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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.