Melville women will celebrate an imperious title-winning campaign in the northern league championship when they play their final home match of the season, against fourth-placed Birkenhead United at Gower Park (1pm) on Sunday (August 31).

The title was first confirmed in slightly anti-climactic fashion after Central United defaulted Melville's home game on August 17.

And Melville's league dominance was reinforced with a 3-0 away win over Cambridge on Sunday, which pushed them 11 points clear at the top after second-placed Onehunga Sports were beaten 2-0 by Franklin United.

With most of the squad too young to drink, maybe the club could shout them some sparkling water in honour of a stunning season.

Against Cambridge, Laura Bennett opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a cracking low left foot shot from outside the area which went just inside the post. She later hit the crossbar before adding her second in the 68th minute.

It took 16-year-old Bennett's season tally to an impressive 21 goals for 17 appearances.

And then just a minute later sub Mia Humphrey, fresh back from New Zealand U16 duty, hit a beauty from distance to make the game safe. It was Humphrey's ninth goal of the season.

Denirae Piripiri, 16, made her northern league debut in goal for Melville, becoming the 25th player to turn out for the team in the 2025 season.

# Melville have qualified for the 2025 girls youth national league after a 2-2 home draw with Fencibles. Top-of-the-table Melville have one qualifying match to play, away to fourth-placed Birkenhead on September 6.

Fencibles scored first before Mia Humphrey added a goal in each half, but Fencibles drew level through an 89th minute penalty.

Article added: Wednesday 27 August 2025