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July 26th 2003
Awakeri’s soccer teams were grateful to be back playing again, after the
holiday
break, and put together some impressive results.
The Awakeri Mysterios broke a long standing jinx, in beating James Street in
an
entertaining 15th grade game. Mysterios started well, pinning James Street in
their
own half with some good passing combinations and determined ball-winning
challenges. Reender Buikema opened the scoring, after robbing a defender,
he slotted
home a well hit shot from a narrow angle. Matt Ward went close to extending
the lead
when he headed a Buikema corner down so strongly, it bounced over the crossbar!
In the second half, James Street came out with a more determined attitude, but
Mysterios kept up the pressure. Croydon Little won the ball just outside the
penalty
area, and raced through to smack a great shot past the keeper. James Street
began to
gain more territorial advantage, and gained hope when Josh Hyndman drove a sweet
shot in from over 20 metres. Mysterios had a number of chances to extend their
lead,
but couldn’t convert them. The final score was James Street 1, Awakeri
Mysterios 2.
Buikema was named player of the day. In a very good team performance, others
to
shine were Little, keeper Jono Whitaker, the tight defence and Sean Wright.
In the Junior High School Girls league, Awakeri went behind against Whakatane,
to
trail 2 - 1 at half time. Awakeri then stormed into the lead, only for Whakatane
to
grab a late equaliser. The game ended at 3 - 3. Awakeri’s keeper Ashley
Cunningham
was in top form and earned player of the match with a string of excellent saves.
Liz
Moore had an excellent game in midfield, while Danniella Palmer (2) and Kelly
Stanton were Awakeri’s scorers.
After a three week break Adamsons Amcal Pharmacy Awakeri 13th grade were
tested by a well-organised and committed Whakatane side.
Numerous times Awakeri threatened the Whakatane goal but good defence and poor
finishing kept them out. Whakatane also put together some skilful plays and
got clean
ball to their forwards. Hayden Te Moana scored a well-earned goal mid way through
the first half after good ball from midfield. Whakatane replied soon after,
with a nice
shot past the Awakeri keeper. It was 1 - 1 at half time.
The second half saw both sides come out firing, creating chances with quick
ball to
their forwards and tight defence. Awakeri’s centre forward Ben McPherson
finally
broke the deadlock with an individual effort almost from his own goal line,
getting
around half a dozen players before thumping it past the Whakatane goalie. Five
minutes later after good ball from his backs McPherson again out played a number
of
players to score another. The final score was 3 - 1 to Awakeri.
This was a good result by Awakeri but a lot of credit must go to a spirited
Whakatane
side. For Awakeri, mid fielder Sam Hall was named player of the day,
with backs
Daniel Goodhew and Neil Sax totally committed as well.
Total Power Awakeri 11th grade Rangers, struggled with a wet, slippery ball,
and a
cold nine o'clock start. They found themselves a goal down to Whakatane Rovers
after a few minutes, and were really struggling to put their passes together.
It wasn't
till the second half that Rangers started playing better soccer. For Rangers,
Hawea
Mansell had an excellent game, making some great runs and passing well.
He was
named player of the day. Vincent Sheather scored twice for Rangers. Chris Stanton
and Vikki Lowndes stood out as well. Whakatane Rovers held on to a well deserved
win, 4 goals to 2.
Despite a slow start by the Awakeri Aces in the first game after the holidays,
they
came away with a 5 - 1 win over Allandale. Both teams played well, with plenty
of
action happening at both ends of the field all game. Some good passing and team
work gave the Aces the goals. Player of the day went to Jade Cossey,
for showing
some real skill and playing hard all game.
In the 10th grade, Awakeri Hurricanes came up against top of the table Whakatane
Celtic. Player of the match Brent Gurran was fully involved in the play
for
Hurricanes. James Holani did well as goalkeeper, while David Ernest put plenty
of
pressure on his opponents. Celtic won the game 10 - 0.
Da Silva Awakeri Autos all played well in their 9th grade game against James
Street
Wolves. Guy Kamphorst put in an outstanding display both as keeper and
in defence,
to be named player of the match. Stephen Glassbrook (3), Jayden Haddock (2)
and
Keanu Carter (2) were the scorers in a 7 - 0 win to Autos.
Also in the 9th grade, Awakeri Draintech Diggers put in a great team effort
to take an
even game against Whakatane Sharks 2 - 0. Gareth Rowlands and Riki Roia scored
the goals, while Terri-Anne Hollis played well enough to earn player
of the match.
The holiday break helped 8th grade Awakeri Steelers recover from effects of
the flu,
and get a full squad together. Steelers celebrated with a very good team game,
beating
Edgecumbe 4 - 0. Player of the match Jessica Davies scored, receiving
congratulations from her fellow girl players. Mark Morrison, Te Reneti Merito
and
Tyler Mansell joined in the goalscoring action.
Private Asset Management 8th Grade Tigers had a 5 - 0 loss to a well organised
Otakiri team. Tigers struggled to get into the game. Clearly the two week break
from
soccer was showing. Christine Tipper, a new player, was named player
of the day for
her commitment and enthusiasm. She has improved with each game. Ben Fretwell,
another new player, also showed some good skills.
In the 7th grade, the Awakeri Kingz had an entertaining 0 - 0 draw with Otakiri.
Bryce Burnett’s efforts had him named player of the match. There
were also great
games played in the middle of the park by Jesse Ingle and James Muncaster.
Awakeri Rockets had a brilliant 7th grade game against Otakiri, and won 1 -
0.
Matthew Eveleens scored his first goal, and was named player of the day.
Samuel
Burgess played well on defence. Daniel Reeves also played well, chasing the
ball and
never giving up.
It was an outstanding team performance by Awakeri 6th grade against Whakatane
Sonics to come away with a 3 - 2 victory. Goals were scored by Sam McPherson
(2)
and Cameron Morrison, with all team members showing grit and determination in
all
facets of the game. Jennifer Cram was named player of the match after
suffering a
slight injury but returning to the game with courage and optimism.