Awakeri Soccer Club... the Greatest Junior Soccer Club in New Zealand

June 10 2000

The much awaited 13th grade soccer clash between Awakeri Store Strikers and James Street turned into a titanic clash. With schoolmates playing for opposing sides, there was a lot at stake and both sides put their heart and soul into it. James Street made a lot of the attacking play, but Strikers defended with great determination and had the occasional breakout to keep their opponents worried. Keeper Cody Hancox made a couple of excellent saves for Strikers, and Matthew Gwynne nearly stole a win in the final minutes. He went on a solo run, beating the defence and keeper, but couldn’t quite turn the ball into the goal. The result, a 0 - 0 draw. Liam Fitzgerald was named Awakeri’s player-of-the-match for his determined game in the forwards. Lisa Lowndes was another to impress as she showed up to support in defence and on attack.

In the 11th grade A division, Gould Contracting Awakeri Hotshots struggled against a very good Opotiki team. Troy Jansen and Michael Etter worked hard in defence, and Darren Groom worked very hard in the midfield. Opotiki took the game 6 - 0.

Adamson’s Amcal Pharmacy Awakeri Athletic also met a strong Opotiki side in the 11th grade B division. Opotiki were unbeaten this season, and dominated possession, playing most of the game in Awakeri’s half. Opotiki did manage to get a goal past the desperate defence, but in the final minutes Awakeri got their one chance and they made the most of it. A good ball from Kelly Stanton put the hard working Ben McPherson away, and he put the ball through the keeper’s legs to grab a 1 - 1 draw! Adam Rutland earned the player-of-the-match award for his hard work and good build-up play. In defence, Simon Barr, Myron Rowlands and Jordan Macdonald had excellent games, while Max Butler ran his heart out in the midfield.

A rusty looking David da Silva Awakeri Autos team lost 2 - 1 when their 9th grade opposition Kawerau scored a late winner. Autos missed quite a few chances in the game. Kelly Whitham was Autos’ player-of-the -match for her very good positional play in the defence. Jonathon Hudson was another impress, he used his good ball skills well.

The 8th grade Awakeri Magic team made a great start against James Street 2. They pressurised the goal for the first five minutes but were just unable to get the ball through the posts. Vincent Sheather came closest with a shot that hit the crossbar. Chelsie Pettinger in goal made some good saves, but James Street were rewarded with a goal just before half time. In the second half again Awakeri did everything but get the ball into the goal. Meanwhile the opposition were taking their opportunities. Judah Marshall tried hard in goal and made some great saves. Jade Cossey ran well and was rewarded with a goal late in the half. For his excellent passing Finn Kamphorst was named player of the day. He had linked well with the forwards and made many scoring chances. The final score was 5-1 to James Street.

After a couple of weeks without a game, Total Power Services Awakeri Rangers were full of enthusiasm in their 8th grade encounter with Edgecumbe. It was an even affair, ranging up and down the field. Both teams were unable to score until Joshua McCormick got the ball past the Edgecumbe keeper to gain a 1 - 0 win. The Rangers team are developing well, and are starting to look for spaces and pass the ball around. Players to impress were: Chris Stanton, who was tidy in defence; James Attewell and Nicholas Schuler, who are developing a very good combination up front; and player-of-the-match Joshua McCormick whose strong runs made him a good attacker.

Peter Clarke Ltd Awakeri played very well as a team in their 7th grade encounter with Edgecumbe Pikachus. They all tried hard and kept the score to 2 - 1 at half time. Player-of-the-match Kelly Hughes had a top game and also scored Awakeri’s goal. David Ernest, Brent Gurran and defender Lindsey Cotter all played well. Edgecumbe ran out the winners 6 - 1.

Awakeri Blues also met Edgecumbe in the 7th grade. Blues banded together under pressure, with the help of one of the Edgecumbe Digimon players, and managed a 1 - 1 draw. Kane Wakefield scored for Blues, while Miles McConway and Carlene Steer shared player-of-the-match for their efforts.

In the 6th grade, Awakeri Draintech Diggers only fired late in their closely fought game against Otakiri. Gareth Rowlands earned player-of-the-match for his determination all through the game. Matthew Orr-McKeown showed courage in playing on after being injured. Otakiri won the game 3 - 1.

Awakeri Hurricanes had a good game against Kawerau, despite losing 4 - 0. Four year-old Mark Morrison was named player-of-the-match for his effort as keeper and his good clearances. Hurricanes showed good sportsmanship in lending their opposition some players, and Leah Sheather was applauded for her contribution to the Kawerau team. Hannah Hudson was another to perform well for Hurricanes, she used her strength and skills to good effect.