|
|
July 2nd 2005
Highlights for the Awakeri Soccer teams on Saturday were Rangers scoring their
first goals of the season, and Awakeri knocking over the 15th grade league leaders
in emphatic style.
The top of the 15th grade table clash between Awakeri and James Street was a
rather one sided affair with the Awakeri forwards displaying skilful judgement
and excellent communication. Accurate ball from midfielder David Wakelin saw
Ben McPherson score first up, his second goal coming soon after, again Wakelin
was the provider. Fast ball from backs Kelly Stanton and Jamie Emms saw McPherson
running at pace again slotting one past the James Street keeper. Hayden Reeves
latched onto a flighted cross from left striker Richmond Brown, heading it past
the keepers reach. Excellent defence saw Awakeri go to the break 4 - 0 up.
The second half saw the Brown and McPherson show roll on, with Brown finding
the net soon after the start. McPherson scored his 4th of the day with a cheeky
bicycle kick close to the goalmouth. James Street did not give up and were finally
rewarded with a goal after a scramble near the box. Brown finished off the scoring
with a nice chip past the keeper. The final score was 7 - 1 to Awakeri.
Private Asset Management Awakeri Aces had a clean, well played game with Whakatane
Celtic in the 13th grade, Celtic coming away with a 3 - 1 win. Top of the league
Celtic played with determination, however Aces gave them a 'good run for their
money' and Celtic had a very hard fought game on their hands.
Aces were unlucky not to have scored more goals; a couple of very good shots
late in the second half were saved, the Celtic keeper just getting a hand to
the ball. Vincent Sheather scored Awakeri's only goal after taking an excellent
pass from the wing Finn Kamphorst. Awakeri player of the day went to Chris Johnston
for an awesome game as goalie, limiting Celtic to their three goals.
Also in the 13th grade, Total Power Awakeri Rangers were thrilled to score their
first goals of the season. Rangers and Allandale were level at 3 - 3, but Allandale
sneaked two late goals to win the game. Destrii Prout set up two goals and was
named player of the match. Paul Haslam scored twice, covering the entire field
with his running. Lindsey Cotter also put away a goal.
In the 11th grade A division, Da Silva Awakeri Autos earned a 2 - 1 win against
Otakiri Pythons through excellent defence. Player of the match Matthew Orr-McKeown
made several excellent saves in goal. He was well supported by the backline
- Jemma Shaw, Zoe Johnston and Kararaina Kingi. Jayden Haddock grabbed the goals
for Autos.
Awakeri Diggers had a slow start in their 11th grade B div game against Whakatane
Strikers. While they dominated the first half, they struggled to score against
a tight defence. It was only a well stuck goal that saw them go to the break
one nil up. After half time the game opened up. Player of the match Taylah Bateson
provided some excellent midfield linking to help set up a hat-trick of goals
for Sam Schuler while Shaun Musgrave and Aimee Jones provided a solid defensive
wall at the back to keep the Strikers scoreless. The final score Diggers 4,
Strikers 0.
Also in the 11th grade B div, CJ McIndoe Awakeri Dragons focussed on defending
in their game against Otakiri Warriors. Ricky Hollis was named player of the
match, he supported his forwards very well. Ben Fretwell also played with good
determination. Mark Morrison scored the only goal as Dragons won 1 - 0.
The 9th grade Da Silva Awakeri Kingz played the Otakiri Strikers at their grounds.
Kingz put pressure on right from the start and were soon rewarded with Tautari
Merito charging through the defence to score. The Strikers then reversed the
pressure with a few close shots. However the Kingz defence was too good, with
player of the match Carrie Fynn marking and stopping the Strikers forwards well.
Kingz hung on to win 1 - 0.
Agritech Trailers Awakeri Knights had a good hard fought game with Edgecumbe
in the 9th grade. Sam Burgess's good all round performance had him named player
of the match. The game ended in a 1 - 1 draw.
In the 8th grade, Awakeri Jets took off into the lead. Two awesome goals from
Sam McPherson gave them a good first half against Saints. However, Saints got
their act together in the second half, showing good skills and ended up winning
5 - 2.
Although The Edge Swim School Awakeri Bullets were beaten 1 - 0 by AIE Kawerau
in the 7th grade this Saturday, they did not go down without a fight. Jordan
van der Gulik played his first game as goalie and showed everyone what a great
kick he has. The Bullets played attacking soccer and held possession most of
the game. Tyrin Penberth earned player of the day for remaining focused throughout
the game.
Neither Awakeri Tigers, nor their 6th grade Dallisons Kawerau opponents could
score on Saturday. Player of the match Daniel Perkinson got involved in some
hard battles. Liam Sanson had some long shots that went close, and the Kawerau
keeper did well to stop James Thompson on a couple of breaks he had.