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June 18th 2005
The ravages of the 'flu affected a number of Awakeri's soccer teams on Saturday,
but a good number of exciting games still eventuated.
After a disappointing performance last week Awakeri 15th grade played a skilful
and well-organised team game against a strong Kawerau side. Awakeri got on the
score sheet early after top work from the mid field pairing of player of the
match Kate Dowden and David Wakelin secured good ball for their forwards. Left
forward Richmond Brown took advantage and set one screaming past the Kawerau
keeper. From broken play and accurate corners Ben McPherson created numerous
chances across the goalmouth finally being rewarded when Brown connected scoring
his second.
The second half saw excellent passing and courageous defending from both sides.
Kawerau put some excellent attacks together. Top work from Awakeri keeper Jono
Whitaker and the back three of Caleb Simpson, Jamie Emms and Kelly Stanton held
thm out. The final score was 2 - 0 to Awakeri.
Private Asset Management Awakeri Aces were tied at 1 - 1 midway through their
13th grade game against Kawerau. Matthew Bateson, who had already scored for
Aces, then had a chance with a penalty. He couldn't convert it, but later redeemed
himself by scoring the winner. Robert Sonntag's strong play in midfield and
crosses from the wing had him named player of the match. Several players played
despite being ill, and Indiana Brown gave it all she could before having to
go off. Kane Wakefield and Glen Askey put in their best efforts as well. The
final score Awakeri Aces 2 Kawerau 1.
Also in the 13th grade, Total power Services Awakeri Rangers could only field
nine players against Edgecumbe. Rangers did very well to hold them to 0 - 4
at half time. Madison Constantine played at his best and was named player of
the match. Sharni McKay had a non-stop attitude and contributed well. Rangers
were exhausted by the end and conceded several more goals.
Generosity probably cost Da Silva Awakeri Autos in their 11th grade A division
game against Edgecumbe. Edgecumbe could only field seven players, so Autos dropped
their numbers to the same. Autos were ahead at half time, 2 - 0, but Edgecumbe
grabbed two late goals to snatch an exciting 4 - 3 win. Jayden Haddock scored
a hat-trick for Autos to be named player of the match. Zoe Johnston did a good
job in defence.
In the 11th grade B division, Awakeri Diggers were sort of players, but did
well against Kawerau. Sam Schuler's excellent play in the midfield saw him named
player of the match. He was well supported by defender Aimee Jones, and Miles
Saitta. Kawerau won the game 4 - 2.
CJ McIndoe's Awakeri Dragons missed quite a few chances to score in their 11th
grade B game against the strong Allandale team. Allandale went on to win 8 -
0, but they were gracious enough to concede that Dragons had made an excellent
game of it. Outstanding work in defence by Jesse Kerei brought him the player
of the match award.
The Da Silva Autos Awakeri Kingz played Opotiki Black in the 9th grade, at Opotiki.
Kingz scored first with Tautari Merito running past the defenders and finishing
off. Opotiki equalised soon after and the game looked very even at half time.
Nicci Hammond saved some close goal shots from Opotiki, and the Kingz had lots
of near misses at the other end as well. Neither side could get the winner,
so the game ended at 1 - all. Zac Fretwell was player of the match for some
great passing and moving into good positions.
Agritech Trailers Awakeri Knights were down 1 - 0 at half time in their 9th
grade game against Saints. An exciting second half, started with goals to Dean
Frost and player of the match Kurt Turpie (2). Saints came back though and sneaked
a late winner, 4 - 3. Samuel Burgess also impressed with his play, both up front
and in defence. Knights had no subs and were very tired by the end of the game.
Awakeri Jets started well in their 8th grade game with a skilful Ohope team.
The Ohope team eventually got ahead and won the game. Player of the match Olivia
Smits shows improvement in every game and made an excellent contribution. Joshua
Klein-Ovink was also in good form, pushing the ball forward well.
The 7th grade Edge Swim School Awakeri Bullets spent an energetic thirty minutes
defending their goal against Whakatane Lightning Bolts. Dillon Murray played
goalie
in the first half with Tiaan Brownless in goal in the second half. Dillon went
on to play a great attacking game in the second half but it was Tiaan's performance
that won him player of the day. Although the Lightening Bolts managed to get
3 goals (3-0), Tiaan was outstanding. He listened to the coaching and stopped
that ball time and time again, with the back-up of a good team effort.
Awakeri Tigers produced some excellent passing to win their 6th grade game agonist
Whakatane Little Rascals 5 - 0. Player of the match James Thompson and Daniel
Perkinson shared the goals between them.