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August 27th 2005
An injury depleted 15th grade Awakeri team got off to an excellent start when
they played at home against Kawerau on Saturday. Playing with ten players Ben
McPherson got the side onto the scoresheet after a well-paced run, finished
with a well flighted volley.
Hayden Reeves was the next to score after top work from player of the match
Darren Groom. Kawerau came back strongly with quick ball finding the Awakeri
keeper off his line. Another break in the defence shortly after had Kawerau
level the scores.
Both sides upped the tempo after the break with Kawerau going to the lead from
a long high ball bouncing over the advancing keeper into the back of the net.
McPherson almost got one back with a well-flighted screamer from the sideline
just catching the cross bar. Kawerau went further ahead near the end with a
well-worked effort.
The final score was 4 - 2 to Kawerau.
The 13th Grade Private Asset Management Awakeri Aces completely dominated their
game with James Street, and deserved the 4 - 0 scoreline. Goal scorers for Aces
were Matthew Bateson (3) and Matthew Reeves. Aces scored twice in the first
5 minutes and with a very solid defence led by Vikki Lowndes and Ben Hancox,
James Street struggled to get near the goal. Robert Sonntag had his best game
of the season and was named player of the match for his excellent passing. Others
to stand out were Kimberley Byres and James Holani. This was a great way for
Aces to finish their season.
Also in the 13th grade, Total Power Services Awakeri Rangers almost earned their
first points of the season. Rangers played well in the first half and went out
to a 2 - 0 lead at half time, with goals to Lindsey Cotter and David Ernest.
In the second half their Whakatane opposition came back, scoring twice and then
grabbing a late winner to take the game 3 - 2. Madison Constantine earned player
of the match with some good work down the wing. Gareth Rowlands and keeper Matthew
Richmond also shone.
In the 11th grade the C.J McIndoe Builders Awakeri Dragons showed much spirit
in narrowly losing to Allandale 4 - 2. This was a much improved effort compared
to the last time they played this team. Ricky Hollis was a stand out player
for Dragons, scoring one of the goals and covering a lot of ground both on attack
and defence. The other goal scorer was Leah Sheather, who also had a very solid
game.
The 11th Grade Diggers played Whakatane Strikers and in a first for the season
had a full quota of nine players. The Diggers celebrated by dominating both
halves and coming away with a 7 - 0 win. Sam Schuler got four, including one
with his left foot. Terri-Anne Hollis scored one and the Strikers helped out
with two own goals. Rhys Cram and Taylah Bateson led the way with some great
passing in midfield and Aimee Jones enjoyed herself playing as a forward.
The Da Silva Autos Kingz played Allandale Bluebirds in an interesting 9th grade
game. Both teams had plenty of scoring opportunities and tested each other's
defences. Shane Gow was player of the day for good reliable defence which kept
the score to 2 - 0 to Allandale. Zac Fretwell had some great runs past defenders
and nearly scored several times. The ref kept the players and spectators amused
with lots of humour during the game.
In the 8th grade, Awakeri Jets played well against Thornton and had a number
of shots at goal. However Thornton were more accurate in their work and came
away with a 2 - 0 win. Sam McPherson was player of the match for Jets.
The Edge Swim School Bullets drew nil all in the 7th grade with the Whakatane
Tornadoes. With the safe goal keeping skills of T J Penberth and Nikoli Christensen,
the game was evenly poised throughout. Both teams had terrific chances. Player
of the match Shane Hope impressed on defence and there was good attacking footwork
from Josh Keightley and Thomas Holani.
In the 6th grade, the whole Awakeri Tigers team shared player of the day honours
for their work against Whakatane Choppers. James Thompson scored with a well
hit shot, but Choppers went on to win 4 - 1.