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

June 24 2000

The highlight of Saturday’s play for the Awakeri Soccer Club was the match-ups between four of its teams in two different grades.

Both Awakeri 8th grade teams squared off in a close encounter, which ended in a 1-1 draw, pleasing the large crowd of onlookers. In a game played with good sportsmanship from both sides, Awakeri Magic were first to score. Mathew Reeves hitting home a good drive, giving the goal keeper no chance. Total Power Services Awakeri Rangers hit back quickly, with a well taken goal from James Attewell. Play then went from end to end, with neither team managing to score the winner. Players of the day were Jade Cossey, for his great dribbling skills and Nicholas Schuler, for his excellent performance as goal keeper. Others to impress were: Paul Haslam; Chris Stanton, who used his passing skills well; Emma Barr, who had an great but unsuccessful attempt at goal; and Vikki Lowndes, who did her job well in her natural position in defence.

In the 7th grade, Peter Clarke Ltd Awakeri were determined to hold their own against the strong Awakeri Blues team, and would be proud of their effort. Joshua Mower earned their player-of-the-match award for his consistently good work in goal in the first half. David Ernest also did a good job in the second half. Up front, Brent Gurran attacked well, ably assisted by Kelly Hughes. Matthew Richmond caught the Blues goal keeper out of position and ran away to score. The final score was 3 - 1 to Blues. For the Blues team, Carlene Steer covered the ground well. Her determination to get her share of the ball saw her named player-of-the-match. Kane Wakefield and Devon Swart were the scorers for the Blues team.

Awakeri Draintech Diggers were too strong for the Saints in the 6th grade. Jordan Steer was named player-of-the-match for his efforts, and he, Riki Roia and Liam Richards scored the goals. Guy Kamphorst also did well, he put in a lot of running.

Also in the 6th grade, Awakeri Hurricanes had their hands full with the strong James Street team. Hurricanes had trouble making progress up the field, but they never stopped trying. Ryan McIntyre was the player-of-the-match for his fine work in goal. Jemma Shaw also had a good game. James Street won the game comfortably.

In the 11th grade A division, Gould Contracting Awakeri Hotshots also had to battle against a classy James Street side. Hotshots showed a lot of heart as they defended against their fast raiding opposites. Lance Robison scored from the penalty sport, following a hand ball, but most of the action was at the other end, as James Street took the game 11 - 1. Jonathon Dawson earned player-of-the-match with a dedicated defensive effort.

Adamson’s Amcal Pharmacy Awakeri Athletic turned the tables on James Street in the 11th grade B division, as they won 1 - 0. Mark Ernest’s fine efforts saw him named player-of-the-match. He provided an excellent ball through to Ben McPherson, who flicked it past the goalie for the only goal. Richmond Brown had a top game in the midfield, while Matthew Adamson and Sytse Tacoma also did their jobs extremely well.

In the 13th grade, Awakeri Store Strikers had a competitive first half against Kawerau. They took an early lead, when Simon Turner put a great ball through for speedster Carrington Brown. He raced away to smack it past the keeper and Awakeri were a goal up inside a minute. Kawerau fought their way back and evened the score up. Turner repeated his trick before half time and Brown obliged again, and again Kawerau replied. However, in the second half, Kawerau’s better football eventually gave them a 6 - 2 win. Nicholas Haslam has improved with every game this season. His direct tackling and pressure on the ball carrier saw him named player-of-the-match for Strikers. Matthew Barr had a good game in the middle of defence, while up front Liam Fitzgerald toiled away.