July 30th 2005


Awakeri's soccer teams were pleased to be back on the pitch after the holiday break
Playing at Opotiki, Awakeri faced a determined and well-organised Opotiki College 2nd XI side in the 15th grade. The Opotiki team put together a well organised game plan, good accurate passing and communication setting their strikers up with opportunities. If not for the top defence from backs Kelly Stanton, player of the day Michael Greenwood and keeping from Jonathan Whitaker, the half time score would have been greater than 1 - 0 to Opotiki.
A reshuffle and a wake up call spurred the Awakeri side to step up a level in the second half, with Darren Groom and Hayden Reeves putting accurate long ball through to the forwards. Ben McPherson equalised first with a rocket past the keeper. Soon after, he sent another into the back of the net. Left striker Richmond Brown was next to score. An individual effort took around the defence Brown then had a tap in, after good work from McPherson. McPherson completed his fourth hat trick of the season with a powerful shot from right field, after out-pacing the opposition. The final score was 5 - 1 to Awakeri.
The 13th Grade Private Asset Management Awakeri Aces had an exciting game with Ohope. The result could have gone either way, but Ohope had a slight edge in the midfield, and held onto win 3 - 2. Vincent Sheather was named player of the day for Aces. He made some excellent runs on attack, and was always supporting in defence. The goal scorers were Mathew Reeves (penalty) and Vincent Sheather. Others to play well were Finn Kamphorst on attack and Kimberley Byres in defence.
In the 13th grade B division, Total Power Awakeri Rangers started well against Allandale. A Lindsey Cotter goal had the score 1 - 1. However Rangers lost shape as they ran out of steam and ended up losing 5 - 1. Player of the match Brent Gurran acquitted himself well, and Madison Constantine impressed with good work in the field and in his turn in goal.
Da Silva Awakeri Autos had a good hard battle with Whakatane Orcas in the 11th grade A division, with both teams attacking hard. In the end Autos came back to snatch a 3 - 3 draw. Kararaina Kingi's good defence had her named player of the match, while Jayden Haddock (2) and Stephen Glassbrook scored the goals.
In the 11th grade B division, CJ McIndoe Awakeri Dragons surprised league champs Saints by scoring four goals against them. However Saints came through with an 8 - 4 win in a fairly even game. Player of the day was Ben Fretwell, who along with Ricky Hollis and Mark Morisson were also the goal scorers. Caleb Sheather (goalie) kept the score respectable and was well supported by Mikaela Hancox in defence.
Awakeri Diggers got their 11th grade C round off to a good start with a 1 - 0 win against Ohope Rovers. Pete Dowden's excellent midfield play had him named player of the match. Sam Schuler scored the goal and Miles Saitta impressed as goal keeper.
In the 9th grade, the Agritech Trailers Awakeri Knights were up against a strong Otakiri team. Knights attacked well, but were thwarted by a strong Otakiri defence. Otakiri caught them on the break and got away to a 3 - 0 win. Rory McGregor was player of the match for Knights.
The Da Silva Autos Kingz had a home game against Whakatane Scorpions in the 9th grade. Both sides attacked well and several good saves by Luke Matchitt kept the Scorpions scoreless. Player of the day James Muncaster made plenty of ball available to the strikers however the defence held up and the game finished nil - all.
The Awakeri Jets passed the ball around well to earn a 2 - 0 win against Allandale. Josh Klein-Ovink, Cameron Morrison and Sam McPherson combined very well. Morrison grabbed both the goals. In his turn in goal, McPherson made some good saves and clearances.
The Edge Swim School Awakeri Bullets had a great turn out on Saturday.
Bullets showed true sportsmanship as they helped the 7th grade opposition, Edgecumbe, who had only 4 players. Thomas Holani, Shane Hope, Dillon Murray and Joshua Keightley each played a half for the opposition. It was an evenly matched game with many Bullets playing very well. Nikoli Christensen scored the 3 winning goals using great skill and positioning. Jordan van der Gulik was awarded player of the match for his
consistency.
Despite the holiday break, the 6th grade Awakeri Tigers gelled together well and came away with a 2 - 1 win against Whakatane Wanderers. Daniel Perkinson was on target with the goals, while player of the match Mekaela Learmond almost scored as well. Cameron Shakes had an excellent game in goal too.

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