing up My younger sister Wendy played, town is to join the local club.
even watching football. along with my sister-in-law Debbie
and her two sisters Michelle and Asking around I heard there was
Somewhere along the line, my Rachael. My brother Shane still plays a club within walking distance of
brother Franz ended up playing in today with Franz. It was a real family my house, which comes in handy
Peter’s team and his wife, my sister- affair. if you’re a finely tuned athlete like
in-law Debbie ended up playing myself who possibly likes a beverage
with the girls as well. It was boys Many club families had two, three or two after a game.
footy on Saturday then back to the or even four members playing
club to whatever was happening. football. Families like the Kerrigan’s’, The training ground was also in
Fuzzy heads on Sundays. Many of Churchill’s, Clarke’s, Loftus’s, van walking distance, but I didn’t know
the boyfriends or husbands ended der Heijden’s, Thomas’, Browns’, that at the time, so drove the approx.
up being coaches over the years. I Locketts, Siebert’s just to name a
remember one Sunday at Centre few. All my children played footy 300 meters from my house to
Park at half time, Mrs Lockett (Sue at some time, as did Debbie and Swanson Park the first time. Nothing
Lockett) saying “anyone wanting a Franz’s 4 children. But my youngest like turning up to training fresh and
vodka, just suck on my arm”. Much Charlie and his cousin Jaiden were ready to go. I wasn’t exactly in my
hilarity and this is still remembered the same age so it seemed natural best shape at the time since I hadn’t
to this day. Among our group of that Debbie and I would coach their played for a while, the shape I was
friends in the late 80’s and early team, which we did for many years. in was best described as round and
90’s we started having little people, We must have done something comfy.
which didn’t affect the numbers in right, as Charlie went on to play
the men’s open grade but did affect in the Weir Rose Bowl just like his I explained to the coach who I had
the numbers for the women on a dad. He also played in the Auckland played for and that I wasn’t too
Sunday. Once babies were born and U16 Team which won a National bad in goal for a short fat chick.
mums bodies were half ready for Tournament in Wellington. Charlie It also helps to have a nickname,
exercise, come Sunday mornings played for Western Springs the year then people remember you for that
mum’s dads and bubs would pile in they won the Napier U19’s National instead of being a bit rubbish. Always
the car and travel all over Auckland Tournament and he represented NZ good to have a Plan B.
for an 11am kick off. Women’s games playing in Vanuatu which gained
on a Sunday are still played at 11am them entry into the Under 20 World That night the team and Bruce
to this day. Dads were on duty so Cup in Korea. Charlie has played absolutely smashed balls at me
there was always someone to look National League and is currently relentlessly, either to see if I could
after the kids on the sideline. At half playing in the OM First Team. Jaiden actually play or just to prove that I
time before the oranges and while also played rep footy before going couldn’t and to teach me a lesson.
our coach was giving us game tactics overseas on a football scholarship for Either way, I loved being back
we were breastfeeding. Half time four years, playing college football between the sticks and was hooked
over and bubs were given back to (or soccer as it’s called in the USA). again.
dads so we could finish the game. Jaiden is back in NZ now playing
This then turned into kids footy on National League, club football One thing I will say about this club is
a Saturday morning, dads footy on and coaching for Eastern Suburbs. that you never expect to find a family
a Saturday afternoon and mums on Jaiden’s younger brother Leon is also when you join a sports club, you
a Sunday. But I wouldn’t have had it currently playing in the OM NRFL expect to have a laugh, few drinks,
any other way. squad. play the occasional game of footy.
But, at OM you meet family you never
When asked to write something For a girl who didn’t grow up with knew you had, and 26 years later
about women’s football in the 90’s footy and only started playing from the first time I accidently drove
I couldn’t remember much at all because everyone else was, the game to training, I still count the people I
except the breastfeeding at half time. has grown on me over the last 40 spent time with at the club as family.
And as Michele Morrissey Brown years.
said, “fitter, faster, stronger really just We’ve been to weddings, births,
breastfeeding and baby brain”. I had It is the best game in the world, and break ups, reconnections, birthdays,
4 kids in the 90’s so my brain was never let anyone tell you it is just a and everything in between.
really baby fried. Those who have game! Nowadays the people that I played
kids will understand this. Michelle with have their kids and sometimes
and I were joint secretary when our their kids playing at the club.
youngest children, Elisabeth and
Simon were babies. We did this That’s the thing with playing at OM
for several years along with having as well…it was “the club”. “The club”
was where we hung out mid- week, it

was where we went on a Saturday to Sisters and cousins playing together chase me around the training pitch
watch the kids and the men’s teams on the pitch, but vowing to smash exclaiming, “oh Gumby, you smell
play, and the kids’ prizegiving (first each other off it, all in jest of course…. so good”. I have become known for
club I’ve ever seen that happen at) my fearless style of defending which
and a few beers into the night. Then My biggest playing highlights. Playing I partly credit to my Goal Keeping
the ladies went up on the Sunday with an amazing bunch of ladies that background, but also to Mark Loftus,
and did it all again. started off as strangers and ended up who even though I was a 18/19-year-
as family. old girl, never, ever took it lightly with
There was always that sense of me at training and would absolutely
belonging and happiness at the club. Victoria Piggott NEE Gothorp commit with full force to each tackle
Even after not playing there for years a.k.a Gumby or Vic. he did on me. That built character
I can walk in there and they still know that is for sure.
me. In 2004 I joined OMUAFC after
playing for Onehunga High School 2005 saw the addition of a few old
After a hard game, to walk into the 1st X1, Onehunga Sports and playing friends from Onehunga
club afterwards and Noel already had Papatoetoe AFC in previous seasons Sports. Sisters-Connie (now Connie
your drink sitting on the bar, that was as Goalkeeper. Cross) and Maxine McGuinn. Also,
pretty mint. The stories that bloke Vee. Nathan Steel and Daniel Phillips
had were amazing. My name is Gumby. “Did I hear that were our trusty water boy/net boy, co-
correctly?” Yes, Gumby. “What a coach/general good sorts. We drank
The one blip on my playing days at bizarre name for a lady”. Just watch a lot of beer and watched many
OM was when we couldn’t field a me play and it will all make sense. Warriors games on Sundays after our
women’s team one season, so we Hahaha. Nicknames, you’ve gotta love matches.
had to go to Onehunga Sports. All I them. I gained the nickname Gumby
accomplished there was my one and whilst at Papatoetoe AFC. After 2006 was more of the same. We
only red card as a player (I have since scoring 2 goals in one Cambridge were a big extended family and often
received one as a coach), so not my tournament. I could not believe had people’s girlfriends, cousins or
most enjoyable season. that I scored (they were sitters set friends joining in games. We went
up for me from a player known as on team trips and competed in
Back to OM where we all belong. Gin)! I exclaimed to my team after tournaments and always had a great
the games had finished for the day time doing so. Tauranga tournament
Highlights of playing at OM. Gaining “I can’t believe I scored 2 goals even is always (un)memorable. My team
a massive family. Being welcomed though I am so gumby!” Thus, the mates sure copped an eye full after
into an amazing community. Great nickname begun. I hoped that the making use of the spa pool whilst
facilities and coaching groups. An nickname would die on the ride wearing next to nothing one night,
incredible committee over all the home from Cambridge, it didn’t. I falling asleep in a wet towel whilst
years I’ve been around, who are turned up to Wednesday training kneeling next to my bed, one un-
there because they love the club, not and sadly, it was now a permanent named teammate and Oscar joining
because they have to be. nickname. Oh well, if you can’t beat me on a ride to the city to go out
‘em, join ‘em. dancing, only to turn around 5 mins
Playing highlights? later as she was now no longer
Some of the people I played with coming (long story). But we always
Beating Papatoetoe in a cup game in in 2004 were- ‘World Famous at got up and played footy the next day!
a penalty shootout up the mountain. OMUAFC’ Oscar (Rochelle) Searancke A team trip to Connie and Maxine’s
No one expected us to win, least our trusty Goalkeeper, Sisters-Kath family Bach saw Oscar with pretty
of all of us, and especially not & Erin (now Erin Steel) O’Donnell, nails once she woke up the next
Papatoetoe. Cousins-Jenny Lockett and Adie morning and other laughs.
Johnson, Myself-Gumby (Victoria
Our games against Ellerslie, not sure Piggott nee Gothorp), my sister I am proud to say I am still friends
what it was, but those games always Ange Gothorp and my cousin Kura with a number of these players all
seemed to mean a bit more. Richards (now Falleni). As well as these years later.
Debra Alaalatoa, Puddle (Paula)
Travelling over to Waiheke Island and Siebert come to mind as players In 2007 I joined the Dunks team-
watching Kelly Siebert going a dark in that 2004 season. Under the The most well- organized bunch of
shade of green, being picked up by leadership of the mighty Grizz and ladies I have ever had the pleasure to
the Waiheke team…sometimes in managed by Jenny’s mum Kaye, we play with, under the management
very interesting vehicles. Also, the played in Div 2 and always tried our of sisters Sandy and Karen Pupate
time that we had more supporters best despite the “mixed” variety of (now Creed and Piggott respectively).
at the game than they did after we’d skill levels. The Dunks had formed in 2004,
been out the night before meeting Sandy Creed and Karen Piggott
the locals. I had gone from Goalkeeper for my started to play Football for the first
first 4 seasons to playing on the field time ever with their cousin Michelle
Being knocked out so bad against and was taking quite some time Oveinikovas and her sisters in law-
Lynn Avon that I lost about a week’s to pick up the skills required LOL. I Cherie and Tanya (now Tanya
worth of memories, apparently it was decided to go and get some extra Kimiangatau) Whaanga and the
a great save, but we’ll never really training in by joining the Hustlers Grays in 2002 and 2003. Sandy,
know the truth. Thursday night trainings. I was Karen, and Tanya then formed the
fortunate enough to meet Hustlers Dunks with Hildeez (Hilda) Lemon
The mums on the side lines week in such as: Grubby, Stan, Geoff, Rolly, & Turtle (Lena) Morunga, those 5 are
and week out, incredible to think we Mark “Silky” Loftus and my personal still part of the 2021 Dunks team, 17
had so many professional coaches at favorite, Ernie Hall! Ernie used to years later.
our disposal!

We have had so many sisters, in laws, the fold over the years. There are so Minjury, Sooky Baba, Rainy Face,
cousins, nieces, best friends, mothers many I have missed out also and I Falcon, Sniper, Seagull; all these
and daughters join our team over the apologize for that, you know I have words bring a sly smile to my face
years. the attention span of a goldfish. I when I hear them due to their
love them all as they all brought association with the Dunks.
If we weren’t called the Dunks, we something different to the team.
should be called the Misfits! We The handstand competition
recruit players that have not played The highlight of playing for the Dunks in Miranda where Sandy (an
Football before in their lives and we is Kangaroo Courts, Prizegiving’s experienced softballer who should
throw them in the deep end. It has and end of year team trip for sure! have the upper body strength of
worked out great so far, hahaha. The drinking games, the board a mini superhero) attempted the
games, ibble dibble, Silly Sundays, handstand only to crumple like a
Coaches I have had over the years I the laughs, oh the laughs and the can through absolute lack of using
have been involved with the Dunks physical competitions we have. The any upper body function. Thank
include Scuba Steve (Steve Bruce), adventures we do as part of the trips. goodness she had been drinking
Bruce Loftus, Charlie Rewha and All of which are life highlights. and was relaxed otherwise, she could
Hayden Cleere. All magnificent have broken her neck. Ask her about
people who are still involved with the One time we went white water the “crushed can” video.
club as players. rafting and the instructor said if you
end up under water to hold your life The trip to Matamata was another
While always laughing at ourselves jacket and tuck your knees to your highlight. The poor campers on a
on the field when we make mistakes chest, then count to 10 and you will winter retreat to a “quiet” camping
or someone gets snipered, we have be back above water, well, Shira fell ground that was in the middle of
had some success, winning in 2012 out of her boat and was underwater nowhere were met with a bunch
and 2013 our division. for about 17 secs. The instructor had of ladies singing at the top of their
one sore arm once she got back in lungs, screaming at each other about
These days we don’t train, we meet at the boat. Then in the same trip, we board games and dancing terribly.
Away games did the luge and Shira decided to The “Malaka’s” for once had to look
race me, well we got to a narrow after the rest of us as we were in no
20 mins before kick-off and still give part of the track and neither of us state to do it ourselves.
it heaps of effort, sometimes we win, were slowing down to give way, we
sometimes we lose, however we collided, and she fell out of the cart Playing for the Dunks I can honestly
always enjoy the match just as much. onto the grass. I have not laughed so say that I have laughed until my
hard ever. face hurt, and my sides felt like they
My Dunks team is literally family. I would split. Fantastic memories that I
am the sister in- law of Karen Piggott A certain player of ours dressed as am still making year on year.
(nee Popata). And after 14 seasons, Nacho Libre and a coach dressed
the rest became extended family as a serial r**ist came back after a After playing for so many years
also. Affectionately known as Aunty kangaroo court session in “the barn” together, Connie Cross is now my
Gumby to most of their children. I covered in hay and one with a black son’s Godmother, Nathan MC’ed my
have had the pleasure of playing with eye. It turns out they were about to wedding and Erin, Puddles, Connie &
Sandy, Karen, Tanya, Hildeez, Turtle, be snapped kissing and the player Oscar attended my wedding (as well
Puddles (Paula Siebert), Lina Hill, rolled under the truck at high speed as all those actual family members of
Shira Posimani, Connie Cross, Tina to hide and smacked her face into mine that I play/ed Footy with) and
Bell, Natalie Vaha’akolo and Shanyce the truck during the process. as previously mentioned, I have now
Mohi for so many years now. got many more nieces and nephews
Speaking of black eyes at kangaroo and my son has a truck load more
Special mention to other people court in the barn, Ali and I dressed cousins, aunties and uncles. He
such as; Aunty Moana Oveinikovas, in PJ’s bent down and tried to stand always says to me “is this my real
Uncle Jackson Tawhai (R.I.P), Michelle up at the same time, resulting in a aunty?” I say, “of course it is!”
Oveinikovas, Danielle Williams, Kelly clash of heads and a black eye for
Siebert, Neano Leaupepe, Francine, me. The worst thing about this was Football is so much more than sports,
Anthea and Makayla Gabriel, Nikki that my son had grazed his face at exercise and 90 mins on a weekend.
Tawhai, Menza and Amy Chesnutt, daycare that week and had a huge It is community, it is friends that
Philly, Allison Mohi, Jody Deer, Erin graze between his eyes. The following become family and it is relationship.
Steel, sisters; Chelsea, Frannie and day, my hubby Chad, son Cole and
Minnie (Rachael) Simpson, Whitney I turn up to Manurewa Swimming I now coach my son’s 9th grade
Brown, Stacey Harris, Gabby Soledad Pools for swimming lessons and Pokemon team and have done
Montorfano, Katie Driver, Olivia everyone was giving Chad the dirtiest for 3 seasons; I have managed for
Chapman, Nicole Cowley, Daryl looks thinking he had been bashing 2 seasons the Thirst X1 O35 Men
Mautini Brown Cowley, Miss Connie his family. Poor Chad, it was just his and am Senior Convenor on the
Passfield, Stacey Pokai, Nathan Steel, clumsy wife and child. committee.
Ben Cross, Chad Piggott, Nev Creed,
Joe Piggott, Terry Kimiangatau, The super long straws in Rotorua I am so proud to be a part of
Jackson Popata and all of the babies from our bunk beds while playing OMUAFC.
who grace the sidelines watching bingo. The Miranda trip where we
us Aunties and Mama. Special had to spin around a softball bat with I cannot wait till the 125th celebration
shout out to our faithful HUNKS our head on it and Nat bee-lining for when hopefully all of our kids will
supporters (Fabian Tahitahi, Jimi the trees. All awesome memories. be playing in Senior Teams, and we
Vaha’akolo, Ebony Waipouri). All the will be in the club cheering them on
aforementioned have been part of while looking after the grandkids.