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May 10th 2003
A thrilling game between Awakeri’s oldest soccer team and their 15th grade
James
Street rivals was a feature of Saturday’s play.
The Awakeri Mysterios were at home to the James Street Boys in an early kick
off.
The action was fast and furious from the start. Awakeri’s keeper Sam Moore
was
called on to make a number of diving saves, but eventually one got through.
However
the home team fought back, good work from Sean Wright opened the chance for
Matt
Ward to even up the scores. There were lots of opportunities in the game, as
both
teams constructed their play well. The visitors took the lead again, only for
Ian Sisam
to neatly lob the James Street keeper and even things up once more. Late in
the game
James Street looked to have sneaked the win with a third goal, but Matt Ward
grabbed a deserved draw with a classy lob in the final minutes. The final score
was
Awakeri Mysterios 3, the James Street Boys 3. Player of the match for Awakeri
was
Trent Williamson, who worked non-stop in his midfield role.
In the Junior High School Girls League, Awakeri hosted Whakatane High School.
The
visitors had to battle to a 2 - 0 lead, but spirited play by the young Awakeri
team
brought them back to grab a 2 - 2 draw. Kelly Whitham warned player of the match
raps for her tough defence. Others to stand out were Hannah Searle, Ashlee
Cunningham and the talented Danniella Palmer.
The Adamson’s Amcal Pharmacy Awakeri 13th grade team dominated play from
the
kick off against Edgecumbe with powerful attacking runs, accurate passing and
solid
defence. David Wakelin put Awakeri on the board after 5 minutes with a nice
chip
over the goalie’s head. Centre forward Ben McPherson then began to take
the
Edgecumbe defence apart with two short range and then two long-range goals.
All the
players contributed to a fast moving and clean game going to the break 5-0.
The
second half saw a reshuffle for Awakeri to allow the mid field and backs a chance
to
run. Edgecumbe put together some first class play and never gave up but the
defence
of the Awakeri backs Mark Ernest and Max Farmer held firm. After numerous attacks
on the Edgecumbe goal James Wilson put one in the net. Ben McPherson was a well
deserving player of the day with Kelly Stanton and Russell Sisam showing excellent
ball skills in the midfield. The final score was 6 - 0 to Awakeri.
A primed up 11th grade Awakeri Aces side took it to the Saints team at Awakeri
on
Saturday. Some heavy pressure applied to the Saints keeper saw many goal attempts
by Awakeri, but some outstanding defence by the goalie resulted in a nil all
scoreline
at half time. A more even second half saw Awakeri produce some outstanding passing
and team play and take a lead. Saints were quick to attack back and scored to
bring
the game to one all, but a late individual goal by Ben Hancox clinched a 2 -
1 win to
Awakeri. Player of the day was Matthew Reeves for his persistent attacks and
attempts at goal all through the game. He also scored the first goal. Coach
Rod
Kamphorst was very pleased with the good passing and excellent team play that
all
the players exhibited.
Also in the 11th grade, Total Power Services Awakeri Rangers, played some good
football, but just couldn't match a skilful Opotiki side. Player of the day
for Rangers
was Chris Stanton, who had a fine second half in goal, making several impressive
saves. Others to stand out were Vikki Lowndes, for her excellent defensive work,
and
Hawea Mansell who covered a lot of ground both in defence and attack. The goal
scorers were James Attewell and Hawea Mansell. The final score was 4-2 to Opotiki.
In the 10th grade, the Awakeri Hurricanes put in a good effort, going down 4
- 0 to
the Edgecumbe Eagles. Player of the match Kane Wakefield stood out for his good
defence and some good runs down the wing. Matt Fulton, and Brent Gurran also
impressed with their hard working efforts.
Draintech Awakeri Diggers did their new shirts proud. They passed the ball well
in
the 9th grade game against Allandale. This combined with good positional play
brought them a 3 - 0 win. Gareth Rowlands scored all three goals and was named
player of the match. Terri-Anne Hollis was another to have a top game.
Also in the 9th grade, Da Silva Awakeri Autos really played well as a team and
came
away with a 5 - 0 win against Opotiki Volcanics. Player of the match Jayden
Haddock
showed excellent positional sense. He shared the goals with the well performed
Keanu Carter and Stephen Glassbrook.
The Awakeri Steelers ended up losing to a very good Opotiki team in the 8th
grade,
but they were pleased with sharing the second half 2 - 2. All the Steelers players
played hard. Emma Bennet was named player of the match for her continuous
improvement. Mark Morrison and Thomas Attewell grabbed the goals for Steelers.
Khyron Prout kept his team in the game with a number of fine saves in the goal.
Michaela Hancox also impressed with her contribution.
After last weeks excellent first up effort, Private Asset Management Awakeri
Tigers
put on another great display in their 8th grade game against Otakiri. The first
half was
particularly exciting, with the team settling into a good positional pattern.
Leah
Sheather netted twice for Tigers and was named player of the day. Otakiri tried
hard,
but couldn't crack the Tigers defence. Rick Hollis also had a great game, both
on
attack and defence.
In the 7th grade, the Awakeri Kingz had to settle for a 1 - 1 draw against Otakiri.
It
was an even game, although the Kingz were unlucky not to score on a number of
occasions. Tautari Merito scored the goal, while Shane Gow’s excellent
defence saw
him named player of the match.
Awakeri Rockets played against Thornton in the 7th grade, with Rockets winning
2 -
0. Kurt Turpie was the player of the day. He scored both of Awakeri's goals.
Iven
Bennet had a great game, clearing the ball well. Luke Matchitt also played well,
chasing the ball hard and never giving up.
In the 6th grade, Awakeri had a game among themselves and enjoyed their time.