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Awakeri Soccer Club... the Greatest Junior Soccer Club in New Zealand
July 20th 2002
Awakeri’s soccer teams were pleased to be back in action
after the holiday break, with a full round of games on Saturday.
Awakeri Hobbits were shocked into life in their 15th grade game at Whakatane.
The fast breaking home forwards caught Hobbits out a few times early in the
game. Keeper Simon Jansen made a good stop to one of the raids, but the next
one was put away. Awakeri’s better passing eventually gave them a steady
supply of possession, and Ian Sisam equalised. Matthew Ward put one away from
close range, then Nicholas Law got in on the act after a neat one-two with Sisam.
In the second half,
Matthew Ward set up Sean Wright for a goal, before he put his name on another
one. Just before the game ended, Hobbits’ player of the match Croydon
Little was carried off injured after a committed challenge with a Whakatane
defender. The final score Whakatane 1, Awakeri Hobbits 5.
In the Intermediate Girls league, Awakeri played the high flying Opotiki Queen
Bees, and put in a staunch effort, only losing 2 - 0. Rink Tacoma stopped
many attacks in her role as defender and she was duly named player of the match.
Awakeri had a
number of good runs forward, but couldn’t get through the strong Opotiki
defence. A 100% committed Adamson Amcal Pharmacy Awakeri 13th grade team played
the very strong and organised United side at home. The first half saw the United
team put together an excellent passing game. If it was not for top defence from
Mark Ernest, Jordan McDonald and Simon Barr in goal, the half time score could
have been more than the 2 - 0 lead to United. Awakeri had a few good chances
with good ball forward from Casey McKay and Jonathan Whitaker but the United
defence held strong. In the second half Awakeri’s forwards put together
some skilful runs, with Matthew Adamson finally finding the back of the net
mid way through. United continued their attacks and put three more into the
Awakeri goal plus an own goal by one of the defenders. This was a great game
to watch, with exciting play from both teams. The final score was 6 - 1 to United.
Player of the day went to Myron Rowlands for his top midfield effort.
In the 11th grade, Paroa only had five players and defaulted to Da Silva Awakeri
Autos. However Autos lent them some players to make a game of it. Leonard Sonntag
and James Wilson scored goals for Autos. Hayden Reeves earned player
of the match for putting in a great effort against his own team. The score was
3 - 2 to the Autos.
The two Awakeri teams squared off against each other, in the 10th grade. In
a game played in good spirit, Private Asset Management Aces came out the victors.
Total Power Services Rangers defended well and Chris Stanton in goal made some
excellent saves. Emma Barr was named player of the day for Rangers for
her excellent tackling. For Aces, Miles McConway earned player of the
day, for his total involvement and excellent passing. Waylen Skipps scored a
hat-trick and was well supported by Devon Swart, who in his last game for Awakeri,
scored two goals. This was the last game in the first round and the 10th grade
will be split into two sections.
In the 9th grade, Awakeri Hurricanes had a hard challenging game against Ohope
Blues. After two excellent goals from Awakeri and one from Ohope, both teams
seemed to tire.The final result being a 2 all draw. Player of the day was David
Ernest who continues to show excellent defensive skills.
8th grade Drain Tech Awakeri Diggers all returned from the break in good form
and managed a 3 - 1 win at Opotiki. Sam Schuler’s steady development
had him named player of the match. Riki Roia (2) and Gareth Rowlands were the
goal scorers.
A very determined 8th grade Ohope side kept the Awakeri Devils on their toes,
with Ohope securing a 2 - 1 victory. It was a close game, with Awakeri, who
felt confident of a victory at the start of the game, running out of puff in
the second half. Matthew Orr-McKeown took player of the match for trying
hard all game. But Ohope deserved to win for keeping control of the match.
In the 7th Grade, Alfresco Court Awakeri Tigers played Whakatane One. Things
really clicked for Tigers and they played their best football of the season.
Right from the opening whistle, the team looked to attack, with everyone passing
and defending
well. Caleb Sheather was awarded player of the match for his efforts
in goal, and his attacking play. Robert Law also played well as goalie and then
managed to score a good goal out in the field. Alex Costello was twice injured,
but bravely battled on.
The final score was 3 -0 to Tigers, with all the players keenly looking forward
to next week’s game.
Also in the 7th grade, Awakeri Steelers turned in a good performance in their
game against Whakatane Two. Player of the match Thomas Attewell contested
the ball throughout. The Whakatane organisation proved too good in the end,
they secured a 2 - 0 win.
Despite been outplayed by Hartleys Kawerau, 6th grade Awakeri Rockets enjoyed
playing soccer again. Samuel Burgess and Luke Matchitt displayed some awesome
skills when on attack. Player of the match Daniel Reeves never stopped
trying to
break through Kawerau’s defence. Rex Marshall is also improving with every
game.
The Awakeri Kingz also met Kawerau in the 6th grade. They played quite well,
despite losing 5 - 1. Tautari Merito did well to score the goal for the Kingz.
Christopher Walker chased all day and was named player of the match.