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Awakeri Soccer Club... the Greatest Junior Soccer Club in New Zealand
May 19th 2001
There were not many wins for Awakeri’s soccer teams on Saturday, but they were all pleased to be playing again after weeks of postponements.
Gould Contracting Awakeri Hotshots played an even 13th grade game at Saints. After a scoreless first half, Hotshots went a goal down and then equalised through a Croydon Little strike. Saints took the lead again, then Matthew Ward looked to have evened things up with a beautifully struck volley, however the Saints keeper pulled off an outstanding save to keep it out. Saints scored again in the final seconds, to record a 3 - 1 win. Player-of-the-match for Hotshots was Wayne Groom who was very sound in the centre of defence.
In the 11th grade A division, Adamson’s Amcal Pharmacy Awakeri Athletic had a much improved performance despite losing to Kawerau 1 - 0. There was lots of good passing and hard running, as typified by the midfield quartet Matthew Adamson, Kelly Stanton, Simon Barr and player-of-the-match Sytse Tacoma. Daniel Goodhew was outstanding at centre back, while first time player Shane Campney got involved well in the play too.
David da Silva Awakeri Autos played Opotiki in the 11th grade B division. Autos started well and scored first but faded towards the end of the first half. Opotiki capitalised on this and took the lead. In the seond half Autos fought back and made it an exciting game, with the final result being 4 - 3 to Opotiki. Christine Scott was named player-of-the-match for her non-stop work rate, covering and support play. Bradley Turner did well to score twice and Russell Sisam also got on the scoresheet.
In an exciting game the 9th grade Private Asset Management Aces came up against a very well organised Ohope team. Ohope pressurised early but the Aces defence held with some good work by Jordan Panasewych, Finn Kamphorst and Matthew Reeves. In the second half Ohope were awarded 2 penalties, which they scored from and they also managed a third goal. Player of the day was Finn Kamphorst, for his excellent defensive work. Devon Swart and Maia Poananga gave their best. Aces have improved on their positional play, but they saw in the game how important this will be for future games.
Total Power Services Awakeri Rangers had a hard fought, even 9th grade game against James Street. Mitchell Warne earned player-of-the-match for his very good work in the midfield and also the good saves he made as goalkeeper later in the game. James Attewell scored both goals to secure a 2 - 2 draw. Jakob Parker was another to impress, in his first season of soccer.
In the 8th grade, Awakeri Chiefs played Ohope. Neither team ended up scoring, but it a good contest in the middle of the field. Brent Gurran’s defensive skills saw him named player-of-the-match. Joshua Mower also had a top game, chasing and tackling well. Thomas Williams impressed with his sensible play.
Drain Tech Awakeri Diggers and Awakeri Gems had a 7th grade derby. Diggers put in a total team effort, with a Riki Roia goal earning a 1 - 1 draw. Diggers’ player-of-the-match was Sam Schuler, who had an excellent game. Gareth Rowlands also came close to scoring a couple of times, while Ryan McIntyre lasted the game well and Terri-Anne Hollis got stuck in too. Awakeri Gems enjoyed playing against their school mates and all came off hot and with enjoyment written over their faces. Jayden Haddock was Gems’ player-of-the-match and he scored their goal. Guy Kamphorst had a good all-round game, while Jemma Shaw showed good positional play and was sure in her kicks.
In the 6th grade, Awakeri Rockets had some high scoring in their two games with Ohope One, winning one 8 - 6 and losing the other 4 - 2! Tyler Mansell was outstanding for Rockets and was duly named player-of-the-match. Mark Morrison and Linton Horsburgh also had strong games.
6th grade Alfresco Court Tigers met Ohope Two at Awakeri. The two four aside games were both won by Awakeri. Leah Sheather had an outstanding game scoring many goals and was justly named player of the day. Nathan Hudson, Liam Richards and Vinnie Luca also had excellent games. A very pleasing part of the game was the children who called for the ball.