The Waikato Rapids have been crowned 2024 For Futsal SuperLeague champions after a dominating day at South Auckland's Bruce Pulman Arena.

Monday March 25, 2024, will live long in the memories of Rapids players, staff and fans. Guaranteeing a top four finish on day 1 of National Series 2, the squad started preparing to perform on what would be a huge day.

Waikato Rapids 4-2 Canterbury United (semi-final)

It was an early morning wake up call for the team's semi-final against the top team in pool play, and defending champions, Canterbury United. It was a tense encounter in which the Rapids never trailed, but Canterbury always threatened.

Ethan Martin's early goal separated the teams at half time. Martin's second, moments after Ben Bordin has put the Rapids two up, seemed to bring a manner of comfort. Kosei Oikawa hit back quickly for United, but Davis Vhavha replied in kind with a rocket of a free kick.

New Futsal White, Hemi Innes, reduced Canterbury's deficit to two again with four minutes remeianing, but the Rapids defended strongly for the remainder of the match to set up a grand final meeting with Auckland City.

Match Centre HERE. 

Waikato Rapids 6-1 Auckland City (final)

Rapids captain, Ethan Martin, was the central performer in the team's second Ford Futsal SuperLeague championship, and first since 2019.

In a repeat of the 2020 final, which City won 2-0 at the same venue, Martin's four goals not only gave the scoreline a scarcely believeable look but capped a league MVP and Golden Boot winning campaign for Waikato's main man.

Max Ericksen gave the Rapids an early lead, before the first of Martin's haul soon after ensured Waikato had the look of a side that meant business in the biggest match of the local futsal season. 

City hit back to remain in the contest for a time but Martin and his lethal left foot pushed the Rapids to the brink of victory.

A couple of moments of fifth man capitalistion, with City pushing to get back in the match, blew the margin out and allowed the Rapids to enjoy the closing changes.

Match Centre HERE.