Waterside Karori’s name will be the first to be engraved on the Nora Watkins Memorial Shield.

Waterside Karori have claimed the new challenge shield introduced to the women’s game after beating Victoria University 1-0 at Wakefield Park in the Women’s Central League on 29th May.

Nikki Furukawa opened the scoring early to put Karori in the driver’s seat. Vic Uni tried clawing their way back into the game but couldn’t find a way through Karori’s defence which has only let in three goals in their four league games so far. 

The Nora Watkins Memorial Shield was inspired by the continued growth of women’s football, and adds to the ever-growing legacy of the 2023 Women's World Cup. The Shield was donated to Capital Football by Miramar Rangers AFC in Nora’s name to honour her contributions to Wellington football and the Football Ferns. Brae Watkins was present at Wakefield Park and was honoured to present the Shield to the winning captain (Renee Bacon).

Being the current champions of the Women’s Central League, Waterside Karori had the first opportunity to challenge for the Shield in their first home match. After the match coach Tory Schiltgen stated “the club is extremely proud to hold the Shield, it gives the girls extra motivation throughout the season, and it is a fantastic way to honour Nora’s legacy in women’s football”.

It is similar to the O’Brien shield which has been played for in the Men’s Central League since 1972, with the holders putting the prize up for grabs in their home fixtures, Waterside Karori are now the holders of both the O’Brien & Nora Watkins Memorial Shield.

Waterside Karori’s first defence will be this Saturday (June 8) when they play Seatoun AFC at Karori Park at 12:00pm

Challenge #1
29/05/24 - Wakefield Park 
Waterside Karori 1 (Nikki Furukawa)
Victoria University 0 

Challenge #2
08/06/24 – Karori Park
Waterside Karori
Seatoun AFC

Article added: Thursday 06 June 2024