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May 29th 2004
The highlight of this week's soccer at Awakeri was the 13th grade match up
between the two Awakeri teams. Total Power Awakeri Rangers started very strongly,
and raced to a two goal lead, through Sam Hall and Hayden Reeves. The younger
Private Asset Management Awakeri Aces team then started to get a bit of confidence
going, and with Matthew Bateson leading the way, had some attacks of their own.
However, despite good defence from Vikki Lowndes and Kimberley Byres, Rangers
nabbed two more goals before half time. Matthew Reeves and James Wilson were
the scorers.
The second half saw Aces fight back. Vincent Sheather was inspirational in his
running. A 60 metre run by Sheather ended with him slotting the ball past the
keeper. Later more of his good work set Bateson up to score. Meanwhile Paul
Haslam kept the defence tight and the game ended Rangers 4, Aces 2. Hawea Mansell
and Sam Hall were named players of the match.
A top performance by both sides was the key to an evenly fought match when
Awakeri NewCom and James Street Cowboys 15th grade teams met at Awakeri. The
pace of the game was fast. Both teams put together good breaks by the forwards
and
solid defence from their back lines. Both goalies showed top skills and commitment
in slippery conditions. The score was 0-0 at half time.
The first part of the second half belonged to Awakeri with good ball through
to the
forwards from David Wakelin and Daniel Jones. Finally a top shot from Kerri
Robins
– Tukiri was sent screaming past the James Street keeper, breaking the
deadlock.
James Street never gave up and continued to push forward for the equaliser.
Staunch
work from Awakeri’s backs Daniel Goodhew, Brad Armstrong and player of
the day
Tyler Hunt kept them out.
The final score was 1 - 0 to Awakeri.
In the 11th grade, Awakeri Steelers started out well against Whakatane Rangers,
but
Rangers took control in the second half to run out the winners 5 - 1. Harry
Cotter
picked up player of the match, showing determination.
Da Silva Awakeri Autos had their first loss of the season in the 10th grade.
They went
down in the last minute to Opotiki Volcanics 3 - 2. in an exciting encounter.
Autos
passing game was very good and they had much of the possession. Keanu Carter
scored both goals for Autos, while Joel Ingle earned player of the match through
his
non-stop work.
Also in the 10th grade, Drain Tech Awakeri Diggers played well in an even battle
with Allandale. Player of the match Terri-Anne Hollis did very well in defence
and on
attack. She set up the final goal to help Diggers to a 3 - 2 win. The scorers
were Riki
Roia (2) and Sam Schuler. Rhys Cram was another to play up to his best.
Awakeri’s 9th grade team kept up the club’s run of close games with
a 2 - 1 win
against Opotiki Gold. Mark Morrison showed plenty of hunger for the ball, scoring
both goals and grabbing the player of the match award. Tyler Mansell was another
to
shine, having another consistent game.
Awakeri Tigers were a bit short of players for their 6th grade game against
Whakatane Magpies. However they battled on, with Shane Hope player of the match.
Magpies won the game 3 - 0.
Also in the 6th grade, the Edge Swim School Awakeri Bullets scored a 5 - 2 win
against Whakatane TJ’s. The Bullets worked well as a team, keeping the
ball near
their goal. Nikoli Christensen defended well and managed to take the ball to
the other
end of the field and score -five times! Tyrin Penberth was awarded a well deserved
player of the match, as he was up with the play, attacking hard out.