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August 28th 2004
While a number of teams struggled, three of Awakeri’s team saved their
best
games of the season till the last round.
The last game of the season for Newcom Awakeri 15th grade was one of their
best when they played away against Ohope. Playing for double points, due to
missed games mid season, both sides gave 100% for the full 70 minutes.
Accurate passing, commitment and good communication created a top spectacle
for all present. The strong Ohope side got onto the score sheet within the first
ten minutes, breaking through the Awakeri back line leaving the keeper a hard
chance. Awakeri centre midfielder Paddy Deegan equalised after numerous
forays into the Ohope goal zone.
Early in the second half Awakeri began to put together a better game with Ezra
Allerby, Tyler Hunt and Paddy Deegan latching onto good ball forward from
Daniel Jones and Jarred Scoles on the wing. The highlight of the game was a
brilliant goal from an acute angle by Tyler Hunt, leaving everyone including
the
Ohope keeper wondering where it came from. Awakeri goalie Jono Whitaker
stopped a blinder soon after, keeping the score at 2 - 2. Three minutes before
full time, a lapse by the Awakeri backs created the winning goal for Ohope.
Both sides played a good clean game with very few penalties awarded.
With all players giving 100% to this game, it was hard to pick the player of
the
day. Mid fielder Kerri Robins-Tukiri created accurate ball forward all game.
The final score was 3 - 2 to Ohope.
Total Power Awakeri Rangers had all players on deck for their last 13th grade
game. Ohope had a very strong attack which was too good for the Rangers
defence. Player of the day Jade Cossey had his best game of the year, marking
and hounding Ohope’s attackers relentlessly. Rangers only managed to get
near
Ohope’s goal a couple of times, however Matthew Reeves managed to weave
through the defence to chip a clever shot to give Awakeri its only goal. Ohope
won 8 - 1.
Also in the 13th grade, Private Asset Management Awakeri Aces were up
against league champions Whakatane All Stars. All Stars were too big and
strong and overwhelmed the Aces in the first half. However, Aces held their
opponents to four goals in the second half. Paul Haslam was the standout
performer in the Awakeri defence, while player of the match Chris Stanton ran
his heart out in the midfield. All Stars won the game 13 - 0.
Awakeri Steelers had a good 11th grade game against Kawerau. Steelers played
well as a team. A string of several passes set up their goal, scored by James
Holani. Holani’s relentless chasing earned player of the match. Kawerau
won
the game 2 - 1.
In the 10th grade, Da Silva Awakeri Autos had a hard game with Edgecumbe.
Edgecumbe eventually took the game 3 - 2. Keanu Carter scored the goals for
Autos, while Kararaina Kingi’s good positional play had her named player
of
the match.
Drain Tech Awakeri Diggers also had a tough 10th grade game, against
Opotiki. Opotiki won the game 5 - 1. Gareth Rowlands scored the goal. Player
of the match Rhys Cram was well supported in his work by Zoe Johnston and
Terri-Anne Hollis.
In the 9th grade, Awakeri Dragons took a while to settle, but eventually drew
2
- 2 with Kawerau. Ricky Hollis had a good first half in goal. Clive McIndoe
is
showing the ability to read the game well in defence and his work had him
named player of the match. Ben Fretwell and Mark Morrison were the scorers.
In an excellent close 8th grade game, Awakeri Kingz lost out to Whakatane 2
-
1. Dean Frost nabbed the Kingz goal. Good play in the midfield saw Matthew
Eveleens named player of the match.
Awakeri Jets had their best game of the season in the 7th grade. They rattled
up
ten goals against Allandale, through Sam Holani, Sam McPherson, Konar
Jarrett, Cameron Morrison and Zac Fretwell. The team shared the player of the
match honours.
The honours were also shared by the 6th grade Awakeri Tigers team, who
played awesome football in beating Allandale 5 - 0. Liam Sanson (2), Shane
Hope, Joshua Keightley and Daniel Gow shared the goals.
The Edge Swim School Awakeri Bullets played their toughest and final game
of the season in the 6th grade. Kawerau were worked hard by the Bullets and
defeated them 4 - 0. Thomas Holani hammered the ball all game. Tyrin
Penberth played a great game in goal and on attack. Tiaan Brownless showed
some awesome tricky footwork.
Nikki Gilbert, Poppy Langley, Daniel Perkinson and Nikoli Christensen
attacked and defended well. Cameron Shakes had some good play and
defended the goal in the second half. The player of the day was given to Nikoli
Christensen for his consistent effort, this and every game.
Quite a few teams have now ended their seasons and just have the club
break-up to look forward to.