May 17th 2003

Awakeri’s soccer teams are showing lots of improvement three weeks into the season,
and three hat-tricks were a special highlight of Saturday’s games.
In the 15th grade, Awakeri Mysterios started well against Kawerau, with Sean Wright
grabbing an early goal. However, despite a large share of possession, Awakeri found
it very hard to beat the Kawerau keeper. A quick break late in the first half led to
Kawerau equalising. In the second half, Awakeri continued to have the upper hand,
and finally their dominance paid off. Patient passing between Wright and Matthew
Ward laid the ball on for Jeremy Hawkes and he drove it past the keeper to secure a 2
- 1 win. In defence player of the match Matthew Shaw was a tower of strength for
Mysterios. However, his fellow defenders Simon Barr, Sam Moore, Steven Smit and
the speedy Nicholas Law gave few opportunities to their opponents.
In the Junior High School league, the young Awakeri girls team defended hard against
Opotiki College, only going down 1 - 0. Ellice Shaw was named player of the match.
Adamson’s Pharmacy Awakeri 13th played away to Opotiki Magpies in an evenly
matched game. Both teams showed skilful passing and top defence. The first points
twenty minutes into the first half came from an own goal by the Opotiki goalie after
continued pressure by Awakeri. Opotiki soon got on the board with good ball forward
and good finishing. It was 1 - 1 at half time. The second half saw Opotiki score
straight away. Another own goal a couple of minutes later tied the scores, after good
ball forward from Kelly Stanton and Daniel Goodhew allowed the forwards to
pressure the goal. First half goalie Jonathan Whitaker began to open up the game and
a top shot from close to the sideline found the back of the net. Opotiki stepped up a
gear and put two excellent attacks together which ended in two well deserved goals.
Awakeri never gave up and came close to scoring again. Kelly Stanton was named
player of the match for her 100% commitment with Russell Sisam in midfield and
forward Hayden Te Moana also having contributed to a hard fought game. The final
score was 4 - 3 Opotiki.
The 11th grade Aces played Kawerau at Stoneham park. Both Kawerau and Awakeri
put pressure on each other's goalies with many shots from each side being saved. Ben
Hancox played a great game in the midfield and provided player of the day Matthew
Bateson good ball to attack the goal with. Bateson scored all three of the Ace's goals.
The game could have gone either way right to the final whistle, with Kawerau just
winning 4 goals to 3.
In the 10th grade, the Awakeri Hurricanes showed good improvement in their team
work, and created a few opportunities for themselves. They played a strong Opotiki
line-up. Lindsey Cotter’s excellent defence earned him the player of the match award.
Thomas Williams and David Ernest also showed a lot of commitment in their play.
Destrii Prout also impressed with his positional sense. Opotiki won the game 3 - 0.
A Jayden Haddock hat-trick was a feature of Da Silva Awakeri Autos’ 9th grade game
against the James Street Green Machine. All the Autos players played very well, with
their positional play really starting to come together. Liam Richards was named
player of the match for some excellent defending. Matthew Orr-McKeown was
another to stand out in what was a 3 - 1 win to Autos.
Draintech Awakeri Diggers put some very good passing together in their 9th grade
game against James Street. Wolves. Player of the match Zara Fowell attacked strongly
throughout the game and scored her first goal. Sam Schuler gave a typically
determined display, while defender Rhys Cram and Taylah Bateson were also in top
form. James Street won the game 2 - 1.
In the 8th grade, Private Asset Management Awakeri Tigers travelled to James Street,
to take on Pythons. With Ricky Hollis dribbling strongly, and Clive McIndoe playing
skilfully in the backs, it was left to Leah Sheather and Vinnie Luca to score the goals.
They duly obliged, Leah scoring 3 goals and Vinnie 2. This was a great all round team
effort, with Alex Costello and Caleb Sheather also making good contributions. Clive
McIndoe was named player of the day in their 5 - 1 win.
Awakeri Steelers had an excellent game against Otakiri in the 8th grade. Player of the
match Mark Morrison scored and also defended well, in what ended up being a 1 - 1
draw. All the Steelers players played up to their best.
In the 7th grade, Awakeri Kingz had quite a battle with their Opotiki opposition. The
warm conditions meant for an energy sapping game. Tautari Merito and Jesse Ingle
put away goals for the Kingz. Ingle was named player of the match for some great
work in attack and also in half a game in goal.. Kingz kept up their work till the end
to gain a 2 - 1 win.
Despite going down 1 - 0 to Opotiki, Awakeri Rockets had a brilliant game in their
7th grade encounter. Player of the day Samuel Burgess had a great attacking game
almost scoring twice. Matthew Eveleens and Rory McGregor had hard working
games on defence and attack too.
In the 6th grade, Awakeri were evenly matched with their Whakatane Magpies
opposition. The team is showing good improvement. Oliver Richmond scored and
came close a number of times. He was named player of the match. Cameron Morrison
was strong at the back for Awakeri. The game ended in a 1 - 1 draw.

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