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Awakeri Soccer Club... the Greatest Junior Soccer Club in New Zealand
August 31st 2002
The highlight for the Awakeri Soccer Club on Saturday, was the
feat of 11th grade Da Silva Awakeri Autos in knocking over league leaders Ohope.
Ohope took an early lead, then Autos had the misfortune to have two goals disallowed,
in close calls. Ohope led 1 - 0 at half time. In the second half, Hayden Te
Moana drove a nice shot into the goal to even the score. By this
stage, Autos looked organised and hungry for another goal. Player of the match
Bradley Turner had several good runs through the Ohope defenders. He
then scored to grab the 2 - 1 win. A happy Autos team then took on the parents
for an end of season game.
Adamson’s Amcal Pharmacy Awakeri Athletic played at home to Allandale in
the 13th grade. Both teams played a skilful and exciting game to end the season.
Allandale put together a good display in the first half with good ball coming
from their midfield and backs. The Awakeri defence was finally broken midway
through with some top work by the Allandale forwards to go one up. Awakeri came
back with good breaks from their mid field to put Simon Barr through to score.
The second half saw both sides step up a gear. Skilful play from the midfields
and forwards created pressure and shots on goal but both sides’ defences
held firm. For Awakeri, Ben McPherson, Sytse Tacoma and David Wakelin had excellent
games up front, while player of the match Mark Ernest and Jordan McDonald
showed out in defence. The final score Awakeri 1, Allandale 1.
In the 10th grade, Total Power Services Awakeri Rangers battled out a 1 - 1
draw with Whakatane Rovers. James Attewell grabbed the goal for Rangers, finishing
off a good run with a powerful shot. Hawea Mansell made some excellent saves
in
goal for Rangers, and came close to denying Whakatane their goal. Ben Hancox
made a strong contribution with lots of running and tackling in the midfield.
Up front, Conrad Gurran combined well with Attewell and is showing good positional
sense. Joshua McCormick was another to play up to his best.
In the 15th grade, Awakeri Hobbits produced the goods in their final match,
with a deserved win against Edgecumbe. Midway through the first half, striker
Ian Sisam was fed the ball on half way. He raced through into the Edgecumbe
penalty area, then did very well to turn inside two back tracking defenders
before slotting the ball past the keeper. Matthew Shaw’s long shot
early in the second half caused problems for the Edgecumbe defence and Matthew
Ward was on hand to finish it off. Edgecumbe then got a goal back, but the game
was killed off when Ward hit a mighty drive from 35 metres which gave the keeper
no chance. Simon Turner was named player of the match for his skilful
runs up the right wing. The final score Awakeri Hobbits 3, Edgecumbe 1.
This Saturday (7th) the Awakeri Club are holding their break-up. Team photos
are at 9.30 am. Games with the parents follow, then presentations will be at
11.30. If wet, the presentations will still take place, in the Awakeri Events
Centre.