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August 13th 2005
Good goalkeeping was a feature of a number of Awakeri's soccer
teams' games on Saturday.
The 13th Grade Private Asset Management Awakeri Aces couldn't quite match their
great efforts of last week, but would consider themselves very unlucky in their
game with Edgecumbe. The final score was 3 - 2 to Edgecumbe, but with Vincent
Sheather twice hitting the crossbar and Mathew Bateson going close on two occasions,
they probably did enough to earn a draw. Kane Wakefield was Aces player of the
day for his excellent support and tackling in midfield. Others to play well
were Robert Sonntag and Mathew Bateson. James Holani also continues to improve
in every game. Scorers for Aces were the Sheather - Bateson combination.
Total Power Awakeri Rangers put in an improved performance in their 13th grade
game against Kawerau. Rangers put together quite a few attacks, with Sharni
McKay and Harry Cotter getting shots on goal. Kawerau were pressured into conceding
an own goal, but they did well on their breakouts to win the game 6 - 1. David
Ernest's determined play had him named player of the match, while Paul Haslam
and keeper Matthew Richmond also impressed for Rangers.
In the 11th grade A division, Da Silva Awakeri Autos all played well in a good
hard battle with James Street. Autos came off the field happy with their performance.
James Street took the even game 2 - 1. Stephen Glassbrook was outstanding in
his half in goal and also on the field, where he played well on the wing and
scored. Guy Kamphorst also made some good saves in his turn in goal.
In the 11th grade B division, the C.J McIndoe Builders Awakeri Dragons were
well beaten by Kawerau. Dragons had no answer to a bigger, well organised team
and are finding the going tough in this division. Player of the day for Dragons
was Caleb Sheather who kept running all through the game and looked dangerous
on attack. Ricky Hollis had his best game, playing in the defence. The final
score was 9 - 0 to Kawerau.
Awakeri Diggers played Opotiki Gold in a hard fought see-sawing battle in the
11th grade C division. Opotiki scored first, but a well taken chance by Riki
Roia saw the scores level at half time. After the break it was the Diggers turn
to take the lead with another goal from Roia. Opotiki drew level again before
Sam Schuler's rocket right foot put Awakeri ahead 3 -2 with only two minutes
remaining. However the combination of playing the game with one player short
and a long week at camp, saw Diggers' defensive effort drop off and Opotiki
scored two more goals to win 4 - 3. The player of the match was Miles Saitta,
who had a great game in goal, including saving a penalty.
In an improved effort from last time they met, Da Silva Awakeri Kingz gave their
9th grade opponents Ohope a tough game. Luke Matchitt made some excellent saves
in goal and was named player of the match. Carrie Fynn typified a good team
effort with a strong game in defence.
Also in the 9th grade, Agritech Trailers Awakeri Knights had a good game with
a strong Allandale team. Rory McGregor made some brave saves in goal, and was
yet another keeper to be named player of the match. Sam Burgess covered a lot
of ground, and Dean Frost scored the goal in a 2 - 1 win to Allandale.
In the 8th grade, Awakeri Jets turned on an improved performance. They played
hard against Kawerau, with player of the day Toby Kirkpatrick leading the way.
He and Cameron Morrison were the scorers for Jets in a 2 - 4 loss.
The Edge Swim School Bullets came up against a well drilled Saints outfit losing
3 - 0 in their 7th grade outing. However it did not stop some entertaining football
from the Bullets, with a strong defensive game by man of the match Shane Hope.
Great attacking opportunities created by Nikolai Christensen and Tiaan Brownless
did not become goals, due to good goal keeping by the Saints.
Good passing and calling by Awakeri's youngest team, the 6th grade Tigers, brought
about a 2 - 0 win against Saints. Player of the match Liam Sanson scored a good
runaway goal, and Daniel Perkinson also put away a goal in what was a hard physical
game.