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June 28th 2003
Some fine individual efforts were the highlights of Awakeri’s soccer teams’
games on
Saturday.
Liam Richards was named player of the day for 8th grade Awakeri Steelers in
their
game against Allandale. He scored the only goal in a 1 - 0 win and produced
some
excellent play all round the field. The whole Steelers team turned in one of
their best
efforts in the game, and were pleased to welcome Te Reneti to their ranks.
Richards then went on to score four times for 9th grade Da Silva Awakeri Autos
in
their 6 - 0 win against Allandale. Autos kept up their unbeaten run with another
good
team effort. Alex Christensen was named player of the match. Keanu Carter and
Stephen Glassbrook were the other goal scorers.
Also in the 9th grade, Awakeri Draintech Diggers set up lots of shots, but could
only
squeeze one into the goal in an enjoyable game against James Street. Logan Munro’s
hard work saw him named player of the match. Gareth Rowlands was the scorer,
others to do well were defender Rhys Cram and Zara Fowell.
Awakeri Hurricanes did very well in their 10th grade game against top of the
table
Ohope Stormers. The Hurricanes defence worked well as a unit, and with player
of
the match David Ernest leading by example, Hurricanes made Ohope work hard for
their 5 - 0 win. Ernest is now playing with a lot of determination and showing
the way
for his team-mates.
In an evenly fought match, the 11th Grade Awakeri Total Power Rangers, snatched
a
1 - nil win against Kawerau. Sean McLean was named player of the day for his
excellent passing and tackling. The goal was scored by Vincent Sheather, after
a nice
pass from McLean. Others to play well for Rangers were Hawea Mansell and
Matthew Richmond. Kimberley Byres had another great game in defence, making
several key tackles.
A top of the table 11th grade game saw the very determined Opotiki Sharks team
take
to the field against the Awakeri Aces and come away with a hard fought 2 - 1
win.
Both sides played a very entertaining game with the spectators kept on edge
all game,
as to what the final whistle would bring. A late penalty in the second half
saw Opotiki
take the lead and a huge effort by the Aces could not result in a draw. Aces’
player of
the match went to Conrad Gurran for a top effort..
Another excellent team effort saw Adamson’s Amcal Pharmacy Awakeri Athletic
dominate play against a well-organised top-of-the-table side Ohope in the 13th
grade.
Both sides created space and opportunities for their forwards, but Awakeri centre
forward Ben McPherson smashed one past the Ohope keeper from 20 metres, ten
minutes in, after continued pressure. Good ball forward from Daniel Goodhew
via
Hayden Te Moana allowed an unmarked James Wilson to also score a much-deserved
goal.
Both sides stepped the pace up a notch in the second half with excellent
communication and finishing by Awakeri. McPherson scored from close range in
the
middle of the second half, then again two minutes later from a free kick. Ohope
struck back, after their forwards finally broke the Awakeri defence with a brilliant
ball forward. Russell Sisam scored five minutes from time after giving a 100%
effort
all game.
Leonard Sonntag was named player of the day for his skilful mid field play with
backs
Goodhew, Neil Sax and Jordan Macdonald tight in defence.The final score was
5 - 1
to Awakeri.
In the 15th grade, Awakeri Mysterios didn’t play badly against top of the
table
Allandale, but Allandale were too good on the day. They scored five goals in
each
half to secure a 10 - 1 win. Goalkeeper Simon Barr won the player of the match,
with
a couple of outstanding saves. Reender Buikema scored Mysterios goal from the
penalty spot. Matthew Shaw had his usual reliable game in defence.
Awakeri 6th grade all played like champions. Oliver Richmond and Konnar Jarrett
were awesome in goal, saving the team of a higher defeat. Edgecumbe won by 2-0.
Player of the day went to Oliver Richmond for outstanding play in goal and on
the
field.
Luke Matchitt was named player of the day for Awakeri Rockets, after scoring
a
brilliant goal against Whakatane in the 7th grade. Daniel Reeves also played
well,
chasing hard, and never giving up.
In the 8th Grade, Private Asset Management Tigers, had a exciting, hard fought
game
with Kawerau. In the end Kawerau came out on top with a 1 - 0 win. Caleb Sheather
was named player of the day, for his best performance of the season . He tackled
well
and looked to attack whenever possible. New player, Ben Fretwell, was another
to
stand out for Tigers. Clive McIndoe was once again very strong in defence.
All soccer teams have a game scheduled for this coming Saturday, then there
is a two
week break for the school holidays.