Awakeri Soccer Club... the Greatest Junior Soccer Club in New Zealand

July 22nd 2000

Those Awakeri Soccer Club teams who were fortunate enough to play enjoyed their first game back after the holidays, though some of them looked rather out of practice.

Awakeri Store Strikers ended up with a heavy 10 - 0 defeat at the hands of Whakatane Sportsworld in the 13th grade. However, Strikers played a lot better than the score suggests. The score was 6 - nil at half time, despite good defence from Lisa Lowndes in particular. In the second half, both teams created an equal number of opportunities, but Strikers were unable to convert any of theirs. Sonya Pettinger had a good game up front, going on some useful runs. She shared the player-of-the-match award with the hard-working Nicholas Law and Cody Hancox.

The 8th Grade Awakeri Magic side met Paroa at Rex Morpeth Park. Magic were quickly into their stride with some excellent passing and good defence. Mathew Reeves scored a good goal just before half time, after Jade Cossey had attacked well. Steven Law and Judah Marshall also made many good runs toward goal. Chelsie Pettinger was named player of the day ,showing great determination and also good sportsmanship. The final score was 1-0 to Awakeri Magic.

Also in the 8th grade, Total Power Services Awakeri Rangers all enjoyed their game against Ohope. Joseph Newdick shone for Rangers. He had a confident game, tackling his opponents well. The tireless work of Chris Stanton saw him named player-of-the-match, he ranged up and down the field. The game was a very entertaining one for the spectators, with Ohope running out the winners 2 - 0.

Awakeri Blues looked a little rusty after the holidays, as they suffered their first loss of the season to a skilful Ohope team in the 7th grade. The wet ground and heavy ball slowed down the play of the Awakeri team, but they still managed to score three times. Waylon Skipps showed good determination and was rewarded with a goal. Devon Swart and Kane Wakefield were the other scorers. An excellent display in goal gave player-of-the-match to Jordan Panasewych. He caught the ball well, and also charged off his line to make some good saves. Ohope won the game 5 - 3.

Peter Clarke Ltd Awakeri thoroughly enjoyed playing in the muddy conditions in their 7th grade game against Ohope. Madison Constantine was their player-of-the-match. He tried very hard, never giving up. Oliver Butler had his best game so far. He put in some useful kicks and chased the ball well. Others to do well were Brent Gurran and the very good goalkeeper Lindsey Cotter. Ohope won the game 2 - 0. It was a game played in excellent spirit, with plenty of vocal support from the sideline.

None of Awakeri's other teams played, with heavy rain during the week causing a number of fields to be closed.