Only one round has been completed but already, three teams have given indications they’re going to be among the contenders in this year’s Lotto NRFL Women’s Championship.

Franklin United, Tauranga Moana, and Birkenhead United all staked early claims on the Championship table with wins in the opening round.

Today should help sort out early season form with some interesting match-ups.

Birkenhead United have arrived in the Bay of Plenty to take on newly-merged Tauranga Moana, a side representing local clubs Tauranga City, Papamoa and Otumoetai. Their game is at 1pm, today, Sunday April 14, at Links Ave.

A South Auckland derby between Franklin United and Manukau United at Drury Sports Complex could see plenty of goals.

Franklin, having scored five goals in their victory over Northern Rovers last weekend, will likely flex their goal-scoring muscles this afternoon.

Manukau United put three goals past Central United in the opening round.

Interestingly, both Franklin and Manukau showed defensive vulnerability last week, both conceding three goals.

Winless sides Melville United and Northern Rovers face off in the Tron, while Central United host Onehunga Sports.

Fixtures:

Games to be played on Sunday April 14, 2024:

FC Tauranga Moana v Birkenhead United
Links Ave, Mt Maunganui, 1pm

Melville United v Northern Rovers
Gower Park, Hamilton, 1pm

Franklin United v Manukau City
Drury Sports Complex, Drury, 1pm

Central United v Onehunga Sports
Nixon Park, Kingsland, 1pm

Joan Grey/Friends of Football.